Eminent chemist Asima Chatterjee was born on this day. She is remembered for her significant contributions to medicinal chemistry. Among the most important work are research on vinca alkaloids and development of anti-epileptic and anti-malarial drugs. Her work on the medicinal value of plants is also remarkable.
She was the first woman to receive a doctorate of science degree from an Indian university. In 1944, she was appointed honorary lecturer in chemistry, Calcutta University. She left for the US for research after this. On her return, she was elected a fellow of the National Institute of Sciences of India (now Indian National Science Academy) in 1960. She was the first woman to be elected as general president of the Indian Science Congress. She was respected for her immense dedication to research at a time university laboratories were very ill-equipped and financial assistance was meagre.