Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai-Father of Indian Space Science

Aug 23,2023 is a day to be etched in golden letters in the annals of history of Indian space science. It is the day on which lander Vikram of Chandrayan-3 safely touched down the moon’s surface near the south pole making India the fourth country, apart from USA, Russia and China, to successfully land on the moon and more importantly, India earned the distinction of being the first country to do so close to the lunar south pole. Within few hours of landing, rover Pragyan got separated from the lander Vikram and made perfect landing on the lunar surface. The precision with which the entire operation was handled, is indeed a testimony to the expertise of Indian scientists and technocrats. The entire world watched this event with astonishment. Undoubtedly, it is an astounding feat achieved by our space scientists which will remain in our memory for a long time to come. The Chandrayan-3, lunar exploration mission developed indigenously by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota,Andhra Pradesh on 14^th July 2023.After forty days of it’s sojourn in space ,Chandrayan -3 reached the moon and landed successfully on lunar surface.  While the success of the Chandrayan -3 is fresh in our memory and still rejoicing over the accomplishment, it is appropriate, perhaps our bounden duty, to remember the contributions of Sri Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai to Indian space science. He is rightly called “Father of Indian Space Science”. Vikram Sarabhai was an internationally known Indian physicist and astronomer, who initiated space research and helped develop nuclear power in our country. He is also the pioneer who taught rocket science to India.

Vikram Sarabhai was born on 12^th August 1919 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat in a rich family of big industrialists. His parents were Sri Ambalal Sarabhai and Smt. Saraladevi. He evinced been interest in science and mathematics right from his childhood. As a boy, he demonstrated traits of creativity and innovation.

After his formal education at Gujarat college, Ahmedabad, he continued his education at Cambridge University, England. He passed “Tripass” examination in natural sciences and returned to India. He started research on cosmic rays under the guidance of nobel laureate Sir.C.V.  Raman at Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. He was such a brilliant researcher, within two years of starting his research work, he published well acclaimed high quality research paper in 1942.Again, he went back to England to pursue his doctoral studies. He obtained Ph. D degree from Cambridge University for his thesis titled “Cosmic Ray Investigations in Tropical Latitudes.” He returned to free India in 1947. In 1942, he married well known classical dancer Smt. Mrinalini.

Vikram Sarabhai laid the foundation for research in space science in our country. He played a crucial role in developing nuclear power in India. He was instrumental in getting government’s permission to setup Indian National Committee for Space Research in 1962. Subsequently, it was renamed as Indian Space Research Organisation in 1969. Dr. H.J Bhabha, Father of Indian Atomic Energy Research, supported and assisted Vikram Sarabhai to set up India’s First Rocket Launching Station. The first Indian rocket was launched from Thumba Rocket   Launching Station on 21^st November 1963. It is worth mentioning here that the first Indian Satellite “Aryabhata” was launched from Russian cosmodrome in 1975 and successfully placed in its designated orbit.    

Achievements:  Vikram Sarabhai was instrumental in setting up many institutions and here are some of the institutions established by him.

1. Vikram Sarabhai, founder of Indian space programme, established Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad in 1947. This institute is popularly known as “Cradle of Space Science”. PRL was started in a small way in his house “Retreat”. Later on, it was shifted to M.G Science Centre.

Initially research work was focused on cosmic rays and upper atmosphere. Eventually research on theoretical physics, and radio physics were started. At present, research is being carried out on astronomy, astrophysics, aeronomy, planetary and earth sciences, solar system, theoretical physics and other branches of physics.

• Nehru Foundation for Development was established in 1965 in Ahmedabad. The institute is dedicated to rural development and environmental awareness.
• Established Vikram Sarabhai Community Centre in 1960 in Ahmedabad. Its aim is to popularise science and mathematics amongst students, teachers and the general public. Its main objective is to find innovative methods of science education.
• Instrumental in setting up Indian Institute of Management in 1961 in Ahmedabad.
• Played an active role in the establishment Ahmedabad Textile Industry’s Research Centre in 1947. The idea was conceived my Vikram Sarabhai, Kasturibhai Lalbhai and Shanthi Swaroop Bhatnagar.
• Set up Operation Research Group in 1961. It was the first market research organisation to be started in India.
• Established Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT) university in 1962 in Ahmedabad.
• Establishment of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969 in Bangalore is regarded as the most notable achievement. It is a matter of rejoicing for we, the Bengalureans.
• Establishment of Thumba Equational Rocket Launching Station in 1963 at Thumba, Thiruvantapuram, Kerala. After the death of Sri Vikram Sarabhai, the centre is renamed as Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in his memory.
• Encouraged by his wife, founded Darpan Academy for Performing Arts in Ahmedabad in 1949.
• Fast Breeder Test Reactor, Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, (functional from1985).
• Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata (operational from 1977)
• Electronics corporation of India Limited ,Hyderabad, Established. 1967.
• Uranium Corporation of India Ltd, Jadasuda, Bihar. Founded 1967.

Distinguished positions:

1. President, Physics Section, Indian Science Congress, 1962.
2. President, I.A.E.A (International Atomic Energy Agency), General Conference, Vienna, 1970.
3. Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, from 1966 to 1971.
4. Vice-president, fourth UN Conference on “Peaceful uses of Atomic Energy-1971.
5. Founder Chairman, Space Application Centre, 1963-1971.

Vikram Sarabhai’s Legacy:

1. Space Research Centre located in Kerala state, is renamed as Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in his memory.
2. In 1973, Lunar crater is named as Sarabhai’s crater by the International Astronomical union.
3. Indian Postal Department released a commemorative postal stamp on his first death anniversary in 1972.
4. Lander in lunar missions 2 and 3 is named as Vikram in his honour.

Awards/Honours:

Vikram Sarabhai was awarded India’s highest honours the Padma Bhushan in 1966 and the Padma Vibhushan (posthumously) in 1972 in recognition of his laudable contribution to Indian space science and development nuclear power programmes.

Vikram Sarabhai was known for his unremitting dedication to the development of Indian Space Science. He used to work for 16-18 hours a day. He had visited Thumba Rocket Launching Station for an official work. On December 30, 1971, he died in sleep due to cardiac arrest. His untimely death at the age of 52 caused great loss to the Indian science. His body was cremated in his native place Ahmedabad.

Vikram Sarabhai, whose contribution to Indian space science and technology and development of atomic energy stands unparalleled, is truly a Bharatha Ratna. He is the architect of Indian space programmes. Despite his enormous achievements, name and fame that followed, he led a simple life and was a good human being. He believed in establishing equality among different sections of the society.  He strongly advocated that the Department of Atomic Energy should take up research which would lead to the development in the fields of agriculture, industry, weather studies, mining of minerals etc. thus benefitting the mankind . We wish that his life and achievements motivate  present and  future generations of youth.