From Secretary Desk Ordinary PEN
(Power Enriched in Nib)
At the very outset, I feel extremely elated to note that at last the Web Magazine ‘Charachar’ which is the virtual face of our Foundation will see the light of the day. On this solemn occasion, I convey sincere greeting and gratitude to them who have endeavoured hard to translate the decision of the organisation into reality.
The day of first publication itself is signifying and inspiring. 203 Years ago, Iswar Chandra Bandopadhyay was born in a remote rural area of Bengal Province under the Company rule only to rise to eminence as Vidyasagar by virtue of profound knowledge, peerless perseverance, tremendous tenacity, unrelenting rationality, genuine generosity and above all, heartful humanity. Indeed, Vidyasagar was not only an ocean of learning but also an ocean of activity and an ocean of kindness. The annals of his life and achievements are worth reading again and again. Each and everybody should follow his footstep so as to impart an indelible mark in the page of mortal life.
Nanda Dulal Bhattacharyya
The biographers of this real ‘Renaissance Man’ while paying homage have expressed unanimity over his following contributions
- Propagation of education including adult education
- Social Reform
- Woman enlightenment and empowerment
- Selfless service to the suffering humanity
- Irreligiousness in personal life
- Health and environmental awareness
- Culture of science and scientific mind
- Promotion of language and literature
- Welfare of the destitutes and dalits
- Plain living and high thinking
As the days pass by, the researchers are coming up with new findings which are adding new dimensions to the temperament and thought of this ‘Traditional Modernizer ‘. Being an idealist in his own life-style, Vidyasagar was materialistic, utilitarian and pragmatic in approach while dealing with his fellow men. Nationalism was then at nascent stage. Even then, he used to show his deepest concern for his ill-fated countrymen. He restrained himself from joining the Indian National Congress formed in 1885 as the said party did not incorporate agenda for alleviating hunger and heathlessness of Indians.
Needless to mention, Vidyasagar performed mainly by dint of his unitary and often solitary effort. He was like a Gulliver standing sky high amidst herbs and hubs. Pigmy people like us will never be able to do something astounding alone. Many of us will have to gather under the umbrella of an organisation and work tirelessly to get the goal. The sense of belongingness to an organisation will motivate the stakeholders and keep them on the track. It is a truism that when the interests of many align, achievement level becomes high. Persons from various walks of life will throw light on the path will be illuminated. Furthermore, the organization will facilitate division of work, inculcate confidence and induce creativity. Everybody must remember that the purpose of an organisation is an organisational purpose. May Vidyasagar invigorate us to live all the years of our life – to add life to years not years to life.