Satyendranath Tagore (1 June 1842 – 9 January 1923) was a multifaceted personality who left an indelible mark on Indian society as the first Indian to join the Indian Civil Service (ICS), a writer, composer, linguist, and a progressive social reformer.

Born into the illustrious Tagore family of Jorasanko, Calcutta, Satyendranath was the second son of Debendranath Tagore and an elder brother of Rabindranath Tagore.

He received his early education at home, focusing on English and Sanskrit, before attending Presidency College.

In 1859, he married Jnadanandini Devi, with whom he had two children: Surendranath and Indira Devi Chaudhurani.

In 1862, Satyendranath traveled to England to compete for a position in the ICS, successfully becoming the first Indian to enter the service in 1863.

After completing his probationary training, he returned to India in 1864 and was initially posted in Bombay Presidency, serving in various capacities, including as an assistant magistrate and collector in Ahmedabad.

His career necessitated extensive travel across India, during which he mastered several Indian languages. This linguistic proficiency enabled him to translate works of poets like Tukaram and Bal Gangadhar Tilak into Bengali, enriching Bengali literature with diverse regional influences.

Satyendranath was deeply involved with the Brahmo Samaj, a reformist movement advocating for monotheism and social reforms. He served as its president and acharya (religious guide) in 1907, alongside his elder brother Dwijendranath Tagore.

His commitment to social reform was particularly evident in his efforts toward women's emancipation. He encouraged his wife, Jnadanandini Devi, to adopt a more public and socially active lifestyle, challenging prevailing societal norms. She became a pioneer in introducing the modern style of wearing the sari with a blouse and shoes, influencing women's fashion in Bengal.

Satyendranath's literary contributions include various Bengali and English works, as well as translations from Sanskrit. He composed patriotic songs and was instrumental in founding the Hindu Mela at Belgachia, Calcutta, in 1876, promoting nationalistic fervor through cultural expression.

After retiring from the ICS in 1897, Satyendranath returned to Calcutta, where his residence became a hub for intellectuals, artists, and reformers. He continued to influence cultural and social thought until his death on 9 January 1923.

Satyendranath Tagore's legacy is that of a trailblazer who broke racial barriers in colonial India's civil services and a reformer who championed women's emancipation, leaving an enduring impact on Indian society.