Vikram Sarabhai

Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai (1919–1971) was an eminent Indian physicist, industrialist, and visionary often hailed as the Father of the Indian Space Programme. His pioneering efforts established India’s capabilities in space technology, scientific research, and industrial innovation. Sarabhai’s vision transformed India’s approach to science and technology, linking it directly to national development and self-reliance. His contributions to the founding of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), and other key institutions have left a lasting legacy on India’s scientific and educational landscape.

Early Life and Education

Vikram Sarabhai was born on 12 August 1919 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, into a wealthy and socially progressive Jain family. His father, Ambalal Sarabhai, was a renowned industrialist and philanthropist, while his mother, Sarla Devi, was actively involved in India’s freedom movement. The Sarabhai family’s home was a meeting place for national leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore, which influenced Vikram’s sense of patriotism and commitment to social development.
He completed his schooling at Gujarat College and later joined the University of Cambridge, where he studied natural sciences at St. John’s College. His studies were interrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War, leading him to return to India in 1939. He pursued research under Sir C. V. Raman at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, focusing on cosmic rays. After the war, he returned to Cambridge and obtained a Ph.D. in 1947 for his thesis on “Cosmic Ray Investigations in Tropical Latitudes.”

Scientific Career and Early Research

On returning to India, Sarabhai established the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad in 1947, which became the cradle of space science in India. The PRL initially focused on cosmic rays and upper atmospheric physics, but under Sarabhai’s leadership, it evolved into a premier centre for space and nuclear research.
His research on cosmic rays, high-energy particles, and the ionosphere earned international recognition. Sarabhai’s work revealed significant insights into the behaviour of cosmic rays in tropical regions and their relationship with solar activity. He was deeply influenced by the post-war global emphasis on scientific and technological development as instruments of national progress.

Founding of the Indian Space Programme

Vikram Sarabhai’s greatest contribution was his role in establishing and guiding India’s space programme. Inspired by the possibilities of space technology for social and economic development, he advocated for the peaceful use of outer space.
He famously stated:

“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 the support of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and physicist Homi J. Bhabha, Sarabhai initiated the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962, which later evolved into the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969.
Under his leadership, India launched its first rocket launching station at Thumba (Kerala), located near the magnetic equator, in 1963. This marked the beginning of India’s journey into space exploration. He also initiated projects for satellite-based communications, remote sensing, and tele-education, which later formed the foundation for India’s INSAT and IRS programmes.

Role in Atomic Energy and Scientific Institutions

After the untimely death of Dr. Homi J. Bhabha in 1966, Sarabhai took charge as the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India. In this capacity, he steered the country’s nuclear energy programme towards peaceful applications, emphasising power generation, medicine, and industry.
He also played a crucial role in the development of several key scientific and educational institutions, including:

• Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad – established in 1947 for cosmic ray and atmospheric studies.
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) – founded in 1969 to coordinate India’s space missions.
• Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA) – co-founded in 1961, introducing modern management education in India.
• Community Science Centre, Ahmedabad (now Vikram A. Sarabhai Community Science Centre) – aimed at popularising science education among youth.
• Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) – established to promote indigenous technological capabilities.

His approach combined scientific innovation with practical application, focusing on national self-reliance and technological independence.

Contributions to Space Applications

Sarabhai envisioned using space technology as a tool for social transformation. His major initiatives included:

• Satellite Communication (SATCOM): Promoted the use of satellites for broadcasting educational and informational content to rural India. This vision led to the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) in 1975–76, which became a model for future satellite programmes.
• Remote Sensing: Initiated the idea of using satellites for resource mapping, agriculture, and disaster management, which later culminated in the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites.
• Aerospace Research and Launch Capability: Advocated for developing indigenous launch vehicles, laying the groundwork for the SLV (Satellite Launch Vehicle) and subsequent PSLV and GSLV programmes.

Through these projects, Sarabhai demonstrated how science could directly serve developmental goals such as education, healthcare, and rural communication.

Industrial and Educational Vision

Beyond his scientific achievements, Sarabhai was a strong advocate for industrial development and entrepreneurship. He encouraged collaboration between science and industry, establishing partnerships that enabled the translation of research into practical applications.
He was instrumental in modernising India’s industrial sector by promoting research-oriented enterprises. The Sarabhai Group of Industries, under his leadership, diversified into pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and electronics, embodying his belief in science-driven progress.
As a reformer of education, Sarabhai promoted the idea of science literacy for national development. His founding of IIMA reflected his understanding that technological advancement must be complemented by sound management practices and leadership training.

Awards and Honours

Dr. Vikram Sarabhai’s remarkable contributions were recognised through numerous national and international honours, including:

• Padma Bhushan – 1966.
• Padma Vibhushan – posthumously awarded in 1972.
• Fellowship of the Indian Academy of Sciences and Royal Astronomical Society (London).
• Numerous awards from academic and scientific bodies for his pioneering research in cosmic rays and space science.

Death and Legacy

Vikram Sarabhai passed away unexpectedly on 30 December 1971 at the age of 52, while visiting the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station. His death was a great loss to the scientific community, but his vision and institutions continued to flourish.
His legacy lives on through:

• The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, a leading facility for space research and rocket development.
• Vikram A. Sarabhai Community Science Centre, promoting science education among children.
• India’s Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions, which embody his dream of using space technology for human advancement.
• The Vikram Sarabhai Memorial Museum in Ahmedabad, preserving his life’s work.
• The Vikram Sarabhai Space Exhibition (VSSE), inspiring public awareness of space science.

Vision and Philosophy

Sarabhai’s philosophy combined scientific excellence with social responsibility. He believed that technological advancement must address the real needs of the people, particularly in a developing nation. His interdisciplinary thinking encouraged collaboration between scientists, engineers, economists, and educators.
He once remarked:

“We must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society.”