Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray, one of the pioneers of scientific research in modern India, is considered Father of Indian Chemistry. Known for his path-breaking research in Industrial Chemistry, he earned his D.Sc. from Edinburgh University in 1887. He was an indefatigable patriot with a saintly self-less character.
Ray was born in 1861. As a young under-graduate student of Edinburgh University in 1885, Ray sent his essay India: Before and After the Mutiny for a competition organised by the University. Though considered the best entry, the essay was not awarded for obvious reasons. The essay shows the young talent's maturity and patriotism. Ray somehow got it published in a book form in 1886.