ISHWAR CHANDRA VIDYASAGAR: SOCIAL REFORMER, INFLUENCER OF WOMEN EDUCATION AND HIS EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a prominent 19th-century Bengali reformer, scholar, and educator renowned for his contributions to women’s education and social reform in India. His educational ideals emphasized the empowerment of women through access to education, advocating for their right to learning and self-reliance. Vidyasagar played a pivotal role in championing the cause of widow remarriage, challenging societal norms and paving the way for significant legal reforms to improve the status of widows in Indian society. Through his pioneering efforts, Vidyasagar established numerous schools and colleges, particularly for girls, breaking barriers and promoting education as a tool for social transformation and gender equality. His enduring legacy continues to inspire movements for women’s rights and education, underscoring the transformative power of education in shaping more equitable and progressive societies.