Monday, May 27, 2019
Biography of Bidhan Chandra Roy:
Bidhan Chandra Roy (B.C. Roy), born on July 1, 1882, in Patna, Bihar, India, was a prominent Indian physician, freedom fighter, and politician. He played a crucial role in the development of the field of medicine in India and served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal for an extended period.
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| Biography of Bidhan Chandra Roy |
Here is a brief biography of Bidhan Chandra Roy:
Early Life and Education of Bidhan Chandra Roy:
Bidhan Chandra Roy was born into a Bengali family. His father, Prakash Chandra Roy, was a civil surgeon. Bidhan Chandra showed early promise in academics and went on to complete his initial education in Patna. He later moved to Calcutta (now Kolkata) for higher studies.
Roy attended the prestigious Presidency College in Calcutta, where he excelled in his studies. He pursued his medical education at the Calcutta Medical College, graduating with honors in 1906. He continued his medical studies in the United Kingdom, obtaining further qualifications from the University of Edinburgh and the University of London.
Medical Career:
After returning to India, B.C. Roy began his medical career and established himself as a renowned physician. He played a crucial role in establishing modern medical practices in India and contributed significantly to the development of medical education and healthcare infrastructure.
Roy's dedication to medicine and public health earned him widespread respect, and he became a prominent figure in the medical community. He served as the physician to several members of the Indian National Congress, including Mahatma Gandhi.
Political Career of Bidhan Chandra Roy:
Bidhan Chandra Roy entered politics and played an active role in the Indian independence movement. He was deeply involved in the Quit India Movement of 1942. After India gained independence in 1947, Roy continued his political career, aligning himself with the Indian National Congress.
In 1948, Bidhan Chandra Roy was elected as the Chief Minister of West Bengal, succeeding Dr. Prafulla Chandra Ghosh. He remained in office until his death in 1962, making him the longest-serving Chief Minister in the history of West Bengal. During his tenure, he focused on various developmental projects, including healthcare, education, and industrialization.
Bidhan Chandra Roy's Contributions to Healthcare:
B.C. Roy's commitment to public health led to significant improvements in healthcare infrastructure in West Bengal. He initiated various healthcare programs, established new medical colleges and hospitals, and worked towards ensuring healthcare accessibility for all sections of society.
The establishment of the Indian Medical Council in 1934 and the Medical Council of India in 1956 are among his notable contributions to medical governance in the country.
Awards and Recognition:
In recognition of his contributions to the field of medicine and public service, Bidhan Chandra Roy was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1961. He remains the only physician to have received this honor.
Legacy:
Bidhan Chandra Roy passed away on July 1, 1962. His legacy lives on through the healthcare institutions and policies he established. The Dr. B.C. Roy National Award was instituted in his honor to recognize excellence in the field of medicine. The B.C. Roy Memorial Hospital in Haldia and the B.C. Roy Technology Hospital in IIT Kharagpur are named in his memory.
Bidhan Chandra Roy is remembered not only as a distinguished physician but also as a visionary political leader who made significant contributions to the development of West Bengal and the broader Indian nation.