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Sir Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai is the most prominent figure in India’s space program. He was also an eminent scientist who made several significant contributions to physics, chemistry, and aeronautical engineering. Industrialist Ambalal Sarabhai was his father and freedom fighter. His Wife, Mrinalini Sarabhai, was a brilliant dancer who later became the founder of the dance institute.
Vikram Sarabhai, the founding father of the Indian space program, was also a businessman and was interested in textiles and founded Ahmedabad Textile and Industry Research Association (ATIRA). This article will learn about sir Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai, an Indian physicist and astronomer, and his role in the Indian space program.
Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai’s Early Life
Vikram Sarabhai, a renowned scientist in India, is the son of Ambalal Sarabhai and Mridula Sarabhai. In Ahmedabad, Sarabhai was born on 12 August 1919. He received his early schooling at St. Xavier’s High School before continuing his study in England. He had a brilliant academic record from his school days at the college in Gujarat. He completed his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Mumbai with first-class honours in Physics. He started working as an assistant research student under Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman. He got admission into St John’s College, Cambridge, where he completed his MSc and worked with Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman.
In 1946, Vikram Sarabhai joined Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) as an assistant, where he worked on Rays and cosmic energy under the surveillance of A K Raychaudhuri for two years and then became a professor at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research when he took over as the director of PRL. Under his leadership, PRL became the best laboratory globally. Many scientists made many important discoveries, including Homi J Bhabha, who played an essential role in making India self-reliant on nuclear power. Sir, Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai has earned his place in history as the most notable scientist who has done pioneering work in research related to space.
Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai’s Works
Vikram Sarabhai was an Indian physicist who played a pivotal role in the Indian space program. He was the founder of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Research Centre and the chairman of ISRO. Vikram Sarabhai’s vision led to the establishment of many scientific institutions, including the Atomic Energy Establishment Trombay (AEET), which later became known as the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). He founded the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) and the Indian Institute for Radio Astronomy (IRA).
Vikram Sarabhai returned to Bombay and started working at AEC. He led the development of nuclear reactors and nuclear power plants. AEC established Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) under his leadership, who served as its director till his death.
After returning to India, Vikram Sarabhai joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research as a research assistant and worked there until 1945, when he joined Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) as an associate scientist. He became its director when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi named Sir Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai as the new chairman of ISRO.
Vikram Sarabhai set up another organisation called Space Application Centre that focused on developing indigenous technologies for space research and applications. Vikram Sarabhai founded Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, dedicated to astrophysics, cosmic rays, astronomy, and planetary science research. In 1951, Sarabhai established the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, becoming one of India’s most important research institutes. It was dedicated to fundamental research in physics, astrophysics, and astronomy.Â
Vikram Sarabhai is considered the most outstanding scientist that India has ever produced. He was not only a great scientist himself but also an inspiration for many other scientists in India who worked hard to make their country proud through their work and dedication to science.
Vikram Sarabhai’s Contribution to Textile Industry
Vikram Sarabhai was a forerunner in the Indian space program. He was also a well-known scientist who created the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), the Ahmedabad Textile Industry Research Association (ATIRA), and the Vikram Sarabhai Community Science Centre, among others (VASCC).
Vikram Sarabhai Founded the Ahmedabad Textile and Industry research association in 1947, later becoming the Institute of Textile Technology & Training Centre (ITTC). He founded Ahmedabad Textile Industry’s Research Association (ATIRA) in 1947, along with his colleagues K. M. Munshi and Gautam Sarabhai. Later, this organisation was Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCC).
Conclusion
Vikram Sarabhai was an Indian physicist and astronomer who played a crucial role in creating the Indian space program. He died on 30 December 1971 in Trivandrum, Kerala. He was a student of Homi Bhabha at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
Vikram Sarabhai’s vision and efforts toward building a solid base for space research in India led to the establishment of ISRO, which has grown into the largest space agency in the world. He also initiated the development of the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) at Thumba near Trivandrum, Kerala. In this article, You learned about Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai, an Indian physicist and astronomer, and his role in the Indian space program.
