In pics: Business growth talks on Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy’s 163rd birth anniversary

Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy, a pioneering chemist and visionary, laid the foundation of modern science in India. On August 2, to commemorate his 163rd birth anniversary, a collaborative event between Victoria Memorial Hall and Bengal Business Council was held at Victoria Memorial Hall. The Telegraph Online My Kolkata was the digital media partner for the event

The audience listened intently to the panel discussion celebrating Roy’s remarkable contributions to science and entrepreneurship. Scholars and experts shared insights on his work in chemistry and his role in inspiring future generations

(From left) Suvobrata Sarkar, assistant professor, Rabindra Bharati University, Avelo Roy, co-founder and governing body member of Bengal Business Council, Swapan Dasgupta, chief guest, journalist and former MP, and Shivaji Bhattacharya - scientist and honourable member, Board of Trustees, Victoria Memorial Hall, spoke on driving business in Bengal through the philosophy of Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy

Dr Shivaji Bhattacharya, scientist and member, Board of Trustees, Victoria Memorial Hall, said: ‘Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy was a pioneering scientist and philosopher who advocated education and self-reliance among the youth. His life and teachings hold significant relevance for the Bengali youth today, offering invaluable guidance for their future endeavours to reach a meaningful goal of achievements’

Rishav Dey, founding member of Bengal Business Council and director of Dey’s Medical Mfg. Ltd., stressed on youth to embrace the philosophy of Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy in business and innovation. He delved deeper into Roy’s teachings, inspiring young entrepreneurs to drive economic growth and innovation in Bengal

‘Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy is an icon as far as business in Bengal is concerned. In the chemical fraternity, his birthday is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm but the same was not being done in the business fraternity. Hence, we thought of bringing this to people at large,’ said Avishek Auddy, chairman of Bengal Business Council & Chandra’s Chemical Industries (1973) Pvt Ltd. ‘We aim to create new entrepreneurs, which will only be possible when they have people to take pride in. Across India, when people talk about business they talk about people like JRD Tata, the Birlas and so on but people like Roy are not talked about. Yet, he promoted business in Calcutta throughout his life. We believe that if the upcoming generation comes to know about a figure like him, they will definitely take pride.’

Samarendra Kumar, secretary & curator, Victoria Memorial Hall, discussed how Roy’s innovative philosophy can inspire and drive economic growth in West Bengal today

Subhashis Dutta, founder & general secretary of Bengal Business Council, regretted that few remembered Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy’s long and strong history. ‘Today, all we know is APC Road but the significance goes much beyond that. He did not just found Bengal Chemicals but also built it brick by brick. Today, Bengalis have deviated from the path of business hence we look forward to supporting and motivating individuals to take up entrepreneurship as a career,’ he said