Today the nation marks the death anniversary of India’s great scientist, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. He left the world in sleep on 30 December 1971, but his contribution is still alive in our hearts. In consideration of his innovative work in the field of science, he received honors such as Padma Bhushan in 1966 and Padma Vibhushan posthumously in 1972. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai’s name will always be associated with the Indian space program. It is very true that he gave an international identity to India in the research of space, but the area of his work was quite wide. He was not only a scientist but was also a pioneer in many fields like textile industry, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.
His life story was not limited to scientific contributions, but his love story is also no less than filmy romance. A story that gives another special twist to his personal life. And the revolutionary stream of his family, especially the contribution of his sister Mridula Sarabhai, inspires us even today. This family left its mark not only in science but also in society, which even today gives us a collective vision and inspiration.
The scientist who took India to the heights of space
Vikram Sarabhai, a name that will always be etched in the history of Indian science and space research. Born on 12 August 1919 in Ahmedabad, his journey took him to new heights when he catapulted the Indian space program. After completing his degree in Physics from Cambridge University, Vikram returned to India in 1947 and dreamt of doing something big for his country. His vision was that India should make its place in the field of space, and for this he worked hard.
When he established INCOSPAR in 1962, it was a decisive step for the Indian space program. With the thinking and leadership of Vikram, the foundation of the Indian Space Research Organization was laid in 1969, which gave India a new direction in space science. Vikram’s dream was that India should be self-reliant and should make its mark in the field of space research; he struggled for this throughout his life. In 1975, India launched its first satellite, “Aryabhatta,” which was not just a technological achievement but the beginning of India’s space journey.
Vikram Sarabhai’s hard work and determination placed India on the international space map firmly. In 1966, he received the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan, posthumously in 1972, for his contribution. Vikram died on 30 December 1971, but his contribution and his thinking are still alive in Indian space research. His life teaches us that the future of the nation can change with the determination and vision of a person.
A beautiful Love Story of Vikram Sarabhai and Mrinalini Swaminathan
After returning from Cambridge, Vikram Sarabhai again joined the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, where he was again crossing a new path of life. It was then that he met the great nuclear scientist Homi Jhangir Bhabha, who introduced him to Indian dancer Mrinalini Swaminathan. Devoted to her art and dance, Mrinalini did not get much attention from Vikram in the beginning. Their first meeting was not like the start of a romantic film—Mrinalini was in tennis shorts, and Vikram did not like it at all.
But as frequently as it happens, a casual meeting gradually transforms into something extraordinary. Mrinalini developed an interest in Bharatanatyam and began to enjoy the company of Vikram. Their bond developed from a sweet friendship; they would share bhutta and enjoy Bengali songs, which Mrinalini had learned at Shantiniketan. Vikram would quote Kalidasa to her. Such small things developed deep meaning and closeness into their relationship.
Even when they decided to get married, it was a very simple but extremely beautiful ceremony. Mrinalini wore a white khadi sari with her body ornamented with garlands of flowers instead of jewelry. Also, at the request of Vikram, Mrinalini and her friend danced soulfully on the deer scene from Ramayana. After the wedding, Vikram and Mrinalini started their journey—but this time they were going to Ahmedabad by train. This was the time of the Quit India Movement, and due to the tracks being uprooted by the agitators, a journey that would normally take 18 hours had to be made in 48 hours. This unique journey transformed their first honeymoon in the first-class coupe of a train into a journey—it becomes not a journey but a precious memory that always remains with them in hearts.
Inspiring Journey of Vikram Sarabhai and His Family
Vikram Sarabhai’s family is a unique example of Indian society and science. His father, Shri Ambalal Sarabhai, who owned a leading textile mill in Ahmedabad, was not only an industrialist but a man who felt responsible towards society. He also had relations with Mahatma Gandhi and the revolutionary Rabindranath Tagore. Once, when Tagore visited Ahmedabad, he saw Vikram Sarabhai and predicted, “This child will do great things one day.” These words proved true when Vikram gave a new direction to India with his hard work and dedication in the field of Indian space research.
Tagore also mentored Vikram during his education at Cambridge and provided him with a ‘recommendation letter’, which was to inspire him for his life. Vikram brought so many changes in his life that helped India immensely for its technological and scientific advancement.
Vikram’s sister Mridula Sarabhai also made the contribution towards Indian freedom struggle through her distinctive courage at the same time. Influenced by the inspiration of Mahatma Gandhi, she actively participated in Satyagraha and other movements. She was tested during her jail visits, but she never gave up. Seeing Mridula’s passion, Pandit Nehru appointed her as the General Secretary of the Congress in 1936, which was the first big post given to a woman in the history of Congress.
But she protested against the behavior of the Congress Working Committee with women and gave her views, for which she was expelled from the party. However, her bold ideas and contribution to the Indian freedom struggle always made her an inspiration.
Vikram Sarabhai’s family left a mark not only in science and politics but in every field of society. His life is proof that family support, unity, and thoughtfulness can take any society to great heights.
