A rationalist to the core, Derozio was also editor of the Hesperus and Calcutta Literary Gazette. He was associated with India Gazette as well. A radical thinker Derozio exercised unprecedented influence over his students. He urged them to live and die for truth - to cultivate and practice all the virtues, shunning vice in every shape. He gave the greatest impetus to free discussion on all subjects-social, moral and religious.
In 1828. Derozio established the Academic Association which used to organise debates and discussions on various topics and subjects.
Though he lived for only 22 years, Derozio ranks among those rare teachers whose attachment to knowledge, hatred of evil and love of truth made a profound impression upon those who came in contact with him. He pursued what was right and was accused of misguiding the youth. Some influential Hindus had him removed from service and shortly thereafter he died. But the Derozian influence continued and it was known as the Young Bengal Movement. All the leading movements of the period were influenced by his ideas.