May 15

Born in Calcutta in 1817, Debendranath Tagore became a leading figure in the Bengali Renaissance. He joined the Brahmo Samaj, succeeding Rammohun Roy to lead the movement for monotheistic worship and social reform. Tagore advocated education for women, the abolition of caste discrimination, and interfaith harmony. He wrote philosophical essays and devotional hymns that shaped modern Hindu thought. Under his leadership, the movement established schools and promoted social welfare initiatives. Debendranath emphasized personal spirituality over ritual practices. His efforts laid the groundwork for later nationalist and reformist movements in India. He died in 1905, revered as a pioneer of religious and social change.