Page:Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, a story of his life and work.djvu/26

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INTRODUCTION.
V

it more in touch with modern life, and the requirements of modern education. His drastic reforms frightened Rossomoy Dutt himself; and when some of his suggestions were disapproved, young Vidyasagar resigned his appointment and retired from the field of his labours. This was however only for a short time. He was reappointed to the Sanscrit College in 1850 as a Professor of Sanscrit Literature, and submitted a full and exhaustive report on the reforms which he advocated. Rossomoy Dutt foresaw what was coming, and yielded his place to the enthusiastic young reformer by timely retirement. The posts of Secretary and Assistant Secretary were then combined into one, that of Principal of the College; and Vidyasagar was appointed the first Principal of the Sanscrit College, with full discretion to remodel, reform, and simplify Sanscrit education for the benefit of his countrymen.

The fame of the young and enthusiastic educationist, then only thirty years of age, spread far and wide. The greatest and most enlightened Zeminders of Bengal reckoned him as their friend. Eminent literary men welcomed their new colleague. Englishmen inspired with a sincere desire to help the cause of progress in India found in Vidyasagar a worthy collaborator. For Vidyasagar was versed in the learning of his fathers, and the traditional knowledge of the past. He had won high dis-