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UK town pays tributes to Rammohun Roy

BRISTOL: An annual service in memory of Indian social reformer Rammohun Roy, who died here during a brief visit was held, with the city mayor leading the commemoration service.
Geoffrey Gallop, the Lord Mayor of Bristol led the annual memorial service of Roy, who died during a brief visit here of meningitis on September 27, 1833.
The city has enthusiastically kept Rammohun Roy's memory alive since his passing away, with the local council actively participating in the annual commemoration service, and preserving several landmarks in the city associated with the founder of modern India.
The service, organised by local historian Carla Contractor, at the Arnos Vale Cemetery, was attended by several Indians and Britons from various parts of the UK, including Diana, descendant of architect William Prinsep, who designed the mausoleum in 1843.
Contractor, a trustee of the cemetery who has worked assiduously over the years to preserve and cherish Rammohun Roy's memory in Bristol, said the mausoleum was "the pride of the cemetery" and its most famous monument.
Gallop said: "Rammohun Roy is among the most famous Bristolians. His is a fascinating story; his views were farsighted for his age. He set standards for large parts of the world.
When he came to England in 1831, he was already famous". Bernice Gallop, the Lady Mayor, recounted Rammohun Roy's contribution in bettering the lot of women, including his contribution in abolishing 'sati', allowing widow re-marriage and education of women.
The Indian high commission was represented at the service by Saibal Roy Chowdhury, First Secretary (Consular), who recalled Rammohun Roy's contribution to social reforms and called him the "founder of modern India".
The service included recitation of a poem by Rabindranath Tagore.
A series of events were organised today in memory of Rammohun Roy, including a film, 'In Search of the Rajah', and tour of the cemetery.

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