Dr. Vikram A. Sarabhai (Credit-Indiatimes.com)
The father of the Indian Space Program is undoubtedly Dr. Vikram A. Sarabhai. He was an eminent physicist and a visionary leader who initiated India's space program in the 1960s. He founded the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969, which has now become the country's premier space agency.
Dr. Sarabhai was born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in 1919, and completed his education in India and England. He was a multifaceted personality who made significant contributions to several fields. He was an academician, a social worker, a businessman, and a scientist.
Dr. Sarabhai's interest in space technology began when he visited the United States in 1947. He realized the potential of space technology for India's economic and social development. He worked tirelessly to build a strong foundation for India's space program, which would enable the country to launch its own satellites and carry out space exploration.
Under Dr. Sarabhai's leadership, ISRO achieved several milestones, including the launch of the first Indian satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975. He also established several institutions that are now integral to India's space program, such as the Space Applications Centre, the Satellite Communication Earth Station, and the Physical Research Laboratory.