Rev. Dr. William Carey (1761–1834) was a pioneering British missionary, linguist, educator, and social reformer who is widely known as the “Father of Modern Mission”. His influence transformed not only the landscape of Christian missionary work but also played a crucial role in the advancement of education, linguistics, printing, and social development in the Indian subcontinent — especially in Bengal, which includes present-day Bangladesh.
Early Life and Calling
William Carey was born in Paulerspury, Northamptonshire, England, in 1761. A self-taught shoemaker and devout Christian, Carey developed a passion for languages, geography, and missionary work. In 1792, he helped form the Baptist Missionary Society (BMS) in England, driven by his belief that spreading the Gospel to unreached people was the duty of every Christian.
Mission to Bengal
In 1793, Carey set sail for India under the auspices of the BMS. Though faced with initial opposition from colonial authorities and personal hardships, he eventually settled in Serampore, near Kolkata. His missionary activities in Bengal laid the foundation for what would later become the Bangladesh Baptist Church Sangha (BBCS), the largest Protestant denomination in Bangladesh today.
Translation and Linguistic Contributions
Carey was a gifted linguist. He learned Sanskrit, Bengali, Hindi, and several other local languages. His most groundbreaking work was the first translation of the Bible into Bengali, making Christian scriptures accessible to the local population. He also compiled the first Bengali-English dictionary and grammar book, tools that significantly contributed to the standardization of the Bengali language.
Education and Printing
Believing that education was key to societal transformation, Carey co-founded Serampore College in 1818 — one of the first institutions in Asia to provide a modern education in both secular and theological subjects. He also established the Serampore Press, which printed books in multiple Indian languages, including religious texts, scientific materials, and textbooks.
He launched two of the earliest Bengali periodicals — Digdarshan (an educational journal) and Samachar Darpan (the first Bengali newspaper), both of which played a crucial role in the birth of modern journalism and public education in Bengal.
Social Reform
Carey was also an outspoken social reformer. He campaigned against the sati system (widow burning), female infanticide, and child marriage. His efforts contributed to the eventual abolition of these practices in colonial India. He believed the Christian faith should bring positive transformation to all aspects of life, including social justice and human dignity.
Legacy in Bangladesh
The work of Rev. Dr. William Carey laid the spiritual and institutional groundwork for the rise of the Bangladesh Baptist Church Sangha and other Christian missions in the region. His vision of combining faith, education, social justice, and service continues to inspire generations of leaders in Bangladesh and beyond.
Conclusion
Rev. Dr. William Carey’s legacy is not confined to missionary work alone. He was a visionary educator, a reformer, and a humanitarian who used his Christian faith to bring lasting change to the society he served. Today, institutions like BBCS and countless Christian organizations around the world stand as living testaments to his enduring impact.