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General Studies 1 >> Social reformer, Great personality

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VIKRAM SARABHAI

VIKRAM SARABHAI

 
 
1. Context
 
Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space programme, died on December 30, 1971, in Kovalam, Kerala, at the age of 52. During his lifetime, Sarabhai had 38 institutions that are now leaders in space research, physics, management, and performing arts
A detailed portrait of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the Indian physicist and space scientist, depicted in a formal setting. He is shown wearing a suit and tie, with a thoughtful expression and neatly combed hair, reflecting his visionary and intellectual personality. The background features subtle elements symbolizing space research, such as a globe, rocket models, and the logo of ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) prominently displayed, replacing any mention of NASA. The overall mood is inspiring, capturing his contributions to India's space program. The artwork has a realistic style with attention to facial features and professional attire.
 
2. Early Childhood and Life
 
  • Born to Ambalal and Sarla Devi, prominent textile mill owners in Ahmedabad, Sarabhai displayed his creative potential at an early age. At just 15, he constructed a functional model of a train engine with the assistance of two engineers, which is now preserved at the Community Science Centre (CSC) in Ahmedabad.
  • Sarabhai established the CSC to extend to other children the opportunities for hands-on experimental learning that he himself enjoyed. His daughter, Mallika Sarabhai, an acclaimed Indian classical dancer, reminisced about how, during their childhood, they were actively involved in every family decision.
  • This environment of freedom allowed them to develop strong convictions early in life and confidently express their opinions. They were never considered too young to engage with matters that influenced them directly
  • After completing his education at Gujarat University in Ahmedabad, Sarabhai pursued physics and mathematics at Cambridge University, supported by a reference from Rabindranath Tagore. However, his studies were interrupted by the outbreak of World War II, prompting his return to India.
  • He went on to complete his postgraduate studies at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru under the mentorship of Dr. C.V. Raman, where he also crossed paths with Dr. Homi Bhabha. Later, he returned to Cambridge to earn a PhD in cosmic rays.
  • In 1942, amidst the Quit India Movement and the arrest of his eldest sister Mridula, Sarabhai married Indian classical dancer Mrinalini Swaminathan.
  • During his career, he established pivotal institutions such as the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), the Indian National Committee for Space Research, and the Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad, all of which became foundational to India’s space program and remain integral to its missions today.
  • Sarabhai's unique focus on research with practical applications set him apart as a visionary scientist and entrepreneur far ahead of his time
 
3. Space, Nuclear Science, broadcasting
 
  • Realizing Sarabhai's vision of exploring atmospheric regions for space research, the first sounding rocket was launched from Thumba, Kerala, in 1967.
  • In 1969, Sarabhai persuaded Parliament and the Planning Commission to adopt the concept of a "decade profile" for India's nuclear program. Following the untimely death of Homi Bhabha in a plane crash in 1966, Sarabhai assumed the role of chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission. During his tenure, he initiated discussions with NASA, which eventually laid the groundwork for the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE).
  • Launched in 1975 from Pij, a village in Gujarat's Kheda district, SITE was India's first Indo-US space collaboration, leveraging technology to broadcast educational television programs to rural areas. This initiative also inspired the creation of "Krishi Darshan," a Doordarshan program designed to assist farmers.
  • Sarabhai's research-oriented approach extended into business as well. In 1943, he established Sarabhai Chemicals in Vadodara, followed by the Sarabhai Research Centre and the Operations Research Group, reflecting his commitment to blending science with practical applications
 
4. Indian Space Program
 
  • One of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai's most notable achievements was the establishment of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He successfully persuaded the government about the necessity of a space program for a developing nation like India, especially after the launch of the Russian Sputnik. Highlighting the importance of space exploration, Sarabhai once said:
  • "There are some who question the relevance of space activities in a developing nation. To us, there is no ambiguity of purpose. We do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets or manned space-flight.
  • But we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the community of nations, we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society."
  • Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha, often referred to as the father of India’s nuclear program, supported Sarabhai in establishing India’s first rocket launching station. This facility was set up at Thumba, near Thiruvananthapuram, along the Arabian Sea, due to its proximity to the equator.
  • Following extensive efforts to develop the required infrastructure, including communication systems, personnel, and launch pads, the first rocket carrying a sodium vapor payload was successfully launched on November 21, 1963.
  • Sarabhai's collaboration with NASA in 1966 eventually led to the launch of the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) from July 1975 to July 1976, although he was no longer alive to witness its success. He also initiated the project for India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, which was launched into orbit in 1975 from a Russian Cosmodrome.
  • Dedicated to improving science education, Sarabhai founded the Community Science Centre in Ahmedabad in 1966, which is now known as the Vikram Sarabhai Community Science Centre.
  • Born on August 12, 1919, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Sarabhai belonged to a prominent Jain business family. His father, Ambalal Sarabhai, was a wealthy industrialist who owned multiple mills in Gujarat. Vikram Sarabhai was one of eight children of Ambalal and Sarla Devi.
  • After completing his matriculation from Gujarat College in Ahmedabad, Sarabhai moved to England to study at St. John’s College, University of Cambridge, where he earned the Tripos in Natural Sciences in 1940.
  • With the onset of World War II, he returned to India and conducted research on cosmic rays at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru under the mentorship of Nobel laureate Sir C.V. Raman. He returned to Cambridge in 1945 and was awarded a PhD in 1947 for his thesis on cosmic ray investigations in tropical regions
 
 
For Prelims: PSLV, GSLV, GSLV Mk-III, SSLV
For Mains: GS III- Science & Technology- Satellite Applications, Challenges and Solutions
 
 
Previous Year Questions
1. With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)
1. PSLVs launch satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3. GSLV Mk III is a four- staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3
C. 1 and 2
D. 3 only
Answer: A
 
Source: Indianexpress

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