Prafulla Chandra Ray
Prafulla Chandra Ray was an eminent Indian chemist, educator, and entrepreneur who made significant contributions to the field of chemistry during the early 20th century. He is considered to be one of the pioneers of modern chemistry in India and is best known for his pioneering work on the synthesis of organic compounds. In this article, we will explore the life and achievements of Prafulla Chandra Ray.
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Early Life of Prafulla Chandra
Prafulla Chandra Ray, often regarded as the Father of Indian Chemistry, was born on 2nd August 1861 in Raruli-Katipara, a village in the Bengal Presidency of British India (now present-day Bangladesh). He was the third child of Harish Chandra Raychowdhury, a zamindar, and his wife Bhubanmohini Devi, the daughter of a local taluqdar. Ray was one of seven children, born into a family that was strongly associated with the Brahmo Samaj, an influence that remained with him throughout his life.
Personal Life
Ray’s life was deeply influenced by the values and teachings of the Brahmo Samaj. He was especially influenced by Keshub Chandra Sen’s sermons and his Sulabha Samachar. While he deeply respected Sen, he yearned for a more democratic environment and in 1879, he joined the Sadharan Brahmo Samaj, a more flexible offshoot of the original Samaj. Ray was also a polyglot, having learnt Latin and French in addition to achieving a “fair mastery” of Sanskrit.
Professional Life of Prafulla Chandra
Prafulla Chandra Ray’s professional journey began as a student of chemistry at the University of Calcutta. His passion for experimental science led him to pursue chemistry as a career. After winning an all-India competitive examination, he enrolled as a BSc. student at the University of Edinburgh without completing his original degree. His research in inorganic chemistry led him to explore the specific natures of structural affinities in double salts, contributing significantly to the field.
Following his education, Ray embarked on a career in scientific research. He discovered the field of nitrite chemistry and in 1896, published a paper on the preparation of a new stable chemical compound: mercurous nitrite. This work opened the door to a large number of investigative papers on nitrites and hyponitrites of different metals, and on nitrites of ammonia and organic amines.
He established the first modern Indian research school in chemistry and is known as the founder of Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, India’s first pharmaceutical company. He also authored “A History of Hindu Chemistry from the Earliest Times to the Middle of the Sixteenth Century” (1902).
Awards and Recognitions
Prafulla Chandra Ray’s significant contributions to the field of chemistry earned him numerous accolades. The Royal Society of Chemistry honoured his life and work with the first-ever Chemical Landmark Plaque outside Europe. While studying, he was awarded the Hope Prize, which allowed him to work on his research for an additional year after completing his doctorate.
Age
Ray was born on 2nd August 1861 and passed away on 16th June 1944, living a long and fulfilling life of 82 years dedicated to the advancement of chemistry and education.
Salary
As an academic and researcher, it’s likely that Ray’s salary was modest and in line with the standards of the time. However, his true wealth was his vast contributions to the field of chemistry and education.
Parents’ Name and Family
Prafulla Chandra Ray was born to Harish Chandra Raychowdhury and Bhubanmohini Devi. He was the third of seven siblings, four brothers and two sisters, in a family that valued education and was deeply associated with the Brahmo Samaj.
Net Worth
While there is no available information on Ray’s net worth, it can be inferred that his contributions and legacy in the field of chemistry and education far surpass any material wealth. His groundbreaking research and dedication to the advancement of education, particularly in chemistry
