2023 - Raja Ram Mohan Roy | Commemorative Coin

The 8th commemorative coin of 2023 was released to mark the 251st Birth Anniversary of Raja Ram Mohan Roy.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy is widely regarded as one of the greatest visionaries and social reformers in modern Indian history, whose ideas shaped the intellectual and cultural foundations of the Indian Renaissance. Born on 22 May 1772 in Radhanagar, Bengal, he emerged at a time when Indian society was burdened by orthodoxy, superstition, and discriminatory practices. With a deep commitment to reason, human dignity, and social justice, he devoted his life to challenging regressive customs and laying the groundwork for a more enlightened and progressive nation.

Educated in Persian, Arabic, Sanskrit, and later English, Roy possessed a broad intellectual outlook that blended India’s ancient philosophical traditions with modern rational thought. His knowledge of diverse cultures and religions enabled him to question societal norms and advocate reforms grounded in universal values. One of his most remarkable achievements was his relentless fight against the practice of Sati, the ritual in which widows were forced or compelled to immolate themselves on their husband’s funeral pyres. Through persistent petitions, writings, and advocacy, he convinced the British administration to abolish Sati in 1829, marking a transformative moment in Indian social history.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy was also a pioneering advocate for women’s rights. He spoke against child marriage, polygamy, and restrictions on women’s inheritance, emphasizing the need for education and equal dignity. His progressive stance extended to the promotion of modern education. He believed that scientific learning, logical thinking, and exposure to global knowledge were essential for India’s advancement. The establishment of the Hindu College in 1817, in collaboration with like-minded thinkers, reflected his commitment to nurturing a generation equipped with modern ideas.

A strong proponent of religious reform, Roy sought to revive the monotheistic ideals found in ancient Indian texts while rejecting ritualistic distortions. In 1828, he founded the Brahmo Sabha, which later evolved into the Brahmo Samaj. This movement emphasized rational spirituality, social equality, and ethical living, influencing future reformers and leaders of India’s freedom movement. His theological works, written in Bengali, Persian, and English, presented a vision of religion rooted in morality and reason.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy also played a crucial role in advocating for press freedom and political rights. He established journals such as Sambad Kaumudi and Mirat-ul-Akbar, using them as platforms to express reformist ideas, critique social inequalities, and encourage public dialogue. He supported the rights of Indians to participate in administrative processes and raised his voice against unjust policies of the colonial government.

Roy’s impact extended beyond India. In 1831, he travelled to England as an envoy of the Mughal Emperor Akbar II to discuss administrative reforms and pension matters. His time in Europe allowed him to engage with Western intellectuals and further expand his understanding of global philosophies. He passed away on 27 September 1833 in Bristol, where a memorial still stands in his honour.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s legacy continues to illuminate India’s social and intellectual landscape. His ideas laid the foundation for future reform movements and inspired generations striving for equality, justice, and rational thought. Remembered as the “Father of Modern India,” he remains a symbol of courage, empathy, and the transformative power of enlightened vision.

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