H. L. V. Derozio was born on April 18, 1809 to a Portuguese-Indian family. He was highly influenced by the English Romantic poets; like Keats, Shelly and Wordsworth. He was also assistant head master of Hindu College, Calcutta which now is the Presidency College. He started publishing his patriotic works in papers at the age of 17. He was a "free thinker". Free thinkers are someone who cannot be easily tamed. They are the people who reject, who question everything. They don't easily believe in everything just because they are sanctioned by traditional conventionality. So, Derozio was a man with "progressive outlook".

The establishment of the Hindu College in 1817, accelerated the change. Education imparted in the Hindu College arose patriotism among the students. The students of Derozio were called "Young Bengal " or "Derozians." He was an educator, not limited to classrooms. He created a whole new generation with "progressive outlook."

Though Derozio was born in a Portuguese family, still he looked India as his own motherland. His patriotism is vividly reflected in his works. One of his poems, "The Fakeer of Jungheera" is full of patriotism. Derozio encouraged people to respect and accept behaviors or opinions different from one's own. He taught people to become tolerant.

Derozio is regarded as the first Modern English poet in India. He was the voice of wester learning, particularly science.

Unfortunately, on December 26, 1831 Derozio lost his battle of life against Cholera. Though he left this world aged 22, still his legacy lived on among his former students, many of whom became prominent in social reform, law, and journalism.
© Vaishali



( Hello! I am a literature student and I'll be posting more of my literature notes soon. I'll also be analyzing two of Derozio's prominent poems. Let's help each other in these grim times. If you like it let me know in the comment section)