English: Doctor and philanthropist

Born: October 1, 1861 Died: May 18, 1943

Born in a poor family, Nil Ratan started his education at the local school in 24-Parganas. He took his medical degree from Calcutta University. Though his private practice flourished, he was known for his kindness and would treat poor patients for free. He had a major role in the setting up of the Indian Medical Association.

He was the co-founder of Carmichael Medical College which later became R.G. Kar Medical College. He was Calcutta University vice-chancellor from 1919 to 1921. He was active in the Indian National Congress and invested generously in various national industrial projects. He was a trustee at Basu Vijnan Mandir, Visva Bharati and the Indian Museum. After his death, the Campbell Medical School in Sealdah, where Sarkar had died, was renamed after him as Dr Nilratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital. He was honoured by the Oxford and Cambridge universities.