Today in Ahmedabad, Space Applications Centre SAC organised Dr Vikram Sarabhai Birth Centenary (1919 – 2019) Celebrations at GMDC Convention Hall.
This is 100 th year of Dr Sarabhai birth anniversary. Distinguished Scientists from ISRO including Chairman ISRO Dr K Sivan, Dr K Kasturirangan former Chairman ISRO , Dr BN Suresh former director VSSC, Shri Pramod Kale former Director SAC and Dr MR Srinivasan former chairman DAE, Dr KN Vyas Chairman AEC Secretary DAE and professor Errol D’Souza of IIM Ahmedabad were invited on the occasion.
The birth centenary celebration of the founding father of ISRO – Dr. Vikram Sarabhai was kicked off in in the presence of dignitaries from ISRO, Department of Space, Department of Atomic Energy and Family members of Sarabhai Family.
To boost the moral of ISRO scientists, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi addressed gathering. PM said that it will be a tribute to Dr. Sarabhai from crore of Indians in true sense when ‘Vikram’ lander will land on Moon. He also said that Vikram Sarabhai’s ideology leads India to become a powerful country in the field of science and technology. Shri Modi said Dr. Homi Bhabha’s demise had created a vacuum in the world of Indian science. At that time, Vikram Sarabhai gave a new dimension to science with his skills and leadership ability.
Describing Dr. Vikram Sarabhai as a dedicated soldier for Vignan, Shri Modi said that he encouraged science as well as India’s culture and Sanskrit language. He always gave time for the students. Shri Modi said that Dr. Vikram Sarabhai has left a legacy for us and it is our responsibility to take this legacy to the people. He also encouraged school children to participate in the online space quiz launched by ISRO.
PM Modi expressed his gratitude for Dr Vikram Sarabhai. He also, requested students community to mandatorily take part in ISRO Science Quiz held from 10th to 20th August.
Message from Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani was read out on the occasion.
From Sarabhai family, son of Vikram Sarabhai, Dr Kartikey Sarabhai and daughter Mallika Sarabhai were invited.
Dr Sarabhai is originator of space programme in India and a Leading Indian Scientist, visionary of India and founder of Ahmedabad based SAC Space Applications Centre ISRO Indian Space Research Organisation. Dr Vikram Sarabhai belong to Sarabhai family.
Audio Visual presentation on life and work of Dr Sarabhai was made. An album on the life story of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, a coffee table book on ISRO and commemorative coin from Department of Atomic Energy were released. ‘Space on Wheels’ an exhibition inside a bus was also inaugurated on the occasion.
Dignitaries gave enlightening speech and promised to further Indian Space Programme pioneered by Dr Vikram Sarabhai.
Dr. K Sivan, Chairman of ISRO, in his speech described Dr. Vikram Sarabhai as a great institution builder. He said that Vikram Sarabhai has made a huge contribution in the construction of Modern India by establishing institutions in the fields of Modern Science, Physical Research and Atomic Energy etc. He said that institutions set up by Vikram Sarabhai have become the Center of Excellence today. He said that in this sense, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai is the true Son of India.
The yearlong Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Centenary Programme includes exhibitions, competitions to school children, journalism awards and speeches by eminent personalities. The programme will be conducted across 100 selected cities all over India commencing today and ending on August 12, 2020 with the valedictory function at Thiruvananthapuram.
Students from school and colleges,industries working with ISRO participated in the event.
