Mahendralal Sarkar

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Mahendralal Sarkar

Mahendralal Sarkar (2 February 1833 – 23 February 1904) was an eminent Indian physician and the founder of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), a national institution for higher learning whose primary purpose is the promotion of scientific research. Born in Paikpara, near Kolkata, Sarkar was a pioneering figure in the field of medicine in India during the British Raj.

Early Life and Education

Mahendralal Sarkar was born into a Brahmin family. His early education was traditional, focusing on Sanskrit and ancient Hindu texts. However, his interest in science and medicine led him to pursue Western education. He graduated in medicine from the Calcutta Medical College in 1856, becoming one of the first Indians to qualify as a doctor in Western medicine from this institution.

Career

After completing his education, Sarkar started his practice in Kolkata. He quickly gained fame as a competent physician. His approach to medicine was innovative for his time, combining traditional Indian medical knowledge with Western medical science. This integrative approach was somewhat controversial but also brought him recognition and respect.

Sarkar was deeply influenced by the scientific spirit of the age and was a strong advocate for the promotion of science education in India. His interactions with contemporary intellectuals and scientists, including the British chemist John Tyndall, further motivated him to contribute to the field of science in India.

Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science

In 1876, Mahendralal Sarkar founded the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, aiming to stimulate scientific research and disseminate scientific knowledge among the Indian populace. The IACS was the first national science institution in India, established entirely by Indians. Sarkar's vision was to create a platform where Indians could pursue scientific research without having to go abroad. The IACS later played a crucial role in the development of science in India, and it was here that C.V. Raman discovered the Raman Effect, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.

Legacy

Mahendralal Sarkar's contributions to the field of medicine and science in India are significant. He was a visionary who recognized the importance of scientific research and education in the development of the country. His efforts in establishing the IACS laid the foundation for scientific advancements in India. Sarkar is remembered not only as a pioneering physician but also as an educator and institution builder. His life and work continue to inspire generations of scientists and doctors in India.

Death

Mahendralal Sarkar passed away on 23 February 1904. His legacy is carried on through the IACS, which remains a premier scientific research institution in India.