#memory
Vikram Sarabhai.
12 August is the birth anniversary of Dr Vikram A Sarabhai ( 1919-1971).
Sarabhai was the visualiser and architect of India’s Space Program, and the satellite communication system that ushered in the digital revolution in India.
Sarabhai was a student and protege of the great Sir CV Raman, who trained a succession of scientists and engineers including Dr.Homi Bhabha. He had left the family enterprise of Sarabhai Chemicals to pursue a life in science and technology. After the death of Homi Bhabha, Sarabhai was personally selected by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to head India’s Atomic Energy Program.
Sarabhai was an institution builder and groomed some of the great scientists of the country like APJ Abdul Kalam and UR Rao.
He had a strong Kerala connection being married to classical dancer Mrinalini, daughter of the famous freedom fighter Ammu Swaminathan and sister of INA leader Captain Lakshmi. He lived and worked at Thiruvananthapuram. The Space centre in Thumpa, Thiruvananthapuram is named VSSC (Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre). His end came after a heart attack at the Halcyon Castle, Kovalam Thiruvananthapuram.
– Joy Kallivayalil.
