A Singapore-based Indian entrepreneur has donated $100,000 for the restoration of the tomb of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, founder of the Brahmo Samaj, at a Bristol cemetery in the UK.
Aditya K Poddar, chairman of Wellside International Pte Ltd, handed over a cheque for $100,000 to India's Acting High Commissioner Asoke Mukherji at India House in London. The Commissioner of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Alapan Bandyopadhyay was also present.
The donation came after one of Roy's ardent followers Bristol-based Carla Contractor made an initial contribution of 5,000 pounds for the restoration of the tomb at Arno's Vale Cemetery, Minister (Coordination) at the High Commission Rajat Bagchi said.
Poddar, who along with Bandyopadhyay visited the tomb in Bristol on Tuesday, said: "Wherever we go, we should not forget our heritage and it's time for us to pay back to the society whatever little we can."
Welcoming the donation, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation commissioner said a Trust would be formed shortly to oversee the restoration and maintenance of the tomb.
By "recognising our heritage in all its facets, we can look forward to make 21st century the century of India", Mukherji said.
Milon Banerjee, attorney general of India, said in 1812, the Constitution of Spain was dedicated to Raja Ram Mohan Roy, which reflected the eminence of the Indian reformer.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy, well known for his efforts to abolish sati, came to England in 1831 at the age of 59. He died at Stapleton near Bristol in 1833 of meningitis and was buried at the Arno's Vale Cemetery.
