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.