Prafulla Chandra Ray, a pioneering Indian chemist and industrialist, founded Bengal Chemicals and Pharmaceutical Works Ltd in Calcutta (now Kolkata, West Bengal).

It was India’s first pharmaceutical company, producing chemicals and medicines indigenously using locally available materials.

This initiative was crucial in reducing India’s dependence on imported pharmaceuticals and played a significant role in the country’s self-reliance in chemical production.

Prafulla Chandra Ray was the first scientist to synthesize pure ammonium nitrite (NH₄NO₂).

His discovery was significant for chemical research and industry, particularly in the study of nitrogen-based compounds.

Bengal Chemicals later became a leading producer of medicines, antiseptics, and industrial chemicals.

Ray’s work laid the foundation for modern chemical research and industrial chemistry in India.

His contributions extended beyond chemistry; he was also a strong advocate for industrialization and scientific temper in India.

Prafulla Chandra Ray’s vision and pioneering efforts not only transformed India’s chemical industry but also inspired future generations of scientists and entrepreneurs.