Vikram Sarabhai Birth Anniversary: Remembering The Father Of Indian Space Programme

The birth anniversary of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, who is the Father of the Indian Space Programme, is celebrated every year on August 12. Born in Ahmedabad on August 12, 1919 Dr Sarabhai initiated the Indian space research and helped develop nuclear power in the country.

A renowned physicist and astronomer, Dr Sarabhai were one of the most endearing visionaries of Indian space research. He was a great institution builder and established or helped to establish a large number of institutions in diverse fields. From Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad to Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), Hyderabad, Dr. Sarabhai established several well-known institutions across the country.

Establishing the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was one of his greatest contributions to the country. During a time, when India was not in a position to fund big space research programmes, he emphasized the importance of such an initiative.

And with the support of Dr Homi Jehangir Bhabha, known as the father of the Indian nuclear science programme, he could convince the government of the importance of the space programme and set up the first rocket launching station in the country at Thumba near Thiruvananthapuram.

"His remarkable contributions laid the foundation for 🇮🇳Indian Space Programme," tweeted ISRO on Dr. Sarabhai's 104th birth anniversary.