Surendranath Banerjea
|
Date of Birth |
: |
Nov 19, 1848 |
Date of Death |
: |
1925 |
Place of Birth |
: |
India |
Surendranath Banerjea was the President of the Indian National Congress
twice, in 1895 and 1902. He was largely responsible in canalizing the
energy of the youth of Bengal to the service of the Motherland. He
founded the Indian Association on July 26, 1876, which he wanted to be
the center of an all-India political movement. He was the editor of a
paper called "Bengalee" from 1878 and wrote with fervor and without fear
on the subject of national interest with emphasis on freedom, unity and
culture.Surendranath Banerjea was a member of the Calcutta Corporation
(1876-99) and a member of the Indian Legislative Council.
He was an ardent advocate of social reform including
widow remarriage and the raising of the age of marriage of girls. Born
on November 19, 1848, Surendranath Banerjea had his early education in
Calcutta. He appeared for the Indian Civil Service Examination in London
and started his career in 1871 as an Assistant Magistrate. He had to
leave the service on his dismissal on a flimsy charge. He went back to
England and prepared himself for his future career as a national leader.
He was a gifted orator and writer.Returning to India in June, 1875
Surendranath started his career as a Professor in English. Later, he
started a college called Ripon College, now named after him. "He took
full advantage of his teaching profession to make the Indian students
inspired with a new patriotic spirit."
Surendranath Banerjea passed away in 1925.