RELIGIOUS REFORMS
The religious reforms of Roy contained in some beliefs of the Brahmo Samaj expounded by Rajnarayan Basu[19] are:-
Brahmos believe that the fundamental doctrines of Brahmoism are at the basis of every religion, followed by man.
Brahmos believe in the existence of One Supreme God— "a God, endowed with a distinct personality & moral attributes equal to His nature, and intelligence befitting the Author and Preserver of the Universe," and worship Him alone.
Brahmos believe that worship of Him needs no fixed place or time. "We can adore Him at any time and at any place, provided that time and that place are calculated to compose and direct the mind towards Him."
Brahmos believe that the fundamental doctrines of Brahmoism are at the basis of every religion, followed by man.
Brahmos believe in the existence of One Supreme God— "a God, endowed with a distinct personality & moral attributes equal to His nature, and intelligence befitting the Author and Preserver of the Universe," and worship Him alone.
Brahmos believe that worship of Him needs no fixed place or time. "We can adore Him at any time and at any place, provided that time and that place are calculated to compose and direct the mind towards Him."
SOCIAL REFORMS OF RAMMOHAN
Crusaded against social evils like sati, polygamy and child marriage etc.
Demanded property inheritance rights for women.
In 1828, he set up the Brahmo Sabha a movement of reformist Bengali Brahmins to fight against social evils.
Roy’s political background fit influenced his social and religious to reforms of Hinduism. He writes,
“The present system of Hindoos is not well calculated to promote their political interests…. It is necessary that some change should take place in their religion, at least for the sake of their political advantage and social comfort.”[20]
Rammohun Roy’s experience working with the British government taught him that Hindu traditions were often not credible or respected by western standards and this no doubt affected his religious reforms. He wanted to legitimize Hindu traditions to his European acquaintances by proving that “superstitious practices which deform the Hindoo religion have nothing to do with the pure spirit of its dictates!”[21] The “superstitious practices” Rammohun Roy objected included sati, caste rigidity, polygamy and child marriages.[22] These practices were often the reasons British officials claimed moral superiority over the Indian nation. Rammohun Roy’s ideas of religion actively sought to create a fair and just society by implementing humanitarian practices similar to Christian ideals and thus legitimize Hinduism in the modern world.
[edit] Educationist
Roy believed education to be an implement for social reform.
In 1817, in collaboration with David Hare, he set up the Hindu College at Calcutta.
In 1822, Roy founded the Anglo-Hindu school, followed four years later (1826) by the Vendanta College; where he insisted that his teachingings of monotheistic doctrines be incorporated with "modern, western curriculum.".[23]
In 1830, he helped Alexander Duff in establishing the General Assembly's Institution, by providing him the venue vacated by Brahma Sabha and getting the first batch of students.
He supported induction of western learning into Indian education.
He also set up the Vedanta College, offering courses as a synthesis of Western and Indian learning.
[edit] Journalist
Roy published journals in English, Hindi, Persian Bengali,
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.
When the English Company muzzled the press, Rammohun composed two memorials against this in 1829 and 1830 respectively
