Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772–1833) was one of the greatest thinkers of modern India, a social reformer, and the 'Father of the Indian Renaissance.' He campaigned throughout his life against religious bigotry and social superstitions, and his most memorable contribution was playing the lead role in the abolition of the inhumane 'Sati' practice prevalent in the then Hindu society, which received legal recognition in 1829. A believer in monotheism, he established the 'Brahmo Sabha' in 1828 (which later became the Brahmo Samaj), aiming to reject idol worship and promote the essence of all religions. Beyond social reform, he made outstanding contributions to the expansion of modern education by assisting in the establishment of Hindu College in Kolkata and worked towards the growth of Bengali and English journalism. In 1830, the Mughal Emperor of Delhi, Akbar Shah II, conferred the title of 'Raja' upon him and sent him to England as his envoy, where this great luminary passed away in Bristol in 1833.
