Feminism might arguably be the the most popular movement towards Women Empowerment, however the roots of Women Empowerment in this country were sown by Raja Ram Mohan Roy. Being an influential social-religious reformer, he was instrumental in implementing a ban on Sati Pratha, in which the widow used to immolate herself on her husband’s pyre or took her own life in another fashion shortly after her husband’s death. He also crusaded against social evils such as polygamy, child marriage, caste system, infanticide and illiteracy etc. It was he who first demanded property inheritance rights for women.
Noted Singer from Kolkata, Soumita Saha has paid tribute to Raja Ram Mohan Roy on his 246th Birth Anniversary. “One needn’t be a woman to practice feminism”, says the songbird, whose latest single Ishq was a hit internationally. “Feminism is all about equality and I must say that Raja ji was the first ever feminist from India”, she adds.
Soumita Saha is an International Singer and Social Activist from Kolkata
“In the era of raising daughters like sons, we do not impart feminist values to our sons. Raja ji should be the role model for every male in this country. It feels astounding to be from the state where a legend like Raja Ram Mohan Roy was born”, Soumita says. In 2004, Raja ji was ranked number 10 in BBC’s poll of the Greatest Bengali of all time.
He was also an eminent educationist. He believed education to be an implement for social reform. Towards this, he set up the Hindu College at Calcutta in 1817.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy also pioneered Journalism in India. Journalism’s role in a democratic society is crucial. He first published a newspaper named “Brahma Patrika†and later became the editor of ‘East India Gazzette’. His most popular journal was the Sambad Kaumudi. It covered topics like freedom of press, induction of Indians into high ranks of service, and separation of the executive and judiciary.
“We all know the crucial role media plays in a democratic society. I have been associated with this profession for a couple of years. I truly appreciate the the mammoth influence media leverages over the society”, says Soumita.
She further adds, “With so much contribution towards the society and especially women empowerment, Raja ji can be called the greatest feminist ever from India. If only people regard him as their role model, issues like gender bias and inequality shall easily vanish from the country”.