Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai
Introduction:
Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai was an Indian physicist and astronomer who is widely considered as the father of India’s space program. Born on August 12, 1919, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, he was the son of Ambalal Sarabhai, a wealthy industrialist, and Sarla Devi, a women’s rights activist. Dr. Sarabhai was a multifaceted personality who contributed to various fields, including science, technology, and social work. In this blog, we will delve deep into his life and explore his achievements, legacy, and tragic demise.
Education:
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai completed his early education from a private school in Ahmedabad. Later, he pursued his higher studies in Physics and completed his B.Sc. in 1940 from Gujarat College, Ahmedabad. He then went on to do his M.Sc. in Physics from the University of Cambridge in 1945. During his time at Cambridge, he was deeply influenced by the works of renowned physicists like Niels Bohr, Erwin Schrodinger, and Paul Dirac. His thesis was titled “Cosmic Ray investigations in Tropical Latitudes,” which he completed under the guidance of Sir Lawrence Bragg, a Nobel laureate.
Achievements:
Dr. Sarabhai’s contributions to Indian science and technology are immense. He was a visionary who played a key role in shaping India’s space program. His pioneering efforts paved the way for India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, which was launched in 1975. Some of his major achievements are:
- Formation of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR):
In 1962, Dr. Sarabhai formed INCOSPAR, which was a precursor to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). The aim of this committee was to promote space research and exploration in India.
- Launch of the first Indian Satellite:
Dr. Sarabhai played a crucial role in the launch of India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975. The satellite was designed to study X-rays from outer space.
- Establishment of the Physical Research Laboratory:
Dr. Sarabhai founded the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in 1947, which is now a premier national research institute in India. PRL has made significant contributions to the fields of space research, astronomy, and astrophysics.
- Founding member of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad:
Dr. Sarabhai was one of the founding members of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad. He played a key role in establishing the institute, which is now one of the premier management schools in India.
- Promotion of Solar Energy:
Dr. Sarabhai was a strong advocate of the use of solar energy. He founded the Community Science Centre in Ahmedabad, which was aimed at promoting scientific awareness and the use of solar energy in rural areas.
Social Work:
Apart from his contributions to science and technology, Dr. Sarabhai was also deeply committed to social work. He was a firm believer in the idea of using science and technology for the betterment of society. Some of his major social initiatives are:
- Promotion of Women’s Education:
Dr. Sarabhai was a strong advocate of women’s education. He founded the Sarabhai Trust, which focused on promoting education among girls from rural areas.
- Rural Development:
Dr. Sarabhai was deeply committed to the development of rural areas. He founded the National Institute of Community Development, which was aimed at promoting rural development and empowering rural communities.
- Promotion of Arts and Culture:
Dr. Sarabhai was a patron of the arts and culture. He founded the Darpana Academy