Biresh Chandra Guha

Biresh Chandra Guha (8 June 1904 – 20 March 1962) was an Indian biochemist who is widely known as the father of modern biochemistry in India. He helped make biochemistry a separate subject in India and made important contributions to research on vitamins, food science, and nutrition.

Early life and education Guha was born on 8 June 1904 in Mymensingh, in present-day Bangladesh. His ancestral home was in Banaripara, Barisal Division. From a young age, he was influenced by the Swadeshi Movement during India’s fight for independence.

Guha then joined St. Xavier’s College, where he completed his B.Sc. degree with honours in Chemistry in 1923, standing first class first. He earned both a Ph.D. and a D.Sc. from the University of London. He helped introduce a post-graduate course in biochemistry at the university. After nearly a decade in government and administrative roles, Guha returned fully to academic work in 1953 when he resumed his university professorship in Calcutta.

Legacy After his death, Phulrenu Guha donated their house in Ballygunge, Kolkata, to the University of Calcutta for research in biochemistry. The facility is now known as the Guha Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. In his memory, the Indian National Science Academy established the Biresh Chandra Guha Memorial Lecture.