Of the makers of modern Bengal, one of the names to be remembered and cherished most is that of Pandit Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar. The social and literary resurgence of the country in general, and of Bengal in particular in the mid 19th century is, in no small measure, due to his far-searching vision and eynamic lead. Iswar Chandra was born in a very poor Brahmin family in the village of Birsingha in the district Midnapore on September 26, 1820. His father was Shri Thakurdas Bandyopadhyay. After initial schooling in the village Pathshala, he entered the Goverment Sanskrit College in 1829. His career in the Sanskrit College upto 1841 is distinguished by his amazing attainment in the different branches of Sanskrit studies. He was easily the first and carried away innumerable prizes in the school for his scholarship.

In 1841, he entered service as Head Pandit at Fort William College was an institution for traning of British ICS officers in Bengali and Hindi. His first literary publication, 'Betal Panchavingsati' was followed by various other books, mostly Bengali translations of renowed Sanskrit texts like popularised and simplified the study of Sanskrit Grammar by the literary world rightly entitled him to be called one of the fathers of modern Bengali prose. In 1850, Vidyasagar joined the Government Sanskrit College as teacher of Literature. The next year he was appointed Principal of the same college. During his principalship of the college over a period of 7 years, Vidyasagar effected various salutary reforms in the academinc and administrative atmosphere of the college. He improved the standard of dicipline. Later year saw Vidyasagar as Inspector of Schools for the southern districts of Bengal. In that capacity, he founded a number of model schools in the district of Nadia, Burdwan, Hooghly and Midnaprous girls' schools as well. He also collaborated with Drinkwater Bethune in founding the Bethune College for Girls.

In 1858, Vidyasagar gave up the post of principalship of the Sanskrit College and turned his attention and energy to educational and social reforms in the country. Already in 1855-56 he had led the movement for widowremarriage and abolition of polygamy in Hindu society. In 1861, Vidyasagar became the secretary of the Calcutta Training School which was founded in 1859 and which was later renamed as Metropolitan Institution was to impart English education to middle class boys on every nominal fees.

'The Hindu Family Fund' was another ahilanthripic institution founded by Vidyasagar who was himself the trustee of this organisation for some year.The Fund was established for rendering financial help to destitutes and widows. Perhaps, the most memorable achievement of Vidyasagar's life is the college which bears his name. The Metropolitan Institution which was originally a school, was raised to the status of college is one of the biggest and illustrious institution under the Calcutta University imparting Honours education in all subjects in science and humanities. In 1808, Vidyasagar was honoured by the then Government with a little of CIE as a mark of recognition of the valuable social and academic services rendered by him, through long years. He died on July 29, 1891. He was a man with a mission, a man with a message. His life was one of dedication to the cause of education.

The Post and Telegraph Department is happy to bring out a special commemorative stamp in honour of Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar, the great educationist and social reformer, on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India