Bidhan Chandra Roy Biography, Age, Cause of Death, Family, Wife, Children, Net Worth

Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy was an eminent Indian physician, freedom fighter, and statesman, celebrated as the architect of modern West Bengal.

Serving as the second Chief Minister of West Bengal from 1948 until he died in 1962, he transformed the state through visionary leadership in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Bidhan Chandra Roy Biography

Real Name	Bidhan Chandra Roy
Nickname	B.C. Roy
Famous As	Physician, Politician, Freedom Fighter, Chief Minister of West Bengal
Date of Birth	July 1, 1882
Died	July 1, 1962 (Age: 80 years old)
Birthplace	Bankipore, Patna, Bihar, India
Nationality	Indian
Ethnicity	Bengali Kayastha
Religion	Brahmo Samaj
Education	Calcutta Medical College (Graduated 1908)
Height	Unknown
Parents	Mr. and Mrs. Roy
Siblings	Susharbashini, Sarojini, Subodh, Sadhan
Spouse	None
Children	None
Relationship	Single

Early Life and Education

Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy was born on July 1, 1882, in Bankipore, Patna, Bihar, to Mr. and Mrs. Roy, devout followers of the Brahmo Samaj movement.

The youngest of five siblings, including sisters Susharbashini and Sarojini and brothers Subodh and Sadhan, he grew up in a disciplined household that emphasized service and education.

A brilliant student, Bidhan excelled at Patna Collegiate School, passing his matriculation in 1897. He earned his Intermediate in Arts from Presidency College, Calcutta, and a B.A. with honors in mathematics from Patna College.

 Career
Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy’s career was a remarkable blend of medical excellence, political leadership, and social reform. Returning to India in 1911, he joined the Provincial Health Service and taught at Calcutta Medical College, later serving at Campbell Medical School and Carmichael Medical College.

His reputation as a skilled physician grew, as he treated patients ranging from Mahatma Gandhi to the poorest of the poor, often at nominal fees. He founded several medical institutions, including Jadavpur T.B. Hospital, R.G. Kar Medical College, Chittaranjan Seva Sadan (1926), Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital, and Kamala Nehru Hospital, making quality healthcare accessible.

 

In 1928, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Indian Medical Association and later became the first president of the Medical Council of India in 1939.

Inspired by Chittaranjan Das and Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Roy entered politics in 1925, defeating Surendranath Banerjee in the Barrackpore constituency for the Bengal Legislative Council. He joined the Swaraj Party and led Bengal’s Civil Disobedience Movement in 1929, earning a nomination to the Congress Working Committee in 1930.

Arrested during the movement, he served as Mayor of Calcutta from 1931 to 1933, expanding free education, medical aid, and civic infrastructure. As Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University in 1942, he ensured educational continuity during Japanese bombings. In 1948, at Gandhi’s insistence, he became West Bengal’s second Chief Minister, serving until 1962.

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His tenure restored law and order after Partition, rehabilitated refugees, and spearheaded industrial and urban development, founding cities such as Durgapur, Kalyani, Bidhannagar, Ashokenagar, and Habra. His establishment of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling in 1951 reflected his diverse vision.

Dr. Roy’s leadership was marked by integrity and compassion. He supported his team, notably backing Food Minister Prafulla Sen during a 1950s food agitation and creating a special post for an ailing civil servant. His close ties with leaders such as Nehru, Patel, and Bose secured resources for West Bengal’s development.

In India, national doctors day is celebrated in his memory every year on July 1. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 1961.

Awards and Nominations

• Bharat Ratna (1961): India’s highest civilian honor for exceptional contributions to medicine and governance.
• Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa, 1944): Awarded by Calcutta University for supporting education during wartime.
• Mountbatten Award (1962): From the Freedom from Hunger Campaign Committee for efforts in battling hunger and poverty.
• B.C. Roy National Award: Instituted in 1962 in his memory, awarded annually since 1976 for contributions in medicine, politics, science, philosophy, literature, and arts.

Personal Life

Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy remained single, dedicating his life to medicine and public service. A close friend and physician to Mahatma Gandhi, he famously persuaded Gandhi to accept non-swadeshi medicine during a 1933 fast, emphasizing the importance of universal healthcare. An avid gardener, he found solace tending his garden in his rare spare time.

His commitment to the underprivileged was evident in his daily practice of treating patients for free each morning, a habit he maintained until his death on July 1, 1962—his 80th birthday.

Dr. Roy’s humility and empathy shone through in his interactions, from mentoring medical professionals to supporting colleagues like Prafulla Sen.

He willed his home to become a nursing home named after his mother, a reflection of his lifelong devotion to service. His legacy endures through National Doctors’ Day and institutions named in his honor.

Net Worth

Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy’s estimated net worth was approximately $5 million at the time of his death in 1962, adjusted for historical context. His wealth stemmed from his medical practice, academic roles, and political positions; however, he also donated generously to establish medical and social institutions.

Source: https://creebhills.com/2025/07/bidhan-chandra-roy-biography-age