National Space Day: Meet the "Father of Indian Space Programme", an Amdavadi physicist & astronomer

As the country celebrates its first-ever National Space Day, it's essential to remember Ahmedabad's Vikram Sarabhai, the visionary often hailed as the "Father of India’s space programme". His pioneering efforts laid the foundation for the nation’s remarkable achievements in space exploration, firmly placing India on the global map in this field.

Born on August 12, 1919, in Ahmedabad, Sarabhai's ties to the city are profound. It was in this city that many of his ambitious dreams took shape, and his enduring legacy continues to shape the city’s scientific and educational landscape.

Sarabhai hailed from a prominent and affluent Jain family in Ahmedabad. His father, Ambalal Sarabhai, was a successful industrialist who owned several textile mills in Gujarat. Growing up in such an environment, Vikram Sarabhai was encouraged to pursue education and innovation. He matriculated from Gujarat College in Ahmedabad and then moved to England to study at University of Cambridge.

Upon returning to an independent India in 1947, Sarabhai's journey as an institution builder began in his hometown. He established the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad at the young age of 28, laying the groundwork for India’s space exploration efforts. This was just the first of many institutions he would go on to create or inspire, making him one of the most significant figures in Indian science.

Sarabhai’s vision for space exploration was clear and purposeful. He believed that space technology could be harnessed to address real-world problems in a developing country like India. This belief led to the creation of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962, which later evolved into the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Under his leadership, India took its first steps into space with the launch of its first satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975. Although Sarabhai did not live to see the launch, his efforts were instrumental in making it happen. His collaboration with Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha also led to the establishment of India’s first rocket launching station at Thumba, near Thiruvananthapuram, in 1963.

Vikram Sarabhai’s legacy is one of ambition, innovation, and service to the nation. His work in Ahmedabad and beyond has left an indelible mark on India's scientific community. As we reflect on his life and contributions, it’s clear that his vision continues to inspire generations of scientists and innovators, not just in Ahmedabad but across the entire country.