On August 12, the nation paid tribute to Dr Vikram Sarabhai on his 106th birth anniversary. Known as the “Father of India’s Space Programme”, Dr Sarabhai was not just a scientist but also a visionary who transformed India’s scientific landscape. From pioneering cosmic ray research to creating the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), his work continues to inspire generations.

ISRO shared a tribute video on social media platform X, writing:
"On his 106th birth anniversary, we celebrate Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the visionary who ignited India's space journey. His belief in applying space science for societal benefit continues to shape the nation's space programme. As we approach National Space Day, his legacy endures."

Leaders across the country joined in remembering him. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said, "Respectful salutations on the birth anniversary of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the pioneer of the Indian space programme, great scientist, and Padma Vibhushan awardee. With the establishment of the Physical Research Laboratory, he made the country self-reliant in space technology through the establishment of ISRO. Due to his inspiration, today India is touching new heights in space."

Former ISRO Chairman Dr S Somanath called him "a true nation builder," adding, "Remembering the 106th birth anniversary of Dr Vikram Sarabhai – the visionary who built institutions in space, atomic energy, management, textiles & arts. A true nation builder whose contributions continue to inspire us. Though I never met him, his legacy shaped our journey at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre since the 80s."

Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge wrote, "Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the Father of India's Space Program, was an exceptional physicist and institution-builder whose legacy we honour on his birth anniversary. His work continues to inspire innovation and progress, serving as a powerful example of how to cultivate a scientific mindset among the public."

The birth of India’s space journey

Dr Sarabhai’s influence went far beyond his famous title. At just 28 years old, in 1947, he founded the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, marking the beginning of India’s modern scientific era. He played a major role in creating institutions like ISRO in 1969 and the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA). He also succeeded his mentor, Dr Homi Bhabha, as chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission.

After the launch of the Soviet Sputnik in 1957, Sarabhai strongly advocated for a dedicated Indian space programme. He famously said:
"There are some who question the relevance of space activities in a developing nation. To us, there is no ambiguity of purpose. We do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets or manned space flight. But we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally and in the community of nations, we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society."

With Dr Bhabha’s support, he chose Thumba in Kerala as the site for India’s first rocket launching station. On November 21, 1963, India launched its first sounding rocket with a sodium vapour payload.

Sarabhai also worked with NASA to create the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) in 1975–1976, bringing educational TV to rural India. He initiated the Aryabhata satellite project, which was launched by the Soviet Union in 1975.

As chairman of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962, Sarabhai began laying the foundation for what would become ISRO in 1969. His vision paved the way for future milestones, including the Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) in 1983, Chandrayaan-1 in 2008, the Mars Orbiter Mission in 2014, and the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Born in Ahmedabad on August 12, 1919, Sarabhai studied physics and mathematics at Cambridge. He later earned his PhD under Nobel laureate C.V. Raman at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, publishing his research on cosmic rays in 1942.

His career was not just about science; it was about building institutions and applying technology to solve real-world problems. Sadly, his life was cut short when he passed away on December 30, 1971, at the age of 52. He was honoured with several awards, including the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award (1962), Padma Bhushan (1966), and Padma Vibhushan (1972, posthumously).

Dr Vikram Sarabhai’s work proved that science could be both visionary and practical. His belief in using space technology for societal benefit remains central to ISRO’s mission today. More than a scientist, he was a nation builder whose ideas continue to guide India’s rise as a space power.

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