rulers of the land. For this end he translated his two pamphlets into English and distributed them among his European acquaintances who were all high officials of the Government. These gentlemen, thinking that the Hindu society had become the hotbed of corruption and that emancipation of girl-widows would add to the glory and prestige of the Government, at once instructed him to petition the Government of India. As a result, a petition was submitted on October 4, 1855. It was signed by Vidyasagar and one thousand other persons, including influential nobles, chief among whom were Maharaja Mahatab Chand Baradur of Burdwan and Maharaja Shrish Chandra Roy Bahadur of Nadia. On November 17 a draft bill was introduced into the Imperial Legislative Council by Mr. J. P. Grant. In the course of his speech the Mover described in pathetic terms the hard life of a widow, who was not allowed to indulge in luxuries of any kind. In most cases, young Hindu widows fell into vice, the Hon. Member was pleased
Page:Vidyasagar, the Great Indian Educationist and Philanthropist.djvu/60
