Bengal Chemicals: India’s Industrial Pioneer

 INTRODUCTION:

A Humble Beginning In the heart of Kolkata, a passionate chemist named Acharya

Prafulla Chandra Ray started a small venture in 1892. He rented house at 91 Upper
Circular Road, Kolkata and founded Bengal Chemical Works with a capital of ₹700
(equivalent to ₹270,000 or US$3,400 in 2023). Ray founded the company as an
individual initiative with the intention with fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship
among the Bengali youth, and provide an alternative to jobs from the colonial British
government. The company presented its herbal products the 1893 session of the
Indian Medical Congress in Kolkata.

The reputation of the company grew, and Ray added additional funds of ₹2 lakh
(equivalent to ₹7.2 crore or US$900,000 in 2023) to the company to increase the
scale of production. The business was converted into a Limited Company, and on 12
April 1901 the company was renamed Bengal Chemical and Pharmaceutical Works
Ltd. (BCPW), retaining the same premises at 91 Upper Circular Road, Calcutta. In
1908, John Cumming wrote in the "Review of the Industrial Position and Prospects in
Bengal" that the "enterprise shows signs of resourcefulness and business capacity,
which should be an object lesson to capitalists of this province".

From a beginning with one factory in Kolkata's Maniktala in 1905, three more
factories were established – one in Panihati in 1920, one in Mumbai in 1938, and one
in Kanpur in 1949, with its registered office at 6, Ganesh Chandra Avenue, Kolkata.

The company began to struggle after Roy's death in 1944, and started making losses
in the mid-1950s. The management of the company was taken over by the Union
government on 15 December 1977, followed by nationalisation on 15 December
1980. The new public sector undertaking was named Bengal Chemicals &
Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (BCPL), and was launched on 27 March 1981. As its losses
continued, BCPL was referred to the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction
in 1992.

The company was more than just a business; it was a symbol of hope and self-
reliance. Acharya Ray’s dream was to inspire Indian people to start their own
companies and make products that India could be proud of. Today, Bengal
Chemicals is not just a name in the history books. It’s a reminder of the power of
dreams and the importance of believing in ourselves. It shows us that with passion
and hard work, we can create something lasting and significant.
  Reasons behind the setting up :

Reason for Establishment Bengal Chemicals, founded by Acharya Prafulla Chandra

Ray in 1901, was set up to inspire the youth of Bengal to embrace entrepreneurship
over jobs offered by the British rulers. Ray’s vision was to make India self-reliant and
to foster a spirit of self-sufficiency among Indians. He aimed to manufacture quality
chemicals, drugs, pharmaceuticals, and home products using indigenous technology
and raw materials. BCPL became India’s first government-owned pharmaceutical
manufacturer, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance.

 List of Products manufactured:

Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (BCPL) is a renowned company that manufactures a
wide range of products. Here are some of the products manufactured by them:

I. Industrial Chemicals: - alum, bleaching powder

II. Bulk Drugs: - generic drugs, such as analgesics, antipyretics, antimicrobials (including
antifungals, antibiotics and anti-tubercular drugs) and antiseptics; and branded drugs
like Ray Cal (calcium with vitamin D3 and vitamin B12) and Hospitol (chloroxylenol)
III. Perfumeries:- These are used to create fragrances for personal and home care
products.
IV. Cosmetics:- These are used for beautification and skin health.
V. Toiletries:- These are used for personal hygiene and cleanliness.
VI. Hospital & Surgical Equipment:- These are used in healthcare facilities for patient
care and surgical procedures.
VII. Fire Extinguisher:- This is used for safety purposes to control or extinguish small
fires.

They also produce specific products such as:

1. Benclox 250 mg/250 mg Capsule: This is a medicine used to treat bacterial

infections.
2. Citrasol Liquid: This is a cleaning product.
3. Eutheria Cream: This is a skincare product.
4. Pheneol Liquid: This is a disinfectant used for cleaning.
5. Eutheria Ointment: This is a skincare product.
6. Aqua Ptychotis Oral Liquid: This is a digestive aid.
 In addition, they offer:

1. Anti Cold / Cough Syrup / Anti Asthmatic: These are used to treat cold, cough,
and asthma symptoms.
2. Anti Ametics & Anti Nauseants: These are used to prevent nausea and vomiting.
3. Restorative Tonics / Enzymes: These are used to restore health and vitality.
4. Gynaec Products: These are used for women’s health and wellness.

Production of Hydroxychloroquine during COVID-19 pandemic:

In view of the Indian Council of Medical Research recommending hydroxychloroquine for

prophylaxis against COVID-19, BCPL received clearance to start manufacturing the drug.

 National and Global recognition:-

National Recognition: BCPL is a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of
Chemicals and Fertilizers in India. It has made significant contributions to the Indian
pharmaceutical industry, which is the 3rd largest market for Active Pharmaceutical
Ingredients (APIs) globally.

Record Production: BCPL achieved its highest ever pheneol production of Rs 8.3 Crore in
August 2020, which is an all-time record in the 120-year history of the company.

Global Recognition: India contributes 57% of APIs to the prequalified list of the World
Health Organization (WHO), and BCPL is a significant contributor to this.

Revival and Modernization: The company was declared sick by the Board for Industrial and
Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) in 1993. A revival package was approved in 1995, and the
company has since modernized its plants and machinery.

 Other works of The Founder:-

Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray, the founder of Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd., was
a multifaceted personality with significant contributions in various fields. Here are some of
his other significant works:

Scientific Research: Ray was a renowned chemist who discovered several ground breaking
chemical compounds, including mercurous nitrite1. He published more than 150 research
papers in prestigious science journals2.

Education: Ray was a dedicated educator. He served as an assistant professor of Chemistry at

the Presidency College in Calcutta and established a research laboratory there3.
Literary Works: Ray had a keen interest in ancient texts. He authored “The History of Hindu
Chemistry,” a comprehensive study of the subject from the earliest times to the middle of the
sixteenth century1.

Philanthropy: Ray was known for his philanthropic activities. He gave away his wealth for the
betterment of society4.

Social Work: Ray was a passionate social worker who did not support the caste system3.

Entrepreneurship: Apart from founding Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, Ray set an
example by establishing the first significant chemical industry in India4.

His life and work have left a lasting impact on the fields of chemistry, education, and industry
in India and beyond. He is fondly remembered as the "Father of Indian Chemistry”

 Conclusion:-
Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd., established by Acharya P.C. Ray, has made
significant contributions to India's chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Despite
facing challenges, the company has demonstrated resilience and innovation, earning
both national and global recognition. Its diverse product range caters to various
sectors, reflecting its adaptability and commitment to serving society. The company's
success story serves as an inspiration for other Indian industries, embodying the spirit
of self-reliance and indigenous development. Ray's legacy continues to influence and
inspire, making BCPL a symbol of India's industrial progress.