Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray (1861-1944): Important Personalities of Modern India

Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray was an Indian chemist, industrialist, historian, educationist, and philanthropist. He is regarded as the "Father of Indian Chemistry" and one of the first "modern" Indian chemical researchers. He was the founder of Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, India's first pharmaceutical company.  He was first honored with the imperial title of CIE (Companion of the Indian Empire) by the British government, and later knighted in 1919. He is also noted for his social works and nationalist ideals.

Early Life and Education

Prafulla Chandra Ray was born in 1861 in Jessore district, present-day Bangladesh. Ray was associated with Brahmo Samaj from his childhood due to his father's connection with the Samaj. Ray st