In Memoriam Mahesh Chandra Bhattacharyya

Mahesh Chandra Bhattacharyya was a homeopathic medicine trader, social reformer and a true philanthropist. Yet the defining light of his identity rests on his extraordinary ideal of dedicating his entire earned wealth to the welfare of the country, society and humanity. The quiet, selfless and enduring example he set in the field of philanthropy remains rare even today.

He was born on 1 December 1858 in the village of Bitghar, Nabinagar Upazila, in the district of Brahmanbaria. His father, Ishwardas Tarksiddhanta, was a distinguished scholar, and his mother was Rammala Devi. His family heritage was deeply enriched by the pursuit of knowledge and human values.

Owing to extreme poverty, Mahesh Chandra Bhattacharyya did not have the opportunity to receive formal education. However, his intense thirst for knowledge could not be restrained. He continued his studies at home and, through indomitable determination, became educated and self-reliant. Later, he also served for a time as a teacher at Bangla Vidyalaya.

In 1883, with a capital of only fifty-five rupees, he travelled to Calcutta in search of a livelihood. There, through honesty, hard work and perseverance, he began trading in homeopathic medicines. Within a short period, he achieved notable commercial success; yet he never sought personal indulgence. His life’s vow was to devote that success to the welfare of others.

This noble man, dedicated to social service throughout his life, founded Ishwar Pathshala in the city of Comilla in 1923 in memory of his father. Earlier, in 1920, he established the Rammala Students’ Hostel in Shaktala Palli, and later, in 1935, founded the Rammala Library.

His contribution to the advancement of women’s education deserves special mention. Through his sincere efforts, Nivedita Girls’ School and Nivedita Girls’ Hostel were established in Comilla. In his native village, he founded an educational council, and in Kashi Dham he established the Ishwar Pathshala Tol. At his initiative, Rammala Road and the Rammala Post Office were established in 1935.

To address the shortage of drinking water for villagers, he excavated a pond in his own village where people of all castes and communities were equally entitled to draw water—an authentic reflection of his humanistic philosophy.

During a pilgrimage to Baidyanath, when famine struck the region, he stood beside the distressed and destitute. At that time, he provided food daily to nearly four to five hundred people—quietly and without publicity.

In 1935, for the convenience of pilgrims visiting Kalighat, he constructed the Kalighat Pilgrims’ Rest House at No. 21 Tollygunge, where travellers could stay free of charge for four to five consecutive days. In addition, at Varanasi he established a dharamshala in the name of his wife, Harsundari Devi.

Despite his business commitments, Mahesh Chandra Bhattacharyya remained deeply engaged in literary pursuits. His book Byaboshayi (The Trader), published in 1312 of the Bengali calendar, is particularly noteworthy. He also recorded the story of his own life in an autobiography entitled Atmakatha.

On 10 February 1944, this great benefactor of society and generous philanthropist departed from the world. Yet his deeds, ideals and love for humanity continue to live on—serving as a source of inspiration for generations to come.