Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was one of the greatest sons of then undivided India. His contribution to the social reform and education of the region has made him legend. Ishwar Chandra Bandopadhyay was born in a poor Brahmin family at Birsingha in Midnapur on the 26th of September 1820. His father's name was Bhagabati Devi. He obtained scholarship and all titles in Sanskrit from Sanskrit College, Calcutta. In 1840, he was given the title 'Vidyasagar '. His devotion and sacrifice for this purpose were legendary. He also played an important role in imparting education to the females, though he failed in his efforts to abolish polygamy. He became the First Secretary of Bethune College and later set up Metropolitan College which is now renamed as Vidyasagar College. He was also selected as a member of the Senate of the newly founded University of Calcutta. He died on the 29th of July 1889.