A leading light of the reform movement was the young Henry Lui Vivian Derozio. He joined the Hindu College as a teacher at the age of seventeen. He taught here from AD 1826-1831. He and his students called DErozians or Young Bengal promoted radical reformist ideas among the people of Bengal. The movement started by him is known as the Young Bengal Movement.

Derozio was deeply impressed by the ideas of the French Revolution. He inspired his students to study the history and philosophy of other countries, to think freely and rationality and to question all authority. He organized debates and discussions where the Derozio condemned decadent social and religious beliefs, advocated the eradication of social evils, demanded education for women and freedom of thought and expression for all.

The radical views and the rebellious attitude of the Derozio towards traditional belief angered the orthodox Indians. Derozio was dismissed from service in AD 1831. He died soon afterwards. But his students and followers continued to work towards his ideal of a liberal and modern society.