Who is Vikram Sarabhai: The Father of Indian Space Programme, ISRO

Vikram Sarabhai is known as the “Father of India’s Space Program” and made significant contributions to India by establishing the Space Research Community and the Indian Space Research Organization.

Early life and education

Vikram Sarabhai was born on August 12, 1919, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, into a family of prominent industrialists. He attended a school founded and managed by his parents, and later attended St John’s College, Cambridge, where he graduated with a degree in natural sciences in 1940. After the outbreak of World War II, he returned to India and began his research career in cosmic rays under the guidance of Nobel laureate CV Raman at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. After the war, he returned to Cambridge and received his doctorate in 1947.

Vikram Sarabhai Contributions to space research

On 11 November 1947, Sarabhai established the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, transforming it into India’s leading research institution. He envisioned space exploration, which led to the establishment of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962, which later became ISRO. Under his leadership, India achieved a major milestone in its space endeavor by launching its first rocket from Thumba (near Trivandrum) in 1963.

Dr. Sarabhai stressed the role of space technology in national development and pointed out that India needs to use advanced technology to solve problems related to economic and social planning. His advocacy of the space program was crucial in gaining government support for key aspects of outer space exploration, which he believed was crucial for an emerging country.

Legacy and Honor

Vikram Sarabhai initiated or reformed several institutions, including the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, and contributed to the establishment of the Community Science Exploration Centre.

He received numerous scientific honours, such as the Padma Bhushan in 1966 and the Padma Bhushan in 1972. In his honour, India named part of its space programme the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and established the Vikram Sarabhai Space Science Journalism Award to encourage scientific journalism.

Vikram Sarabhai passed away on December 30, 1971, but his vision and efforts continue to inspire scientists in India and around the world. His pioneering work advanced space technology and research in India and has left an indelible mark in Indian history.

Tribute to Vikram Sarabhai

On August 12, 2023, as Dr. Vikram Sarabhai turns 104, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will celebrate his significant achievements in India’s space programme. At a time of severe financial constraints for India, ISRO highlighted Sarabhai’s visionary contribution in establishing the agency and promoting space research. His efforts led to the establishment of important organisations such as the Physical Research Laboratory and Thumba, Kerala’s first rocket launch station.

The ISRO official social media account issued a statement praising Sarabhai’s achievements and claiming that India’s space technology achievements are directly due to his outstanding efforts. The monument is a reminder of his continuing impact on India’s space exploration program and scientific community.