Vidyasagar: The Ocean of Knowledge and Wisdom: Unfathomable and Irresistible..Kunal Roy
India is a land of religion and spiritualism. But when both of these blend, miracle happens! Such a miracle took place about 200 years ago when an individual was born to Thakurdas Bandopadhyay and Bhagavoti Debi in Ghatal, Birshimha Gram, Hooghly district. The time was 26th September, 1820.
Iswarchandra was a social reformer and a philanthropist. But before he plunged into the ocean of duties and responsibilities, he proved himself to be a meritorious student who cleared all his examinations in quick succession amid the state of abject penury! It is uttered with pride that he even studied under the street lights, but never lost the sight of his destination! As the principal of the Sanskrit College of Calcutta, he had shared a bond of pure love and affection with his students. Moreover, as a strong figure of Renaissance, he was not only successful in passing the bill of Hindu Widow Remarriage Act, but also toiled day and night for the upliftment of the status of women in the "subjugated" India. Undoubtedly there were strong oppositions, but that simply could not destroy the urge in him. He fought bravely and won the battle. A perfect warrior who knew how to break the shackles of impediment to translate the long woven dream into a biting reality!
His tale is simply endless. He was really fortunate to see, interact and converse with Thakur Ramakrishna, who visited his home. Thakur's arrival in Vidyasagar's thatched residence is highly symbolic! It was not that a river moved in a zig zag pattern through the hills and plains to mingle its own echoes with the vast ocean. It was rather the timeless ocean of love, knowledge and integrity which desired to test the immeasurable Vidyasagar! The Lord met with one of his disciples to plumb the depths of his ocean!
A journey of more than seventy years on the earth. A journey into the inner realm of human life. A journey to explore the true reasons behind the pains and sufferings of the human race. Just imagine you are standing in a pensive mood before the surging ocean. The tantalizing waves lash against the shore, break into tiny droplets and again mingle with the main stream. An intense desire is bound to be created to collect the pearls in an oyster! Such pearls deserve to be woven to create a garland for this great son of our mother India. Perhaps this is the best way to celebrate the birthday of this great soul. No pomp, no splendour but silence that comforts the soul and embalms the restless mind!!
0 Comments