Dr. Vikram A. Sarabhai

Dr. Vikram A. Sarabhai

Father of India's Space Program

Man’s desire to know the unknown has taken him to different parts of the earth. To the depth of the oceans, to the top of the mountains, up in the atmosphere, above the clouds to Moon and now to Mars. This is the search for unknowns. The spirit of science has made this adventure a worthwhile learning experience. From the invention of the Camel-cart to the development of the Chandrayan – is one great transition made by man as he used science and technology to satisfy his wandering curiosity.

                                             

12th August, is the day to remember a luminous scientist, Dr. Vikram A. Sarabhai, popularly known as Father of India’s Space Programme, who is belong to this land in Gujarat and made every body proud for his pioneering work and contribution.

Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai was born in Ahmedabad, India on August 12, 1919. His early education was in the family school directed by his mother. His higher education was at the Gujarat College in Ahmedabad and later at St. John's College, Cambridge (U.K.). He received his doctorate degree in 1947 after doing research in photo-fission at the Cavendish Laboratory at Cambridge.

In 1966, Dr. Sarabhai was appointed as the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. The newly forming space program of India was initially started under this Commission. Dr. Sarabhai set up the Thumba Equatorial Rocket launching station in South India and initiated the program for the manufacture of the French Centaure sounding rockets in India.

Like Bhabha, Sarabhai wanted the practical application of science to reach the common man. He saw a golden opportunity to harness space science to the development of the country in the fields of communication, meteorology, remote sensing and education.

For Sarabhai, science is a vehicle to carry India forward and to be prepared to apply the advancements in technology in the real problems of society.

Sarabhai received many awards, including, Bhatnagar Medal (1962), Padma Bhushan (1966), he was President of the Physics section of the Indian Science Congress (1962), President of the General Conference of the I.A.E.A., Verina (1970), Vice-President, Fourth U.N. Conference on `Peaceful uses of Atomic Energy' (1971).

Dr. Vikram A. Sarabhai passed away in his sleep on December 31, 1971.

He was truly a rare combination of an innovator, scientist, industrialist and visionary.

On his auspicious 94th Birth Anniversary, let’s offer our sincere regards and respects to this Great Indian Scientist.

In order to  inspire by the works and dedication of Dr. Vikram A Sarabhai, and to motivate them in taking science to common people, the Gujarat Science City working under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat, have organised Special Outreach Programmes for School Children on the Monday, 12th August 2013. Secondary and Higher Secondary school students can participate in elocution and quiz competition as well as have a guided tour to Hall of Science and Hall of Space.

Great minds like Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, who dedicated their lives and resources to the cause of fulfillment of our destiny of being a great nation, embodying the use of advanced Science and Technology to improve the lives of people.

Let our younger generation inspire by the works and dedication of Dr. Vikram A Sarabhai.

           

GUJARAT COUNCIL OF SCIENCE CITY

Capturing new heights in Science Literacy!

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, GOVT OF GUJARAT