Manmohan Singh shares his birthday with the India's biggest luminary from Kolkata, Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar. Vidyasagar was born on September 26, 1820 and has risen to unparalleled heights renowned for his pholosophies, academic proficiency, writer, translator, publisher, printer, social reformer and also Philanthropy. Though being blessed with such qualities, he remained humble all his life. In short he was the epitome of kindness and intellect, a rare combination.

The most remarkable feature of his attire was the home-spun cotton dhoti and kurta, marking his simplicity. One popular time-worn tale is still repeated to day to teach the ideal of simplicity. Once, Vidyasagar was traveling by train for a lecture as he noticed another passenger looking for a porter to carry his luggage. After failing to goad him to carry his own luggage, Vidyasagar had carried the luggage himself for the young officer. He declined the money he was being paid by the officer who took him for a porter. Later at the lecture hall, the officer was surprised to see his 'coolie' being praised and felicitated with garlands by other member at the lecture.

Not only was he such a simple man, he had also fought for the nation to free it of corruption, and the evil of blind superstitions. He strived for the eradication of malpractices and worked towards the emancipation of women. India would have taken a long time to enact the Widow Remarriage Act if not for this eminent personality who had managed to influence the British Government. His efforts to abolish the then prevalent polygamy in the nation cannot be forgotten.

Wishesh Team takes a few moments off the day to thank Eshwarchandra Vidyasagar for his services to the nation on the account of his 192nd birth anniversary.

(AW- Anil)