Talk:Paṇḍit Īśvaracandra Vidyāsāgara

By Vishal Agarwal

Born in Bengal, Īśvaracandra Vidyāsāgara (1820–1891 C.E.) was a great Hindu scholar and reformer. He led the movement supporting widow remarriage, quoting śāstras such as the Parāśara Smṛti which sanctioned it. Due to his efforts, the Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act XV of 1856 was passed under the East India Company. He exemplified learning, courage, humility, and compassion in his life.

Story: The Value of Hard Work One day, Vidyāsāgara was approached by a beggar boy who asked for 1 paisā for food. Vidyāsāgara asked, “What if I give you 2?” The boy replied, “Then I will buy food for my mother.” When asked what he would do with 1 rupee, the boy replied, “I will buy goods and sell them for profit, so that I and my mother can live honorably from my hard work.” Pleased with his self-respect, Vidyāsāgara gave him 1 rupee. Years later, the boy had become a successful shopkeeper and gratefully acknowledged that single rupee as the seed of his livelihood.

Story: The Humility of Vidyāsāgara When offered a job at Sanskrit College, Vidyāsāgara insisted that the post go to Tārānātha Vācaspati, whom he considered the better scholar, even though he needed the income. He walked all night to Vācaspati’s village to personally inform him of his appointment, exemplifying selflessness and integrity.

Story: The Dignity of Labor Arriving at a village for a lecture, Vidyāsāgara was mistaken by a western-dressed youth for a coolie. Ordered to carry his luggage, Vidyāsāgara silently did so. Later, when the youth discovered the “coolie” was none other than the great scholar himself, he begged forgiveness. Vidyāsāgara said, “There is nothing degrading in carrying one’s own load. We must never feel ashamed of our work.”

Story: Teaching a Racist Colleague At Hindu College, the British Principal Kerr insulted Vidyāsāgara by keeping his feet on the desk and offering no seat. Vidyāsāgara said nothing. Later, when Kerr visited him, Vidyāsāgara sat with his own feet on the table and no other chair available. Offended, Kerr complained. Vidyāsāgara calmly replied, “I thought I was imitating European manners.” Humbled, Kerr never disrespected him again.

Story: Do Not Waste Anything Once, Khudiram Bose visited Vidyāsāgara. While eating oranges, Khudiram threw away chewed pulp. Vidyāsāgara stopped him, saying, “Do not waste.” He asked Khudiram to place it outside, where crows quickly ate it. Smiling, he said, “Nothing should be discarded if it can still be of use to another creature.”

Through his erudition, compassion, and fearless reform, Paṇḍit Īśvaracandra Vidyāsāgara not only modernized society but also embodied the timeless ethics of Hindu dharm.