Architect of Modern Bengal

Amidst new challenges such as climate change, healthcare disparities, and educational gaps, BC Roy's model of inclusive and compassionate governance remains profoundly relevant

- Debasish Sur

On this solemn occasion of July 1, 2025, we honor the life and legacy of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, a visionary whose influence continues to be deeply etched into the physical, political, and moral fabric of West Bengal and the Indian nation.

As we mark his 143rd birth anniversary, we remember him not only as an accomplished physician and beloved public servant but also as a compassionate leader who redefined statesmanship with dedication, intellect, and humility.

Dr Roy was born on July 1, 1882, in Bankipore, Patna, then a part of the Bengal Presidency in British India. The fifth child of Prakash Chandra Roy and Aghorkamini Devi, he was profoundly shaped by his mother's values of discipline, empathy, and service. These early lessons guided his life's work. He first pursued mathematics at Presidency College in Kolkata, displaying exceptional academic promise.

Determined to serve society through medicine, he joined Calcutta Medical College, where he excelled despite financial constraints and the rigorous demands of the program.

His thirst for knowledge and excellence led him to London, where he attempted both the MRCP (Membership of the Royal College of Physicians) and the FRCS (Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons) simultaneously. Remarkably, he secured both qualifications within just over two years—an achievement still considered unparalleled in medical history.

Upon returning to India, Dr Roy began practicing medicine and teaching at Calcutta Medical College. He quickly gained repute not only for his exceptional clinical skills but also for his deep empathy and unwavering commitment to patient care, regardless of a patient's background or wealth. Among his many patients was Mahatma Gandhi, who came to respect him immensely.