Vikram Sarabhi

Vikram Sarabhi

Dr. Vikram A. Sarabhai, was Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and head of India’s Department of Atomic Energy

Baba was not meeting the public in Bangalore, but at 3:30 P.M. on Sunday, 12 November 1939, he made an exception. He granted a few minutes of darshan to three accomplished young men: a Western author and art critic named Francis Watson, 32; an Indian science student, Vikram Sarabhai, 20, who was studying at Cambridge; and another Indian, Kittu Purna, a former student at Oxford. Baba told them to come back after a month, when he would answer any questions they had.

Refr: Lord Meher Online Edition Page 2047 year 1939

Vikram Sarabhai – The Visionary Pioneer of India’s Space Program
Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai (1919–1971) was a pioneering Indian physicist, astronomer, and institution builder, best known as the father of the Indian space program. His visionary leadership laid the foundation for India’s remarkable advancements in space exploration and technology.

Early Life and Education
Born on August 12, 1919, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, into a wealthy and influential Śvetāmbara Jain family, Sarabhai was the son of Ambalal Sarabhai, an industrialist deeply involved in India’s independence movement, and Sarla Devi. Growing up in an intellectually stimulating environment, he attended a Montessori school established by his parents before pursuing higher studies at Gujarat College in Ahmedabad.

Sarabhai moved to England and joined St. John’s College, University of Cambridge, where he earned a Tripos in Natural Sciences in 1939. With the outbreak of World War II, he returned to India and began research in cosmic rays under the guidance of Nobel laureate Sir C.V. Raman at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. After the war, Sarabhai resumed his studies at Cambridge and completed his Ph.D. in 1947, focusing on cosmic ray investigations in tropical latitudes.

Contributions to Science and Institution Building
In 1947, Sarabhai established the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, which became a cradle for Indian space science. Funded initially by the Karmkshetra Educational Foundation and the Ahmedabad Education Society, PRL was spearheaded by renowned scientist K.R. Ramanathan as its first Director.

Sarabhai’s ability to conceptualize and implement large-scale scientific programs led to the establishment of several key institutions, including:

  • Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), one of India’s premier business schools.
  • Ahmedabad Textile Industry’s Research Association (ATIRA), for advancing textile research.
  • Community Science Centre (later renamed Vikram A. Sarabhai Community Science Centre), promoting science education among young learners.
  • Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, co-founded with his wife, Mrinalini Sarabhai, to preserve and promote Indian performing arts.

    • Sarabhai’s Legacy in Space Research
    Sarabhai’s most significant contribution was his vision for India’s space program. He founded the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962, which evolved into the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969. Recognizing the practical benefits of space technology for a developing nation, he stated: “We do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the Moon or the planets… but we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally and in the community of nations, we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society.”

    Under his leadership:

  • The Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) near Thiruvananthapuram was established, leading to India’s first rocket launch in 1963.
  • Initiatives were taken for India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, launched in 1975.
  • The Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad was set up to explore the practical uses of space technology.

    • Leadership in Atomic Energy
    Sarabhai also chaired the Atomic Energy Commission of India from 1966 until his untimely death in 1971. During this period, he oversaw the establishment of the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) in Kalpakkam and the Variable Energy Cyclotron Project in Calcutta, advancing India’s nuclear research capabilities.

    Awards and Recognition
    Sarabhai’s contributions to science and technology were widely recognized:

  • Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award (1962) for excellence in physical sciences.
  • Padma Bhushan (1966).
  • Posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan (1972).

    • Personal Life and Legacy
    Sarabhai was married to renowned classical dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai, and the couple had two children, Kartikeya and Mallika, both of whom have made significant contributions in their fields. Sarabhai passed away on December 30, 1971, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

    To honor his legacy, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram and numerous other institutions bear his name. His vision continues to guide India’s strides in science and technology, making him an enduring inspiration for generations.

    A Tribute to an Icon
    Vikram Sarabhai was not just a scientist but a visionary who foresaw the role of science and technology in nation-building. His contributions have left an indelible mark on India’s scientific landscape, ensuring that the nation remains a key player in global space exploration.

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