Social Reformers of India : Indian Reformers
In every society, there are some rules and conventions that people blindly follow. But there also are people who stand against those social norms. These people are called social reformers. Who try to change all the rules and policies which are in someway wrong or bad for people. India, especially in 19th century has witnessed the emergence of a lot of social reformers. Moreover, knowing about these people are important because they bring significant changes in the society. Thus, this article is about the Social Reformers of India.
Leaders like Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Sayyid Ahmed Khan and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. Furthermore, female reformers include Savitri Bai Phule, Pandita Rama Bai and sister Nivedita. These are some remarkable social reformers. Additionally, these famous figures fought for justice and development. There were more social norms which these fighters stood against of. Let us learn more about these remarkable reformers.
Who are Social Reformers of India?
When there is something wrong going on in the society, there are always some people who oppose it. While some remain silent, some choose to raise their voice against it. Those who choose to fight against the wrong, those people are called social reformers. Moreover, these people stand against social and religious wrongdoings. In India, there always have been people who stood out being social reformers.
Furthermore, social reformers do not just fight against something, but they also devote their whole lives to bring changes in the society. These changes are for the betterment for all. Also, people who were brave enough to raise their voices and who had a transparent vision. Not just transparent and clear, but a fixed vision. These people were and are known as social reformers of India.
When Do These Social Reformers of India Raise Their Voice?
Whenever certain people or groups in the society face injustices, it is the role of reformers to raise their voice against the injustice. Moreover, these people work to bring positive changes in the society. Furthermore, the intentions of reformers is not to earn profits or being famous. Their sole desire is to change the society in a positive way.
What are Social Reform Movements ?
Social reform movements is a kind of movement in which people raise their voice against social justice in unity. Moreover, there is a difference between reform movements and social movements. Reform movements focus on bringing gradual and permanent changes. Through social reform movements, social reformers fight against and together they raise one voice.
Names of Social Reformers of India
Here are the names of some of the social reformers of India whom we are going to talk about –
- Raja Ram Mohan Roy
- Swami Dayanand Saraswati
- Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
- Sayyid Ahmed Khan
- Savitri Bai Phule
- Sister Nivedita
- Pandita Rama Bai Saraswati
- Annie Besant
Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Languages known by him were –
- Persian
- Bengali
- Arabic
- Sanskrit
- English
Raja Ram Mohan Roy is also known as the ‘Father of Indian Renaissance’. Due to the rise in customs like Sati, child marriage and polygamy in Bengal, he raised his voice. Moreover, he was successful in getting the practice of Sati banned. Furthermore, he protected the imposed ban on it by the act of Bengal Sati Regulation (1829). In addition, Mohan Roy was also against class divisions. Also, he supported English Literature, Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Botany.
He established Anglo Vedic School and Vedanta College. Moreover, he was also a founder of Hindu College.
Swami Dayanand Saraswati
Founder of Arya Samaj. The principles of Arya Samaj include –
- Justice
- Righteousness
- Love
- Knowledge
- Widow remarriage
- Women education
After the death of Swami Dayanand, a college trust named Dayanand Anglo Vedic was established.
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
He is known for introducing courses like Vedic scriptures, European history, science and philosophy. Moreover, also supported women education. More than 30 schools were opened in Bengal by him to support women education. Furthermore, Vidyasagar also supported Hindu Widows Remarriage Act (1856).
Sayyid Ahmed Khan
He was a Muslim reformer. Sayyid Ahmed Khan declared Quran s the primary Islamic work. Moreover, also said that all the other words are secondary. Furthermore, he also promoted critical thinking. Supported freedom of thought for a decent living. In addition, he also emphasised modern education.
Sayyid also advocated raising women’s status in society.
SavitriBai Phule
She is known as the First Lady teacher in India. Moreover, she established the first girl’s school in Pune. Also, she opened schools for socially oppressed. SavitriBai gave a shelter to pregnant Widows.
Sister Nivedita
She was a follower of Swami Vivekanand. Moreover, Sister Nivedita was an educationalist. Supported women’s education. She was involved in defending Indian art.
Pandita RamaBai Saraswati
She was a part of the gender reforms. Her support was for women’s rights and Education. Moreover, she was the one behind the establishment of Arya Mahila Samaj. She enabled women to serve others. For this, Pandita Ramabai appealed to the Hunter Commission. She appealed for women’s training in medicine and teaching.
Annie Besant
She was an Indian Independence Leader despite of being born in London. In addition, she was a theosophist and helped to give strength to The Indian reform movement. In 1914, Besant joined congress after fighting for education and socio-religious activities. Furthermore, Besant also established Central Hindu School in Benaras.
Conclusion
Social reformers play a significant role in bringing positive changes in the society. Social reformers of India have given a new shape to the social norms. Moreover, these reformers have given this country a lot. These reformers include – Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Dayanand, Sayyid Ahmed Khan, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. Furthermore, female social reformers include – Sister Nivedita, Pandita Ramabai Saraswati, SavitriBai Phule and Annie Besant. Thankyou.
