About this stamp
Ram Nath Chopra’s remarkable contributions to the field of pharmacology have earned him the rightful title of the Father of Pharmacology in India. Born on August 17, 1882, Chopra’s journey towards this distinction began with his pursuit of an M.D. degree at Cambridge University, where his groundbreaking work in experimental pharmacology laid the foundation for his illustrious career.
Upon returning to India, Chopra assumed the role of the first Professor of Pharmacology at the Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine in 1921, simultaneously leading the Department of Pharmacology at the Calcutta Medical College. This dual responsibility provided him with a unique platform to elevate pharmacology within the Indian medical landscape.
Chopra’s influence extended beyond academia as he inspired budding Indian scientists to explore pharmacology and delve into scientific investigations of traditional Indian herbal remedies. Notably, his pioneering research on Rauwolfia serpentina, known as Sarpagandha in Ayurveda, marked the first systematic study of this herb, contributing significantly to the understanding of its medicinal properties.
His extensive publications, including works such as “Indigenous Drugs of India,” “Glossary of Indian Medical Plants,” and “Drug Addiction in India,” are revered as seminal contributions to Indian pharmacology, serving as enduring references in the field.
Chopra’s tireless advocacy led to the incorporation of indigenous drugs studied at the Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine into the first Indian Pharmacopoeia compiled in 1955. Moreover, his collaboration with Dr. B. Mukherjee culminated in the establishment of the Central Drug Research Institute in Lucknow, marking a significant milestone in India’s pharmaceutical research landscape.
In recognition of his exemplary contributions, Chopra received numerous honors and awards, including knighthood by the British Government in 1941, the Minto Gold Medal, and the Squibb award. His legacy lives on through his pioneering work, which continues to shape the practice and understanding of pharmacology in India.
Beyond his professional achievements, Chopra was revered for his humility, courtesy, and kindness, embodying the ethos of a true leader and mentor in the field of pharmacology.
Ram Nath Chopra’s passing on June 13, 1973, marked the end of an era, but his indelible legacy endures, celebrated by the issuance of a commemorative stamp by the Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department in honor of his unparalleled contributions to the advancement of pharmacology in India.
