Jagadishchandra Bose was very
busy throughout his life. He had no time to think of the problems of the household. His
wife Abala Bose looked after their home all by herself; he did not have to think of the
management of the house. She was herself a student of medicine when her marriage to Bose
was settled. Bose's parents were very kind and generous; they had helped many people with
money. So, at the time of Bose's marriage the family was in heavy debts. Jagadishchandra
Bose had to repay the debts. So Abala Bose was very, very careful in spending money, and
saved as much as possible. Unfortunately the Bose couple had only one child, which did not
live long. They looked after the students as-their children. Abala Bose started girls'
school in Calcutta and took upon herself the responsibility of maintaining it. She went
with her husband when he went to foreign countries, and even helped in his scientific
work.
Jagadishchandra Bose has a permanent place in the world of science,
especially in Botany. He began the Age of Modem Science in India and deserves honour for
this. He had all the qualities that research requires. He had keen powers of observation
and he was patient. He was also a very good lecturer. His students loved his lectures. He
did not teach only for the sake of the examination. Students should study books and study
what the teacher teaches; but this is not enough; they should use their brains and think
for themselves; they should be eager to discover new knowledge - this is what he taught
his students. He encouraged them to observe, to experiment and to think, without depending
only on books and teachers.
Jagadishchandra Bose died in November 1937. To the very end he was busy
with research.
Wealth and power never attracted Jagadishchandra Bose. He toiled for
science like a saint, selflessly. This great scientist is a great example to all.