Biography of Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy: A Great Scientist of Bengal

Prafulla Chandra Roy was born on 2nd August, 1861. He was born in Raruli-Khatipara Village of Khulna District of Bengal, which is now in Bangladesh. His father was Harish Chandra Roy. He studied in Hare School and later, in Albert School. Later he studied B. Sc in Metropolitan Institution (now Vidyasagar College). He got ‘Gilchrist Prize Scholarship' and without completing his degree, he went to Edinburgh University in London, U.K. He passed the B.Sc. in 1886 and the D.Sc in 1887 from that university.
He dedicated himself in service of science. He discovered a chemical substance known as Mercurous Nitrate. He published a number of experiments on sulphonium halides, mercaptanic radicals, antimony Halides, ammonium nitrite and organic sulphides in the Journal of the Indian Chemical Society.
He was also a great reformer of Bengal. He couldn't bear the habits of Bengali's tendency of service work. He always encouraged Bengalis to do business work. He himself was a great entrepreneur and gifted Bengal the "Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals". It served greatly for human beings. He was a very honest person. He used original herbs for creating medicals. Once, 200 bottles of Medicine worsened a little bit. Other co-workers advised him to sell it. But Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy broke all the bottles. He also involved himself in Relief-work and charity. He made several donations to several schools, colleges and even to the Calcutta University. He was also a great teacher. Some of his renowned students are Gyanchandra Mukherjee, Gyanchandra Ghosh, Meghnad Saha, Shanthi Swarup Bhatnagar, Nilratan Dhar etc.
Some of his literary works are : "A History of Hindu Chemistry from the Earliest Times to the Sixteenth Century", "Life and Experience of a Bengali Chemist" (his own autobiography),'Atma Charita' ( Bengali version of "Life and Experience of a Bengali Chemist") etc.
He was awarded with many awards and recognitions. He was awarded with Hope Prize, Fellowship of the Chemical Society, U.K, Doctorates and many honorary degrees from many foreign universities. He was awarded with Knighthood in 1917.
This famous scientist passed away in 16th June 1944 in Science College.