Essay on Vikram Sarabhai
Table of Contents
Introduction
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, recognized globally as the Father of the Indian Space Program, was an esteemed physicist and astronomer from India. His notable accomplishments include pioneering space research and contributing to the development of nuclear power in the country. Furthermore, he played a crucial role in establishing numerous institutions across diverse fields. At the age of 28, he founded the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, and later went on to establish significant institutions such as the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM A), the Community Science Centre, the Darpan Academy for Performing Arts, and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. These institutions played pivotal roles in the progress of various sectors in India.
Dr. Sarabhai is widely regarded as one of the greatest minds to have emerged from India. Apart from his distinguished career as a scientist, he was a true visionary and innovator. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the country, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1966 and posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1972.
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Let us now delve into Vikram Sarabhai’s early life and education.
Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai was born on August 12th, 1919, into an affluent family of industrialists in Ahmedabad. His family had a strong commitment to the Indian independence movement. His parents were Ambalal Sarabhai and Sarla Devi. Growing up in a privileged and influential family, Sarabhai enjoyed a comfortable upbringing and received his early education at a private school called “Retreat,” which was founded and operated by his parents. The Sarabhai family’s active involvement in the independence movement attracted visits from numerous great and influential individuals, including J. Krishna Murthi, Motilal Nehru, V. S. Shrinivasa Shastri, Sarojini Naidu, Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Azad, and C. V. Raman. These eminent figures had a profound influence on Vikram Sarabhai.
He initially attended Gujarat College in Ahmedabad but later pursued studies at the prestigious University of Cambridge in England. There, he pursued a tripos in Natural Sciences. However, with the outbreak of World War II, he returned to India. He then worked as a research scholar under the guidance of Sir C. V. Raman at the Indian Institute of Science. Sarabhai resumed his studies at Cambridge in 1945 to complete his doctorate. In 1947, he wrote a thesis titled “Cosmic Ray Investigations in Tropical Latitudes” and successfully earned his Ph.D.
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Vikram Sarabhai’s professional life and accomplishments.
Vikram Sarabhai’s professional life and accomplishments were marked by his significant contributions to various fields. One of his notable achievements was the establishment of the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad in November 1947, which is considered the birthplace of space sciences in India. Starting with a few rooms in the M.G. Science Institute of the Ahmedabad Education Society, founded by his parents, the laboratory received support from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Department of Atomic Energy. Initially focused on cosmic ray research and studying the upper atmosphere, the laboratory expanded its research areas to include radiophysics and theoretical physics, thanks to grants from the Atomic Energy Commission. Sarabhai envisioned a new field of research in solar and interplanetary physics, which became one of his significant endeavors.
Beyond his contributions to science, Sarabhai’s interests spanned various domains, including statistics and sports. He established the Operations Research Group (ORG), the first market research organization in India. He also founded institutions such as the Nehru Foundation for Development, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), the Ahmedabad Textile Industry’s Research Association (ATIRA), and the CEPT. Alongside his wife, Mrinalini Sarabhai, he established the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts. Additionally, Sarabhai played a key role in the development of projects such as the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) in Kalpakkam, the Variable Energy Cyclotron Project in Calcutta, the Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) in Hyderabad, and the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) based in Jaduguda, Jharkhand.
Following the untimely demise of Dr. Homi Bhabha, Sarabhai was appointed Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission in May 1966. It was under his leadership that he initiated the project for the fabrication and launch of an Indian satellite. Through his vision and relentless efforts, the first Indian satellite, Aryabhata, was successfully launched into orbit in 1975 from the Russian cosmodrome. This achievement earned him the title of the Father of the Indian Space Program.
Indian Space Program
The foundation of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) stands as one of Sarabhai’s greatest accomplishments. Despite India’s economic challenges, he convinced the government of the importance of a space program. Supported by Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha, regarded as the Father of India’s nuclear science program, Sarabhai played a crucial role in establishing India’s first rocket launching station (TERLS) in Thumba near Thiruvananthapuram on the Arabian Sea coast. The inaugural flight with a sodium vapor payload took place on November 21st, 1963, and TERLS gained international recognition from the U.N. General Assembly in 1965.
In 1966, Sarabhai’s dialogue with NASA led to the launch of the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) from July 1975 to July 1976, following his passing in 1971.
Sarabhai’s legacy
Sarabhai’s legacy lives on through his numerous achievements in diverse sectors. The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) serves as the lead facility for launch vehicle development in ISRO and is named in his honor. The Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM A), which he played a major role in founding, is widely recognized as one of the top business schools in India. On the first anniversary of his death, a commemorative postal stamp was issued by the Indian Postal Department as a tribute. The International Astronomical Union named a lunar craft, Bessel A, in the Sea of Serenity, as the Sarabhai
crater in 1973, honoring Vikram Sarabhai. Furthermore, the lander of India’s Chandrayaan-2 moon mission was named Vikram as a tribute to his contributions and legacy.
Vikram Sarabhai’s impact on India’s scientific and technological advancements, as well as his visionary leadership, continue to inspire generations. His dedication to space research, nuclear power, and the establishment of educational and research institutions has laid the foundation for India’s progress in these fields. Sarabhai’s legacy as the Father of the Indian Space Program and his remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on India’s scientific community and the nation as a whole. His vision, innovation, and commitment to the advancement of India have solidified his place as one of the most influential and revered figures in the country’s history.
Who was Vikram Sarabhai?
Vikram Sarabhai 1919-71 was an Indian space scientist, visionary and the founder of ISRO. He is often considered to be the “founding father of indian space program” for his path-breaking achievements in Indian Space Science and Technology.
Who are the key contributors to space science, and what were their strongest contributions?
Vikram Sarabhai’s tall performance in India to have a space program. 1962, he established the Indian National Committee for Space Research UNCOSPAR which in turn developed into ISRO. 1975 India under his leadership launched its first satellite ‘Aryabhata’ . This was a giant stride.
Where did Vikram Sarabhai establish educational institutions?
Vikram Sarabhai contributed to the establishment of many educational and research institutions in India. 1947 he started Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad; In 1961, He established the Indian Institute of Management. Both of these institutions have played important roles in their respective areas.
What accolades were received by Vikram Sarabhai ?
Vikram Sarabhai was honored with numerous awards for work in science and space. 1966 marked him with thePadma Bhusan , and he was given his first posthumous honour of Padma Vibhushana in Meanwhile. In his memory, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre was named in Thiruvananthapuram.
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Conclusion
Vikram Sarabhai, undeniably, emerged as one of the most influential figures in the development of independent India. His contributions across various sectors continue to shape and greatly impact the nation. Despite hailing from a privileged and influential family, Sarabhai did not succumb to a life of comfort. Instead, he utilized his resources and knowledge to establish, innovate, and advance numerous institutions that left a profound imprint on the country. Although his path was often fraught with challenges, he exhibited remarkable innovation, diligence, and resilience in his pursuits. His achievements surpassed the imaginations of many, and his selfless dedication and visionary mindset place him among the esteemed leaders of India. Even after many decades since his passing, his legacy remains alive, a testament to his enduring impact on the nation.
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