Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a prominent Indian social reformer and thinker in the early 19th century. Born in 1772, he is often referred to as the "Father of the Indian Renaissance" for his efforts to modernize Indian society. He advocated for education, women's rights, and the abolition of practices like Sati, where widows were forced to self-immolate. Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828, which aimed to promote monotheism and social reform. His work laid the foundation for various movements that sought to challenge traditional norms and promote progressive values in India. He played a crucial role in bridging Eastern and Western thought.