Major achievements of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, father of India’s Space Programme

Vikram Sarabhai (12 August 1919 – 30 December 1971) was an innovator and an Indian scientist who is popularly known as the father of India’s Space Programme. Dr. Sarabhai was conferred the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar prize in 1962 followed by the Padma Bhusan and the Padma Vibhushan in 1966 and 1972 respectively.

Vikram Sarabhai: Personal Life

Dr. Vikram came from the famous Sarabhai family of India. Son of Ambalal Sarabhai, he had the luxury of being born in the family of elite industrialist who were committed to the Indian Freedom Movement. Vikram Sarabhai married Mrinalini in 1942 who was a classical dancer of her times. The couple had two children, Mallika and Kartikeya Sarabhai. Sarabhai’s daughter gained popularity as an activist and actress while his son became an active person in Science.

Vikram Sarabhai: Key positions held

• The key positions held by Vikram Sarabhai are as follows:
• President, Physics Department, Indian Space Congress, 1962
• President, General Conference of the I.A.E.A., Vienna, 1962
• Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission of India (1966–1971)
• Vice-President, 4^th UN Conference on 'Peaceful uses of Atomic Energy', 1971
• Founder and Chairman, Space Applications Centre, (1963–1971)

Also Read: Google Doodle celebrates ISRO founder Vikram Sarabhai’s 100th birthday

Vikarm Sarabhai: Key achievements

The key achievements of Vikram Sarabhai is listed below:  

• India’s moon mission Chandrayaan II that will land on the south pole of the moon on September 9, 2019 is named Vikram in the honour of Vikram Sarabhai
• VSSC (The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre), ISRO’s lead facility for launch vehicle development in Kerala is named in his memory
• Vikram Sarabhai played a significant role in establishing the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.
• On his Death anniversary, Indian Postal Department released a memorial Postal Stamp