On his birth centenary, a look at Dr Sarabhai's contribution to India

Dr Vikram Sarabhai was not known as the Father of the Indian Space programme for nothing. Interestingly, his birth centenary comes just days after the successful launch of Chandrayaan 2 by India. He was the scientist behind India's first satellite Aryabhata and a mentor to former president of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. He also laid the foundation of IIM, Ahmedabad along with other industrialists. Here are some more facts about him.

Father of ISRO

He successfully convinced the government of India about the importance of space programme, which led to the establishment of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 1969.

Chandrayaan 2

The lander of Chandrayaan-2 is named 'Vikram' as part of the centenary celebrations of Vikram Sarabhai. Lander 'Vikram' is designed to operate to function for one lunar day, which is equivalent to about 14 Earth days.

First rocket launch site

Vikram Sarabhai set up India's first rocket launch site in Thumba, a small village near the Thiruvananthapuram airport in Kerala, with complete support of Dr Homi Bhabha.

Cable TV in India

Vikram Sarabhai was responsible for bringing cable television to India. His constant contact with NASA paved a way for the establishment of Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) in 1975.

Awards received

Vikram Sarabhai received the Padma Bhushan in 1966 for his contribution to India's progress. He was also awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1972, posthumously.

Commemorative stamp

On his first death anniversary, the Indian Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp to honour Sarabhai.

A mentor to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

He interviewed Dr Abdul Kalam and mentored him during the initial stages of his career. Dr Kalam later agreed that Sarabhai took a special interest in him and ensured his success.