Prafulla Chandra Ray was a renowned Indian chemist, industrialist and entrepreneur. He is best known for his contributions to the field of chemistry and for founding Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, India's first pharmaceutical company.
Here are some key points about Prafulla Chandra Ray:
- Birth and Education: Prafulla Chandra Ray was born on August 2, 1861, in Raruli-Katipara, a village in the Khulna district of present-day Bangladesh. He pursued his education at the University of Edinburgh and later at the University of Glasgow, where he obtained a B.Sc. degree.
- Returning to India: After completing his education in the United Kingdom, Ray returned to India in 1888. He started his career as a lecturer at Presidency College, Calcutta (now Kolkata).
- Contributions to Chemistry: Prafulla Chandra Ray made significant contributions to the field of chemistry, particularly in the area of inorganic chemistry. He is known for his work on nitrites and hyponitrite and he synthesized several new compounds.
- Achyranthes Aspera Research: Ray conducted extensive research on the medicinal properties of Achyranthes Aspera, a plant commonly found in India. His research led to the development of a new drug for the treatment of malaria.
- Founding Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals: In 1901, Prafulla Chandra Ray founded Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, which became India's first pharmaceutical company. The company played a crucial role in the indigenous production of drugs and chemicals.
- Role in Education: Apart from his industrial and research pursuits, Ray remained involved in education. He contributed to the development of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Calcutta.
- Awards and Honors: Prafulla Chandra Ray received several awards for his contributions, including the Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire (CIE) in 1912 and the knighthood in 1919. He was also a fellow of the Royal Society.
- Death: Prafulla Chandra Ray passed away on June 16, 1944.
Prafulla Chandra Ray's legacy extends beyond his individual contributions to chemistry; he played a pioneering role in the development of the chemical industry and pharmaceuticals in India. His commitment to scientific research and entrepreneurship left a lasting impact on the scientific community in the country.
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