Vikram Sarabhai Birth Anniversary: Interesting Facts About Father Of India's Space Programme
From humble beginnings to the remarkable achievements of Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan, India's space programme has come full circle. As we celebrate India's success and ISRO's immense contribution to the nation, it’s fitting to remember the visionary who started it all—Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, on his birthday, August 12, 2024.
Father Of Indian Space Programme
![Father Of Indian Space Programme Father Of Indian Space Programme](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2024/08/12/1468045-vikram-sarabhai.jpg)
Early Life
![Early Life Early Life](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2024/08/12/1468054-vikram-sarabhai.2jpg.jpg)
Educational Qualifications
![Educational Qualifications Educational Qualifications](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2024/08/12/1468057-cambridge-college.jpg)
Physical Research Laboratory
![Physical Research Laboratory Physical Research Laboratory](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2024/08/12/1468060-physical-research-laboratory.jpg)
Following his return to India, Sarabhai played a key role in founding the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad in November 1947. Initially set up in a few rooms at the MG Science Institute of the Ahmedabad Education Society, the laboratory received crucial support from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Department of Atomic Energy.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
![Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2024/08/12/1468061-isro.jpg)
Sarabhai worked at PRL from 1966 to 1971, while his influence extended to multiple organizations. In 1962, he established the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), which eventually led to the creation of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), marking a turning point in India’s pursuit of space exploration. The establishment of ISRO stands as one of Sarabhai's most significant contributions to India. After Russia's launch of Sputnik, he successfully convinced the central government of the importance of a space programme for a developing nation like India.
India's First Rocket Launching Station
![India's First Rocket Launching Station India's First Rocket Launching Station](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2024/08/12/1468067-rocket.jpg)
Vikram Sarabhai Community Science Centre
![Vikram Sarabhai Community Science Centre Vikram Sarabhai Community Science Centre](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2024/08/12/1468069-community-centre.png)
Establishing Institutions
![Establishing Institutions Establishing Institutions](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2024/08/12/1468070-indian-institute-of-management-ahmedabad.jpg)
Dr. Sarabhai greatly contributed to the nation's education sector, establishing institutions like the Nehru Foundation for Development in Ahmedabad, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), and the Ahmedabad Textile Industry's Research Association (ATIRA). Beyond academics, he also had a profound impact on the arts, co-founding the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts with his wife, Mrinalini Sarabhai, a renowned classical dancer.
Padma Vibhushan
![Padma Vibhushan Padma Vibhushan](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2024/08/12/1468072-padma-vibhushan.jpg)