PC Ray’s 165th Birth Anniversary Marked in Paikgachha as Memorial Council Submits Four-Point Memorandum

The 165th birth anniversary of renowned Bengali scientist Sir Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray will be observed in Paikgachha on Sunday, August 2, with a series of programs organized by the Khulna district administration.

The anniversary program will include floral tributes at Ray’s portrait, a discussion session and cultural events, according to Paikgachha Upazila Executive Officer Wasiuzzaman Chowdhury.

Khulna Divisional Commissioner Abdullah Harun is scheduled to attend the event as the chief guest, while Khulna Deputy Commissioner Hure Jannat will chair the program.

Meanwhile, the Sir PC Ray Memorial Council has submitted a four-point memorandum to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, seeking measures to preserve and promote the scientist’s legacy.

The memorandum was submitted on Saturday through local Member of Parliament Alhaj Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Upazila Executive Officer Wasiuzzaman Chowdhury.

Born on August 2, 1861, in Raruli village of Paikgachha, Prafulla Chandra Ray was a pioneering chemist, researcher, educator, entrepreneur, writer and philanthropist.

He gained international recognition for his research and discoveries, including work on mercurous nitrite and other chemical compounds. In 1901, he established Bengal Chemical and Pharmaceutical Works, one of the earliest indigenous pharmaceutical enterprises in undivided Bengal.

Ray also contributed to education, science, industry and social development. In his native Raruli, he supported educational institutions and cooperative initiatives and promoted economic and social development.

The memorial council said Ray's ideas on industrialization, agriculture, education, employment and social reform remain relevant today. It urged the government to take concrete steps to preserve his historical legacy.

Four demands

The memorandum calls for:

Naming the under-construction second campus of Khulna University in Paikgachha “Scientist P.C. Ray Agricultural Institute.” Preserving Ray’s historic ancestral homestead in Raruli and developing it as a modern tourist and heritage center. Including his life and contributions in school and academic textbooks. Upgrading and nationalizing educational institutions established in the names of his parents.

The council said implementation of the demands would help introduce younger generations to Ray’s contributions and inspire them toward science, education, patriotism and public service.

Sir PC Ray Memorial Council President Dr. Muhammad Kawsar Ali Gazi, Senior Vice-President Professor Ashok Kumar Ghosh, Vice-President Principal A.K.M. Golam Azam, agricultural scientist Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid and General Secretary Engineer Rafiqul Alam Sardar were among those present.

Other attendees included local political and community representatives.

Ray was born on August 2, 1861, and died on June 16, 1944, at the age of 82.