Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai (12 August 1919 – 30 December 1971) was famously known as the father of Indian Space Programme.
He was one of the key participants to establish the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

Vikram Sarabhai was instrumental in many issues related to business innovation and development. Ambalal Sarabhai played a pivotal role not only in the field of science, but also in establishing India’s future in astronomy. 

He was also instrumental in laying the foundation for many space research facilities in the country.

He studied about cosmic rays from the Cambridge University, where he earned his doctorate.

Although he was died in 30 December 1971 at Halcyon castle, kovalam, Kerala due to Cardiac arrest. But his contribution in the field of Science and astronomy is immense or unforgettable.

Following are the few facts about the award-winning physicist:

He came from an affluent family in Gujarat, who was responsible for social work for the underprivileged.

His family members could not be a part of his wedding as they were involved in the Quit India Movement. He was married to a famous classical dancer, Mrinalini.

Aryabhatta’s first satellite credits Sarabhai for its creation.

At the age of 28, Vikram Sarabhai convinced the Government of India, to set up Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

Homi Jahangir Bhabha helped him in establishing India’s first-ever rocket launching station.

He laid the foundation of a number of institutes in the nation to ensure society’s overall development, including Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad, in 1961, which became the second IIM to be set up in the country.

He became the vice president of the fourth UN peace conference, which was held in 1971.

AWARDS:

Dr. Sarabhai has two of India’s highest awards honoured to his name – Padma Bhushan (1966) and Padma Vibhushan in 1972 (post his demise).

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