Once Rammohan Roy was travelling to Bhagalpur for work. On the way, he came across the then district collector, Sir Fredrick Hamilton. Roy did not notice the collector and failed to get down from his palanquin to make way for the British, as was the tradition. An angry Hamilton did not take the “insult” lightly and abused Roy in return, despite his apologies. Not to be intimidated, Roy wrote a strong complaint letter to the then governor-general Lord Minto, condemning Hamilton’s action. The strongly-worded letter in chaste English ensured Hamilton got reprimanded for his high-handedness. Roy was in his thirties then but was as forthright and gutsy. He was also one of the pioneer crusaders against racism…
History professor at Jadavpur University Ranjan Chakrabarti narrated this lesser-known incident concerning the social reformer and the father of modern India to a roomful of the audience at the Science City auditorium in east Kolkata. Many more interesting tales followed — from him and other guests — about Roy’s love for languages, scientific mind and fight against social evils. The event was the 250th birth anniversary of Rammohan Roy that was celebrated extensively for two days, in association with The Telegraph Young Metro, by Rammohan Mission High School on May 21 and 22.
Over 400 students and teachers from the school organised a programme on the occasion. A cultural event was organised at Science City auditorium on Day I and a walk from Rammohan Mission High School to Madhusudan Mancha on Day II.
Students of Rammohan Mission High School take part in a cultural programme
The first day of the event began with dignitaries being felicitated. Chief guest and MP Saugata Roy spoke about Rammohan Roy’s journey and crusades in difficult times and how he ushered in the Bengal renascence. “I am honoured to be part of this celebration. It is great to see so many achievers from the city being honoured,” he said. The MP also paid a floral tribute to the portraits of Roy, the school’s founder-president Sankar Biswas and founder-secretary Krishna Biswas. The institute honoured consultant cardiologist Kunal Sarkar, academician Anita Arathoon and chou dance pioneer Hemchandra Mahato for their contributions in their respective fields. Other guests included Debdeep Roy from Rammohan Roy’s family.
“Celebrating Rammohan Roy’s birth anniversary is a matter of pride for all. Roy was an earnest investigator of modern sciences. He was also the harbinger of modern times. His free-thinking principles are relevant even today. He is the important bridge between India’s past and present,” said principal Sujoy Biswas.
The school also honoured its students who excelled in ICSE and ISC in 2020 and 2021. Students from Classes II to XII presented an event. The choir sang some Brahmo sangeet while a skit on the abduction of Sita by Ravan was enacted. The students also paid tribute to departed legends such as Lata Mangeshkar, Bappi Lahiri and Sandhya Mukhopadhyay, among other performances. “We had worked hard for over a month to make this event perfect. This is the last time I performed as part of the choir. So, it was special,” said Class XII student Pranjal Sengupta after the programme.
