Meet the Jesuit Priest Who Sparked a Scientific Revolution in India

October 25, 2025: When Fr. Eugène Lafont landed in Calcutta in December 1865, he brought more than a priest’s robes—he carried the mind of a scientist and the heart of an educator. Trained in Belgium’s Jesuit tradition, he fused faith with curiosity, turning his passion for discovery into a mission to make India a centre for modern science—from the labs of Collège de Sainte-Barbe to the lively streets of Bengal.

Building India’s First Science Laboratory

At St. Xavier’s College, Calcutta, Lafont set up India’s first modern science laboratory and rooftop observatory, revolutionizing science instruction at a time when most institutions had little to offer beyond theory. Students experienced hands-on learning, rare experiments, and the chance to use pioneering equipment that put Calcutta at the forefront of Indian scientific education.​

Cyclone Prediction: Science In Action

In November 1867, Lafont used his meteorological knowledge to forecast a catastrophic cyclone in Calcutta—an achievement the British authorities missed, but one celebrated in the press for saving countless lives. His work placed him among the earliest scientists to bring applied science to everyday life in India, earning him public respect and attention.​

Championing Science for All Indians

Lafont insisted that students at St. Xavier’s—and later the wider public—should learn physical sciences through demonstrations and lectures, defying the British tendency to restrict science education in India. He published forecasts in major Calcutta newspapers and organized public experiments, making science not just accessible but exciting for the local community.​

The Birth of India’s Scientific Societies

Lafont’s legacy extended far beyond the classroom. He co-founded India’s first Scientific Society, giving Indian intellects a platform for research and collaboration. His support for Mahendralal Sircar helped spark the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, which nurtured future greats like Jagadish Chandra Bose and Prafulla Chandra Ray.​

A Legacy of Discovery

Lafont’s unique style fused European innovation with local ambition, mentoring a generation whose breakthroughs would gain international recognition—even against colonial odds. His insistence on dignity and autonomy for Indian scientific minds laid the groundwork for a national movement that went on to challenge the world.​

Enduring Influence

Eugène Lafont died in Darjeeling in 1908, but the science institutions he built, and the practical spirit he imbued, continue to shape India’s journey in research and education. His story proves that the path to Indian scientific independence was not just about resistance—it was built on collaboration, vision, and a shared commitment to progress

By Catholic Connect Reporter