Page 11 - NIS English Aug 1-15, 2024

P
ersonality
Prafulla Chandra Ray Personality
Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray:

Unforgettable Contribution

to Chemistry

Famous Indian scientist and teacher Acharya Prafulla
Chandra Ray was one of the pioneers in chemical
research. His remarkable work in the field of chemistry
is unforgettable. He tried to save precious lives through
life-saving medicines. He dedicated his entire life to the
service of humanity. He is looked upon with respect in
the world of chemistry. He is also called the 'father of
Indian chemistry'. He was not only a chemist but also a
well-known freedom fighter. He was a social worker as
well as an inspirational personality…...

BORN: 2 AUGUST 1861 | DIED: 16 JUNE 1944

ell-known Chemist and freedom fighter He discovered the stable compound mercurous
WAcharya Prafulla Chandra Ray was born nitrite in the year 1895 and did research on
on 2 August 1861 in Khulna district of Bengal, ammonium nitrate, hyponitrite, and organic nitrate.
which is now in Bangladesh. After gaining his He received commendation from the country and
early education in his village, he came to Calcutta abroad for his admirable work, but his dream was
for schooling. During college time his interest in to create a big industry for the youth. Prafulla
Science sparked. He went to England for higher Chandra Ray, a multi-faceted personality with
education, where his inclination towards chemistry a 'simple life, high thinking', had a deep love for
became apparent. After getting an education from history apart from chemistry. He has also written
Edinburgh University, he worked for many years at a book 'The History of Hindu Chemistry'. He was
Presidency College, Calcutta, and then at Calcutta given many honors at the national and international
University. Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray, known level. The British government honored him with the
for setting up and fostering the chemical industry, royal title of Companion of the Indian Empire (CIE).
wanted Bengalis to enter the business world. He On the occasion of his birth anniversary, the Indian
was so fond of science that he built a laboratory Postal Department issued a postage stamp on 2
in his room. Not only this, he set an example August 1961. He died in Calcutta on 16 June 1944
by establishing a chemical firm called Bengal at the age of 82. In the year 2024, the country is
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Limited in 1901. celebrating the 163rd birth anniversary of Acharya
It is considered to be the first pharmaceutical Prafulla Kumar Ray. On 22 October 2020, while
company in the country. Not only this, he was a inaugurating the Durga Puja pandal in Bengal
true rationalist. He was against the caste system through a virtual program, Prime Minister Narendra
and other irrational social systems. He continued Modi remembered many great personalities of
this work of social reform till his death. He lived in Bengal, including Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray.
a rented house all his life. The flame of freedom He said that today names of Jagadish Chandra
always burned in Acharya Prafulla's heart. During Bose, Satyendra Nath Bose, and Acharya Prafulla
the 1922 famine in Bengal, he collected donations Chandra Ray, are remembered for their contribution
and helped the people. It is said that Mahatma to Science who made the world realize the prowess
Gandhi was also very impressed by his personality of India's contribution to Science, I also salute
and simplicity. those great men. n

New India Samachar August 1-15, 2024 9

30-07-2024 17:20:47
NIS English AUG 1-15 2024 FINAL. Inf..indd 9 30-07-2024 17:20:47
NIS English AUG 1-15 2024 FINAL. Inf..indd 9