Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai (12 August 1919 – 30 December 1971) was a pioneering Indian physicist and astronomer who played a crucial role in initiating space research and developing nuclear power in India. Often hailed as the "Father of the Indian space program," Dr. Sarabhai's visionary efforts led to the establishment of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). His contributions were recognized with prestigious awards, including the Padma Bhushan in 1966 and the Padma Vibhushan posthumously.
Born in Gujarat, Dr. Sarabhai was the son of Ambalal Sarabhai, a prominent industrialist involved in the Indian independence movement. In 1942, he married classical dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai, and the couple had two children. Dr. Sarabhai's academic journey took him from Gujarat College, Ahmedabad, to the University of Cambridge, where he completed his PhD with a thesis on "Cosmic Ray Investigations in Tropical Latitudes."
In 1947, Dr. Sarabhai founded the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), which began with research on cosmic rays and later expanded to include theoretical physics and radio physics. He also established several key institutions, such as the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) and the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts. His diverse interests spanned science, sports, and statistics, leading him to set up the Operations Research Group (ORG), India's first market research organization.
Dr. Sarabhai's leadership extended to various distinguished positions, including Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India and President of the Physics section of the Indian Science Congress. He initiated the project that resulted in the launch of India's first satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975. Dr. Sarabhai's untimely death in 1971 was a significant loss, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of scientists and innovators to reach for the stars with vision and dedication.
