Prafulla Ray Family Tree
Prafulla Ray - A Lifestory
A well known figure in the growing science field of India was more than just someone who studied chemicals. He was a builder of places, a teacher who cared, someone who knew a lot about history, a person who started new businesses, and someone who gave a lot to help others. His life, like the big changes in society and politics in the late 1800s and early 1900s, is a great story of working hard and building a nation. Born in 1861, he saw how British rule affected India and the need for India to grow its own science and industry. He was moved by people like Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and believed strongly in being able to take care of oneself. He started on a path that would change the science scene in India. He didn't just stay in the lab. His knowledge of history, shown in his book "History of Hindu Chemistry", showed how much he knew. In 1901, he started Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, a brave move to help Indian industry grow. This move is still important today. He wanted to help people grow and made his students feel like they had a purpose. Many of them became important scientists. He also worked to change society for the better and gave a lot to help others, even if it cost him. This made him a true visionary. He lived by the idea of "Swadeshi", which means being self sufficient and proud of one's nation. These ideas are just as important now as they were back then.
Personality
- He was deeply patriotic and completely dedicated to helping India progress. He showed great selflessness which was clear in his charitable work and his efforts to improve society. He gave a large portion of his money to help people.
- He was also a very smart and dedicated educator. He had a sharp mind and loved exploring science. He was very careful and thorough in his work always trying to learn more. His students looked up to him because he taught them in a way that made sense and inspired them to do their best.
- Despite all he accomplished he remained remarkably humble. He stayed down to earth and easy to talk to, which earned him respect and admiration. He also had strong morals, always trying to do what was fair and just. He is remembered as a forward thinking leader who made major contributions to the growth of science and industry in India.
Family and Early Years
- ● Date of Birth is 08 February 1861.
- ● Answer: Raruli Bengal Presidency, British India, was Prafulla Chandra Ray's birthplace.
- ● Father: Harish Chandra Ray - Occupation: Landowner Mother: Bhubanmohini Devi - Occupation: Homemaker.
Career Journey
- A person celebrated for their contributions to Indian chemistry had a diverse and influential career that went beyond just working in a lab. Born in 1861 this person's path started with a strong interest in learning and a determined search for scientific understanding. They received a B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Edinburgh, followed by a D.Sc. in 1887 for important research on metallic double salts.
- After returning to India this person encountered significant bias and had difficulty finding a good job. They eventually became an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Presidency College, Calcutta, where they focused on both teaching and research. It was here that they made their most important discovery: Mercurous Nitrite (HgNO2), a stable compound that greatly changed the understanding of nitrite chemistry.
- Besides scientific achievements this person was a strong supporter of their nation and worked to improve society. They believed in the importance of local industries and started Bengal Chemical & Pharmaceutical Works in 1901, which was India's first pharmaceutical company. This showed a dedication to independence and creating job opportunities for young people in India.
- This person was also a skilled writer greatly helping to make science popular in Bengali. Their autobiography, "Life and Experiences of a Bengali Chemist," tells the story of their life and provides valuable understanding of the social and political situation in colonial India.
- Throughout their career this person mentored many Indian scientists, encouraging a culture of scientific investigation and innovation. They stopped teaching in 1936 but continued to dedicate their life to helping others and promoting scientific education until they died in 1944. Their legacy continues to inspire scientists and business people in India and other countries.
Awards and Recognitions
- ● Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire (CIE) : For contributions to chemistry - 1912
- ● Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) : University of Durham - 1912
- ● Knight Bachelor : For contributions to science and public service - 1919
- ● Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) : University of Calcutta - 1920
- ● Honorary Fellowship : Chemical Society of London - 1934.
Contribution to the Field
- Born between 02 August 1861 and 16 June 1944 made a big difference in chemistry and other areas. As a chemist from India, he is best known for finding mercurous nitrite (HgNO2) on 01 January 1896. This discovery led to new research in chemistry and made him famous around the world.
- Besides his research he started Bengal Chemical & Pharmaceutical Works on 01 January 1901. This was the first drug company in India. It helped local businesses grow and lessened the need for foreign products, especially during the Swadeshi movement.
- As a teacher he inspired many Indian scientists through his lessons and guidance. He believed that science should be taught in local languages so more people could learn it. His book, "A History of Hindu Chemistry From the Earliest Times to the Middle of the Sixteenth Century" (published in two parts on 01 January 1902 and 01 January 1909), showed the long history of science in ancient India, which helped people understand the story of science better. He also gave a lot of money to charities and schools. What he did went beyond just science; it helped shape India's science, industry, and education.
Contribution to Society
- Born on 02 August 1861 and passing away on 16 June 1944 a well known Indian chemist, greatly helped society. He did this through charity and by working hard to improve the nation.
- He really pushed for the country to be independent and thought science should help everyone. In 1901 he started Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, the first drug company in India. His goal was to rely less on products from other countries and to give Indians jobs. This really helped India's economy and supported local businesses.
- Besides his business he cared a lot about education. He gave away a lot of his money and property to schools and charities. He believed in helping young people learn and supported anything that helped with science education and research.
- When there were natural disasters like floods and famines, he was always one of the first to help. He organized help and gave money to those who were suffering. His kindness and commitment to helping others made him loved in Bengal. He was a true giver and inspired many to be like him.
Notable Quotes
- Here are some well known sayings credited to a famous Indian chemist and giver of aid to others born on 02 August 1861 and died on 16 June 1944.
- He is known for saying "Science can wait, but selfrule cannot." This saying shows his strong feelings for his country and his thought that India's freedom was most important, even more so than working in science. It points out how dedicated he was to the country's fight for freedom.
- Another saying that shows his good sense is "A scientist's life isn't worth much if they can't use their science to help their country." This stresses his view that scientific knowledge should be used to make society better, a rule he lived by through his Bengal Chemical & Pharmaceutical Works.
- He also said "Simple habits, not showing off, and a selfless attitude these are the traits that make people like you." This saying reveals what he believed in and the values he supported, showing his own simple life and giving nature. These words show his belief in being humble and helping others.
Praise and Reflections from Colleagues
- Here are five positive testimonials about Prafulla Chandra Ray from his colleagues:
- 1. Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose (Physicist Botanist, Biologist, Archaeologist, and writer): He admired Ray's dedication to scientific research and his ability to inspire young minds. Bose deeply valued Ray's commitment to national development through science. (Date not specified)
- 2. Meghnad Saha (Astrophysicist): Saha acknowledged Ray's pioneering work in establishing chemical industries in India. He highlighted his efforts in promoting selfreliance and economic growth through indigenous enterprise during the early 20th century. (Date not specified)
- 3. C.V. Raman (Physicist): Raman praised Ray's contributions to the field of chemistry especially his work on mercurous nitrite. He considered him a true pioneer of chemical research in India, laying the foundation for future generations of scientists. (Date not specified)
- 4. Gyanendra Nath Mukherjee (Chemist): As a student and later a colleague Mukherjee often spoke of Ray's simplicity, patriotism, and dedication to teaching. He emphasized his mentorship and the positive influence he had on his students' lives and careers. (Date not specified)
- 5. Nilratan Sircar (Physician): As a friend and supporter Sircar admired Ray's philanthropic activities and his commitment to social welfare. He appreciated his generosity and dedication to improving the lives of the less fortunate. (Date not specified).
Discover the Legacy Behind the Prafulla name
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