Raja Ram Mohan Roy pioneered this reform movement. He opposed social practices such as discrimination based on caste, untouchability, superstitions and the custom of 'sati'. He wanted to spread the knowledge of western education and bring about freedom and equality for women. Raja Ram Mohan Roy protested against the practice of Sati which led to the passing of the Act banning the practice of Sati. Mahatma Jyotirao Phule started the first school for girls. Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar tried to eradicate social taboos like untouchability and caste restrictions.