Bidhan Chandra Roy

Bidhan Chandra Roy (1 July 1882 – 1 July 1962) was an eminent Indian physician, educationist, philanthropist, freedom fighter and politician who served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal from 1948 until his death in 1962. He is one of the few people in history to have obtained both an FRCS and an MRCP degree.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Bidhan Chandra Roy was born on 1 July 1882 in the small village of Bengal Presidency, now in Bangladesh. He completed his Intermediate of Science from Presidency College, Kolkata and then went on to study medicine at the Calcutta Medical College. After obtaining his medical degree, he went to England to pursue higher studies and earned the FRCS and MRCP degrees.

Career[edit | edit source]

Upon his return to India, Roy began his medical career in Kolkata. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Indian Medical Association in 1928 and the Medical Council of India. He also played a key role in the establishment of the Indian Institute of Mental Health, the Infectious Disease Hospital and the first-ever postgraduate medical college in Kolkata.

In addition to his medical career, Roy was also deeply involved in politics. He was elected to the Bengal Legislative Council in 1925 and later served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta. In 1948, he was appointed as the second Chief Minister of West Bengal and served in the position until his death in 1962.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Roy's contributions to the field of medicine and politics have left a lasting impact on India. His birth anniversary is celebrated as National Doctors' Day in India. The Dr. B.C. Roy Award, instituted in his memory, is given out every year to recognize outstanding contributions in the field of medicine.