One of the greatest proponent of ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat, founder of the India’s first pharmaceutical company Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals and renowned scientist, educationist and entrepreneur Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy’s 166th birth anniversary is being observed today across West Bengal and other parts of the country. Born on 2nd August 1861 in Khulna, now in Bangladesh, he rose to prominence as a pioneering scientist, educator, and industrialist.
Widely regarded as the father of modern chemical science in India, Acharya Roy played a key role in promoting scientific education in the country. He also established the first modern Indian research school in chemistry. He is remembered for his discovery of mercurous nitrite, his landmark work A History of Hindu Chemistry, and for founding India’s first pharmaceutical company.
He promoted cooperative banking, rural development, and youth employment. His ideals continue to inspire India’s pursuit of innovation and self-reliance. He mentored great scientists like Satyendranath Bose and Meghnad Saha.
