RAJA RAMMOHAN ROY

It was the last part of the 18^th century. Foreigners had invaded India again and again and India has suffered at their hands for centuries. The rule of the Muslims, which had lasted 800 years, was coming to an end. India was filled with poverty and ignorance. The English who came to India for trade gradually conquered kingdoms. Many Indians did not understand their own great religion and culture. There were many castes and creeds. The glorious tradition of Vedic times was like a mirror covered with dust. All round, there was the darkness of ignorance. It was at such a time that Raja Rammohan Roy was born.

Rammohan was very much devoted to Lord Vishnu. Everyday he would not put down the ‘Bhagavantha’ without completing the reading of Valmiki Ramayana. But when he came to know that his mother also was fasting, he had his food for her sake. In his 14^th year he was about to become a monk. But his mother came in his way.