Upendranath Brahmachari

Scientist Sir Upendra Nath Brahmachari

Upendranath Brahmachari (19 December 1873 – 6 February 1946) was an eminent Indian scientist and a leading figure in the field of medicine and biomedical research. He is best known for his discovery of the compound Urea Stibamine, which played a pivotal role in the treatment of kala-azar, a deadly disease caused by the parasite Leishmania donovani. His groundbreaking work not only saved millions of lives in India but also set a new direction in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis worldwide.

Early Life and Education

Upendranath Brahmachari was born in Jamalpur, Bihar, India, into a Bengali Hindu family. He pursued his early education in Calcutta (now Kolkata), showing a keen interest in the sciences from a young age. Brahmachari completed his Bachelor of Science degree with honors in Chemistry from the prestigious Presidency College, Kolkata. Following this, he went on to study medicine at the Medical College Bengal where he obtained his M.B. degree in 1900 and later, his M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) in 1902. His academic excellence was evident through his university years, where he was awarded several scholarships and medals for his outstanding performance.

Career and Research

After completing his education, Brahmachari joined the Medical College Hospital, Kolkata as a physician. He also served as a professor of pathology and later as the head of the department at the same institution. His research interests were primarily focused on tropical diseases, which were rampant and posed significant health challenges in India during that time.

The most significant achievement of Brahmachari's career came in 1922 when he discovered Urea Stibamine, an organic compound effective against kala-azar. Before his discovery, the disease was almost always fatal due to the lack of effective treatments. Brahmachari's work not only provided a cure for kala-azar but also opened new avenues for research in chemotherapy of parasitic diseases.

Legacy

Upendranath Brahmachari's contributions to medical science and research were widely recognized. He was honored with the title of Sir by the British government in 1934. Furthermore, he was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1929 for his work on kala-azar. Although he did not win, his nomination itself speaks volumes about the impact of his work.

Brahmachari was also actively involved in philanthropy, using his own resources to fund the establishment of a hospital for kala-azar patients. His dedication to healthcare and research exemplifies his commitment to the welfare of humanity.

Death and Honors

Sir Upendranath Brahmachari passed away on 6 February 1946, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire scientists and researchers around the globe. In recognition of his contributions, several institutions and awards in India have been named in his honor, ensuring that his pioneering work and humanitarian efforts are remembered.

See Also

• Biomedical research in India
• History of medicine in India
• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine