A pioneer of chemical research in India, Prafulla Chandra Ray joined the Presidency College as a lecturer in chemistry in 1889 after completing higher education at the Edinburgh University. With the help of a renowned French chemist, Berthelot, he did commendable research work in Ayurveda. His work History of Hindu Chemistry was published in 1902. In 1892, he founded Bengal Chemical and Pharmaceutical Works which progressed phenomenally under his guidance. He attended several international science congresses and seminars as a representative of Indian universities. In 1920, he was elected President of Indian Science Congress.
Prafulla Chandra Ray’s ultimate aim was to make use of the wonders of science for the uplift of the masses. He wrote several articles on science which were published in leading journals of the time. Also an ardent social worker, he was actively involved in famine relief work in 1922 in north Bengal. He advocated the use of khadi and started several cottage industries. A firm believer in rationalism, he condemned the decadent social customs such as un-touchability. He continued with his constructive social-reform work till his death.