Vikram Sarabhai (1919-1971)

Vikram Sarabhai was a renowned Indian 

scientist and innovator who played a critical role in shaping India's space program. Born on August 12, 1919, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, Sarabhai showed an early interest in science and mathematics, and went on to become one of India's most celebrated scientists.

Early Life and Education:

Vikram Sarabhai was the second of four children of Ambalal Sarabhai and Sarala Devi. His father was a wealthy industrialist, and his mother was a talented artist. Sarabhai was educated at Gujarat College, where he earned his BSc in physics in 1940, and his MSc in physics in 1942.

After completing his postgraduate studies, Sarabhai traveled to England to pursue his doctoral degree at the University of Cambridge. He was awarded a PhD in 1947 for his thesis on cosmic rays, which he completed under the supervision of Sir John Cockcroft, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist.

Career:

Upon returning to India, Sarabhai began his academic career as a professor of physics at the University of Ahmedabad, where he taught for several years. In addition to his teaching duties, he also conducted research in a variety of fields, including cosmic rays, nuclear physics, and space science.

In 1962, Sarabhai founded the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), which was later renamed the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He was appointed as the organization's first chairman, and led the effort to develop India's first satellite, Aryabhata, which was launched in 1975.

In addition to his work with ISRO, Sarabhai was also involved in a number of other scientific and cultural organizations. He founded the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad, which focused on the study of cosmic rays and space science, and served as the chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India from 1966 to 1971.

Sarabhai was also deeply involved in promoting science education and awareness in India. He founded the Nehru Foundation for Development, which was dedicated to promoting science education and research in India, and established the Community Science Centre in Ahmedabad, which was aimed at making science more accessible to the public.

Achievements and Honours:

Vikram Sarabhai's contributions to science and technology in India were numerous and significant. Some of his most notable achievements include:

Founding and leading the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which has become one of the world's leading space agencies.

Developing India's first satellite, Aryabhata, which was launched in 1975.

Founding the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad, which has made significant contributions to the study of cosmic rays and space science.

Serving as the chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India, where he played a key role in the development of India's nuclear program.

Promoting science education and awareness in India through the establishment of the Nehru Foundation for Development and the Community Science Centre in Ahmedabad.

Sarabhai's contributions to science and technology in India were recognized both nationally and internationally. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1966 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1972, two of India's highest civilian honors. He was also a fellow of the Royal Society and the International Academy of Astronautics.

Legacy:

Vikram Sarabhai's legacy in India is significant and far-reaching. He played a critical role in shaping India's space program, which has become one of the world's leading space agencies. He also made significant contributions to the study of cosmic rays, nuclear physics, and space science, and was deeply committed to promoting science education and awareness in India.