# Bidhan Chandra Roy

> An eminent Indian physician, freedom fighter, and statesman who served as the second Chief Minister of West Bengal, honored on National Doctors' Day.

## Quick Facts

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Born | 1 July 1882 · Patna, Bengal Presidency |
| Died | 1 July 1962 (aged 80) · Kolkata, West Bengal |
| Education | Calcutta Medical College (LMS) · St Bartholomew's Hospital, London (MRCP, FRCS) |
| Known for | Pioneering modern medical institutions, Second Chief Minister of West Bengal |
| Awards | Bharat Ratna (1961) |
| Nationality | Indian |
**Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy** (1 July 1882 – 1 July 1962) was a legendary Indian physician, educationist, philanthropist, freedom fighter, and politician. He served as the second Chief Minister of West Bengal from 1948 until his death in 1962. Highly respected as the *"Maker of Modern West Bengal"*, he founded multiple major cities (including Durgapur, Bidhannagar, and Kalyani). 

In India, **National Doctors' Day** is celebrated on July 1st every year to honor his birth and death anniversary. He was awarded India's highest civilian honor, the **Bharat Ratna**, on 4 February 1961.

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## Medical Career and Excellence

Dr. Roy's pursuit of medical education is a legendary tale of perseverance:
* **Double Degree**: In London, he was initially rejected by the Dean of St. Bartholomew's Hospital because he was Asian. Undeterred, he applied 30 times before finally securing admission. He completed both the prestigious MRCP (Member of the Royal College of Physicians) and FRCS (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons) simultaneously in just over two years.
* **Clinical Skill**: Upon returning to India, he joined the Provincial Health Service and taught at Calcutta Medical College. He was regarded as a medical genius, often diagnosing complex diseases just by observing a patient’s breathing or gait.
* **Public Health Pioneer**: He played an instrumental role in establishing institutions like the Jadavpur T.B. Hospital, Chittaranjan Seva Sadan, and the Indian Medical Association (IMA).

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## Political Stewardship & Legacy

Despite his success as a physician, Dr. Roy was drawn into the Indian independence movement by Mahatma Gandhi, later becoming Gandhi's personal physician and close friend.

In 1948, he took office as Chief Minister of West Bengal at a time when the state was ravaged by partition, communal violence, and a massive influx of refugees. Through visionary planning, he stabilized the economy, set up heavy industries, and modernised the educational infrastructure. He maintained his medical practice throughout his chief ministership, setting aside an hour daily to treat poor patients for free.

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**Categories:** Eminent physicians · Historical people from Bengal