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Prafulla Chandra Ray: the chemist who refused to stay in the lab

Prafulla Chandra Ray, a visionary Indian chemist, founded Bengal Chemical to prove India's manufacturing prowess, challenging British industrial dominance. He believed true scientific freedom meant translating knowledge into tangible products, not just theoretical understanding. Starting with minimal capital, Ray overcame market skepticism to establish a successful enterprise producing diverse goods from medicines to household items. His pioneering efforts demonstrated that a colonized nation could achieve industrial self-reliance. Ray's enduring legacy underscores the critical link between scientific advancement and indigenous manufacturing, inspiring future generations to build and innovate within India.

LiveMint · Sundeep Khanna · Aug 29, 2026 at 1:30 AM

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