The Union Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Department of Chemistry, Indraprastha Vigyan Bharti and Vijnana Bharti (VIBHA) is jointly organising a two-day international conference on August 2 and 3 to commemorate the 161st birth anniversary of Acharya Sir Prafulla Chand Ray. The event “Contributions of Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray as a Chemist and Freedom Fighter” will be held under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – the celebration of 75 years of Indian Independence.

The two-day international conference aims to expand the legacy and contribution of Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray in society and also increase general awareness about ancient chemistry along with its importance.

Born on August 2 1861, Ray was an eminent chemist, historian, educationist, industrialist and philanthropist. He is credited to have set up the first modern Indian research school in chemistry and is regarded as the father of chemical science in India.

This well-known chemist’s life and work was honoured by the Royal Society of Chemistry with the first ever Chemical Landmark Plaque outside Europe. He founded India’s first pharmaceutical company — Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals and authored “A History of Hindu Chemistry from the Earliest Times to the Middle of the Sixteenth Century”.

A staunch nationalist, he was sympathetic towards the revolutionaries and arranged for their food and stay in his factory. He was described by the British as a “Revolutionary in the garb of a Scientists” and following his death many revolutionaries mentioned his support and help in manufacturing explosives.

A curtain-raiser was held by the organisers of the international conference which was presided by Prof. Balram Pani, Dean, Delhi University in which the scientific contributions of Ray were listed along with his social contributions.

With a view to publicise this Conference, competition and exhibition on the contribution of Ray as a chemist and freedom fighter will be organised across the country.