The World Homoeopathy Day is observed every year on April 10 to commemorate the Birthday of Dr. Hahnemann, the Founder of Homoeopathy. Dr. Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann was a German physician, scholar, linguist and acclaimed scientist.
Homeopathy is a pseudoscientific system of alternative medicine based on the principle of “like cures like,” using highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. With a holistic approach, Homeopathy aims to treat the whole person, considering their physical, emotional, and mental state, as well as their lifestyle and history.
While homeopathy is widely practiced, it is also a subject of considerable scientific controversy, with many studies claiming that homeopathic remedies are no more effective than placebos, and there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of homeopathy to prevent or treat any disease.
On World Homoeopathy Day 2025, here is taking a look into the life and works of Dr. Mahendralal Sarkar, a medical practitioner and social reformer from 19th century Bengal, who claimed that Homeopathy was superior to Western Medicine and made it popular across India.
Who was Dr. Mahendralal Sarkar
Dr. Mahendralal Sarkar (1833-1904) was a Bengali medical doctor, the second MD to graduate from the Calcutta Medical College, who transitioned from allopathy to homeopathy, becoming a leading homeopathic practitioner in India and a key figure in the Indian science movement.
Early Life and Education
Born in the Howrah district of Bengal, Sarkar lost both parents at a young age and was raised by his maternal uncles. He studied at the prestigious Hindu College before joining the Calcutta Medical College, which was then the only institution in Calcutta teaching science.
He obtained his L.M.S. degree after six years of study, followed by the M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) degree, becoming the second MD graduate from the Calcutta Medical College.
Why Dr. Sarkar took interest in Homeopathy
Initially practicing Allopathy, Sarkar became interested in homeopathy after reading William Morgan’s “The Philosophy of Homeopathy” and interacting with Rajendralal Dutt, a prominent homeopathic practitioner based in Calcutta.
A major reason why he started practicing Homeopathy was that the common people of India were unable to afford Western Medicine and many people died due to lack of treatment.
He publicly declared Homeopathy superior to Allopathy in a meeting of the Bengal branch of the British Medical Association, leading to his ostracization by British doctors and a period of professional loss.
Despite the initial challenges, he established himself as a leading homeopathic practitioner in Calcutta and India.
Founder of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science
Dr. Mahendralal Sarkar was the Founder of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS). Sarkar established the IACS, the first native science institution in India, with the goal of promoting scientific studies and fostering a community of Indian scientists.
Founder of The Calcutta Journal of Medicine
He also founded The Calcutta Journal of Medicine to disseminate his views on medicine, homeopathy, and science, serving as its Editor for 20 years.
Notable Patients
Sarkar played a crucial role in promoting homeopathy and gaining recognition for it as a legitimate medical system in India.
He treated many notable people, including author Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay, Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, and the Maharaja of Tripura.
