Dr. Vikram Sarabhai: Some Interesting Facts about Father of India's space program

Dr. Sarabhai established the Indian National Committee for Space Research in 1962, later renamed the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)

Today search giant Google is honoring Dr. Vikram Sarabhai on his 100th Birthday by dedicating a Google doodle. Father of India's space program Vikram Sarabha was an award-winning physicist, industrialist, and innovator who established Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Today's Doodle is illustrated by Mumbai-based guest artist Pavan Rajurkar.

Here are some interesting facts about Dr. Vikram Sarabhai

1. Vikram Sarabhai founded the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad in November 1947.

2. Dr. Sarabhai established the Indian National Committee for Space Research in 1962, later renamed the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

3. Apart from ISRO and PRL, he pioneered the setting up of several institutions, such as the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad, Community Science Centre.

4. He married the classical dancer Mrinalini in 1942

5. Sarabhai received the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize in 1962. He was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1966 and the Padma Vibhushan (posthumously) in 1972.

6. Dr. Homi Bhabha, widely regarded as the father of India's nuclear science program, supported Vikram Sarabhai in setting up the first rocket launching station in India.

7. Indian Postal Department released a commemorative Postal Stamp On his first death anniversary (30 December 1972)

8. The lander on India's moon mission Chandrayaan II is named Vikram in his honor which will finally land near the South Pole of the moon on Sep 7, 2019.

Also Read: ISRO launches journalism awards to mark 100-year of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai