In the annals of India’s scientific history, Prafulla Chandra Ray stands as a luminary, a visionary chemist who not only founded the country’s first pharmaceutical company but also played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of modern Indian chemical research. Born in 1861 in the Bengal Presidency of British India (now in Bangladesh), Ray’s life journey unfolded against the backdrop of colonial challenges, where his brilliance and determination propelled him to become a pioneer in the field of chemistry.
Ray’s educational journey commenced at the University of Calcutta, where he graduated in 1879 at the age of 18. Armed with a thirst for knowledge, he set sail for the United Kingdom, securing a scholarship to pursue higher education at Edinburgh University in 1882. Ray’s time in the UK was transformative, culminating in a second degree in 1885 and the award of a Doctor of Science (DSc.) in 1887. His exceptional research on ‘Conjugated Sulphates of the Copper-Magnesium Group’ earned him the prestigious ‘Hope Prize,’ granting him an additional year for further research after completing his doctorate.
Ray’s return to India in 1888 marked the beginning of his illustrious career as a teacher and researcher. Joining Presidency College in Calcutta as an assistant professor of Chemistry in 1889, he also contributed to the academic landscape of Calcutta University. Ray’s impact extended beyond the classroom; he established a pioneering research laboratory and collaborated with a group of students, fostering an environment conducive to groundbreaking discoveries.
His commitment to advancing scientific knowledge led to the publication of approximately 150 research papers during his lifetime. Ray’s research encompassed a wide array of topics, showcasing his versatility and depth in the field of chemistry. His notable contributions spanned the realms of inorganic and organic chemistry, leaving an indelible mark on the scientific community.
Ray’s legacy reaches its zenith with the founding of Bengal Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, India’s first pharmaceutical company. This groundbreaking endeavor marked a paradigm shift in the country’s approach to pharmaceuticals, placing it on the global map of chemical innovation. Ray’s industrial acumen and scientific rigor merged seamlessly, exemplifying his multifaceted contributions to the advancement of Indian science and industry.
In recognition of his monumental achievements, the Royal Society of Chemistry bestowed upon Ray the first-ever Chemical Landmark Plaque outside Europe, honoring his life and work. His legacy endures as an inspiration for aspiring scientists, symbolizing the heights that can be attained with determination, intellect, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge.
Ray’s unwavering dedication to his craft is perhaps best encapsulated by his lifelong commitment to education and research. Remaining a bachelor throughout his life, he retired as a professor emeritus in 1936 at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate in the realms of Indian chemistry and academia.
On June 16, 1944, at the age of 82, Prafulla Chandra Ray passed away, leaving behind a rich tapestry of accomplishments that forever changed the landscape of Indian science. His indomitable spirit and pioneering contributions ensure that he is remembered not only as a chemist and industrialist but as the revered Father of Indian Chemistry.
