Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy was an Indian physician and politician whose life exemplified dedication, excellence, and service to his people and his profession. Born and raised in what is now Bangladesh, Roy went on to become one of the most influential figures in the history of West Bengal, shaping the state’s development and leaving a lasting legacy in the fields of medicine and politics.
Early Life and Education
Bidhan Chandra Roy was born on 1 July 1882 in the village of Bankipore, located in the Patna district of what was then Bengal Presidency and is now Bangladesh. He was the fourth child and only son of Prakash Chandra Roy and Agamani Devi. Roy’s father, a postal employee, ensured that he received a good education.
After completing his primary education in Patna, Roy moved to Calcutta (now Kolkata) for his higher studies. He enrolled at the renowned Presidency College, where he excelled in his studies and graduated with a degree in arts in 1901. Roy then made a pivotal decision to pursue medicine, driven by his desire to serve the nation through healthcare. He secured admission to the prestigious Calcutta Medical College in 1902 and completed his medical education with distinction in 1909.
Medical Career
Roy began his medical career as a physician at the Rangpur Hospital in Bengal (now in Bangladesh). However, his passion for serving the underprivileged soon led him to resign from this position and join the Calcutta Municipal Corporation as a medical officer. During this time, he also started his private practice, offering free or low-cost treatment to those who couldn’t afford it.
In 1911, Roy traveled to England to further his medical knowledge and skills. He worked at various hospitals in London and obtained memberships in the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) and the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) in 1916. Upon his return to India, he joined the Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine and became a leading figure in the fight against diseases like cholera, malaria, and plague.
Political Career
Bidhan Chandra Roy’s entry into politics was fueled by his nationalist sentiments and desire to see an independent India. He actively participated in the Indian freedom struggle and was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. During the Quit India Movement of 1942, Roy treated Gandhi when he fell ill in Calcutta.
In 1947, Roy was elected as the second Chief Minister of West Bengal, a role he held until his death in 1962. As Chief Minister, he played a pivotal role in the state’s post-partition reconstruction and development. He founded several new towns, including Salt Lake, Kalyani, and Durgapur, and laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Calcutta Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA).
Contributions to Medicine
Throughout his political career, Roy remained committed to the medical profession. He was instrumental in establishing the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and served as its president from 1928 to 1930. He also played a key role in the formation of the Medical Council of India and the National Medical College in Calcutta.
Roy’s contributions to medicine were recognized internationally as well. He was elected as the Vice-President of the International Congress of Tropical Medicine in 1927 and later served as its President in 1937. He was also a member of the League of Red Cross Societies and was awarded the prestigious Kaisar-i-Hind Medal for his outstanding contributions to public health and relief work during the First World War.
Social Reform and Philanthropy
Bidhan Chandra Roy believed in the power of education to transform lives. He established several educational institutions, including the Bidhan Chandra College in Asansol and the Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya in Nadia district. He also founded the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology in Shibpur, Howrah, and played a key role in the development of Jadavpur University.
Roy was also a prominent social reformer. He actively campaigned against the practice of child marriage and promoted women’s education and empowerment. He supported the upliftment of underprivileged sections of society and worked towards improving the living conditions of refugees who migrated to West Bengal after partition.
Death and Legacy
Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy passed away on 1 July 1962, his 80th birthday. His life came full circle, underscoring his unwavering commitment to his people and his profession. To honor his memory, India celebrates National Doctors’ Day annually on July 1.
Roy’s legacy is evident in the numerous institutions and cities he helped establish, as well as in the lives he touched through his medical and political career. He remains an inspiration for his dedication to public service, his commitment to social reform, and his unwavering patriotism.
Today, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy is remembered as a visionary leader and a compassionate healer. His contributions to medicine and politics have left an indelible mark on the state of West Bengal and the nation as a whole. He continues to inspire future generations with his unwavering dedication, humility, and spirit of service.
Conclusion
In the life and work of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, we find a shining example of what it means to be a true leader and a selfless servant of the people. His legacy serves as a reminder that the greatest impact is often made through a combination of expertise, compassion, and a deep sense of social responsibility. As we commemorate his birth and death anniversary, let us strive to embody the values he stood for and continue his mission of service and progress.
