Vikram Sarabhai Birth Anniversary: Interesting Facts About Father Of India's Space Programme

Vikram Sarabhai, often hailed as the father of India's space programme, played a pivotal role in advancing science in the country, particularly in the realm of space exploration.

Born on August 12, 1919, in Ahmedabad, Sarabhai was part of a prominent family of forward-thinking industrialists, being one of eight children of Ambalal and Sarla Devi. He received his early education at a private school called 'Retreat,' run by his parents.

Sarabhai’s deep interest in solar physics and cosmic rays led him to establish several observation stations across India. In 1945, he returned to Cambridge, completing his PhD in 1947.

Following his return to India, Sarabhai played a key role in founding the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad in November 1947. Initially set up in a few rooms at the MG Science Institute of the Ahmedabad Education Society, the laboratory received crucial support from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Department of Atomic Energy.

Sarabhai worked at PRL from 1966 to 1971, while his influence extended to multiple organizations. In 1962, he established the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), which eventually led to the creation of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), marking a turning point in India’s pursuit of space exploration. The establishment of ISRO stands as one of Sarabhai's most significant contributions to India. After Russia's launch of Sputnik, he successfully convinced the central government of the importance of a space programme for a developing nation like India.

 

Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha, regarded as the father of India's nuclear science programme, supported Sarabhai in setting up the country’s first rocket launching station at Thumba, near Thiruvananthapuram on the Arabian Sea coast.

Sarabhai’s passion for science education led him to establish a community science centre in Ahmedabad in 1966, which is now known as the Vikram Sarabhai Community Science Centre.

Dr. Sarabhai greatly contributed to the nation's education sector, establishing institutions like the Nehru Foundation for Development in Ahmedabad, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), and the Ahmedabad Textile Industry's Research Association (ATIRA). Beyond academics, he also had a profound impact on the arts, co-founding the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts with his wife, Mrinalini Sarabhai, a renowned classical dancer.

In recognition of his contributions, Sarabhai was awarded the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Medal in 1962. He was also honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 1966 and posthumously with the Padma Vibhushan in 1972.