Prafulla Chandra Ray | Brief Biography
Prafulla Chandra Ray | Brief Biography
Prafulla Chandra Ray (1861-1944) was a prominent Bengali chemist and educationist, who is widely regarded as the father of Indian chemistry. Born in a small village in the present-day state of West Bengal, India, Ray went on to make significant contributions to the field of chemistry and education. Throughout his life, Ray was driven by a passion for science and a desire to spread knowledge to others.
Early Life and Education
Prafulla Chandra Ray was born on August 2, 1861, in the village of Raruli-Katipara in the present-day state of West Bengal, India. His father was a doctor, and his mother was a homemaker. Ray was a bright student from a young age, and he excelled in his studies, particularly in mathematics and science.
In 1878, Ray enrolled at the Presidency College in Kolkata, where he studied chemistry, physics, and mathematics. He was deeply inspired by the work of the great European scientists, and he was determined to make a name for himself in the field of science. After completing his degree, Ray went on to earn a Master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
Career and Contributions
Upon his return to India, Ray began his career as a professor of chemistry at the Presidency College in Kolkata. He quickly established himself as a gifted teacher and researcher and soon became a well-respected member of the scientific community.
One of Ray’s most significant contributions to chemistry was his work on the synthesis of camphor, a compound used in the production of a variety of products, including perfumes, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. He was the first person to synthesize camphor in India, and his work was widely recognized in the scientific community.
In addition to his work in chemistry, Ray was also deeply committed to education. He believed that education was the key to progress and development, and he worked tirelessly to improve the state of education in India. He was instrumental in establishing the Bengal Chemical and Pharmaceutical Works, which was the first Indian company to manufacture chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
Later Years and Legacy
Prafulla Chandra Ray continued to work and teach until his death in 1944. He is remembered today as a pioneering chemist and educationist, and his contributions to the fields of science and education continue to be celebrated. 0 0 0.
Sources:
“Prafulla Chandra Ray: Father of Indian Chemistry.” The Better India, 28 May 2018, thebetterindia.com/95405/prafulla-chandra-ray-father-indian-chemistry/.
“Prafulla Chandra Ray.” National Institute of Technology, Rourkela,
“Prafulla Chandra Ray.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.,
“Prafulla Chandra Ray.” Chemistry People, chemistry.iisc.ernet.in/people/prafulla-chandra-ray/. ***
N.B. This article originally belongs to the book entitled ‘Brief Biographies of Prominent Bengali Writers‘ by Menonim Menonimus.
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