Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy
Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy was born in a Bengali family in Patna. His father, Prakash Chandra Roy, was an excise inspector. Bidhan was a brilliant student from his early days. He completed his graduation in Mathematics from Patna College and later joined the University of Calcutta, where he studied medicine at the Calcutta Medical College.
Determined to enhance his medical knowledge, he applied to St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London for further studies. Initially rejected multiple times due to racial discrimination, his persistence finally paid off, and he was accepted. He completed both his MRCP (Member of the Royal College of Physicians) and FRCS (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons) in just over two years—a rare accomplishment.
Medical Career
Returning to India, Dr. Roy became a highly respected physician. He joined the Calcutta Medical College as a teacher and practitioner, and also served at the Campbell Medical School and the Carmichael Medical College. His dedication to service and expertise earned him widespread recognition.
Dr. Roy was not just a clinician but a pioneer in public health and hospital infrastructure. He played a key role in the establishment of several important institutions in West Bengal, including:
Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital
Chittaranjan Seva Sadan
Kolkata’s College of Physicians and Surgeons
Victoria Institution (College)
Jadavpur T.B. Hospital
Political Career
Dr. Roy entered politics inspired by the ideals of the Indian freedom movement. He joined the Indian National Congress and became a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. He was elected to the Bengal Legislative Council in 1923.
Following India’s independence, he became the second Chief Minister of West Bengal in 1948, succeeding Prafulla Chandra Ghosh. He remained in office until his death in 1962.
During his tenure, he focused on:
Rebuilding post-Partition West Bengal
Industrial and infrastructural development
Establishing five key cities: Durgapur, Kalyani, Ashokenagar, Habra, and Bidhan Nagar (Salt Lake City)
Promoting education and healthcare
His governance balanced industrial development with welfare and humanistic values, and he was known for his incorruptibility and work ethic.
Recognition and Legacy
Bharat Ratna: Awarded in 1961, India’s highest civilian honor
National Doctors’ Day: Celebrated in India on July 1st, in his memory—his birth and death date
Remembered as a model statesman and an ideal physician
Dr. Roy left behind a legacy of service, integrity, and visionary leadership. He bridged the worlds of science, service, and politics seamlessly, earning him admiration across the country.
Death
Dr. B.C. Roy passed away on his 80th birthday, July 1, 1962, after serving West Bengal tirelessly for over a decade. In a symbolic gesture of selflessness, he donated his house for the welfare of the public.