Untitled Document

The President of India addressing scientists

The President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, inaugurated the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) at Ahmedabad on November 11, 2006. PRL, an autonomous unit of the Department of Space, is a pioneering institution for space research in India.

It was founded by Dr Vikram Sarabhai, who nurtured it for more than two decades. It is here that the seeds of the Indian space programme were sown. PRL entered its sixtieth year of existence in November 2006 and over the past sixty years, it has fulfilled many of Dr Sarabhai’s dreams.

Inaugurating the celebrations, the President recalled his close association with PRL scientists and their collaborators from USA, France, Germany and the erstwhile USSR during the sixties as a project engineer when he ensured that their payloads had a comfortable ride in the rockets so that the scientists got useful data. He specially mentioned about the impressive nature of the confluence of theoretical, experimental and mission mode work. Dr. Kalam expressed his happiness that PRL is rightly setting its eyes on understanding the origin and evolution of solar system objects and missions to Moon, Mars and Asteroids.

In his address, Mr G Madhavan Nair, Secretary DOS/Chairman, ISRO outlined the vision of the Department of Space for the coming decade that would provide new opportunities for scientific experiments using space platforms and launching of dedicated science missions starting with Chandrayaan-1 mission to the Moon and ASTROSAT mission for the studies of celestial objects in the Visible, Ultraviolet and X-ray windows. PRL is expected to play a substantive role in realising this vision. Prof U R Rao, Chairman, Council of Management of PRL provided an overview of growth of research activities of PRL over the last six decades and highlighted the research done during the last decade. He also stressed the need to retain its unique place in the national and international context.

The other dignitaries who were present on the special occasion included Mr Nawal Kishore Sharma, Governor of Gujarat, Mr Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Mrs Anandiben Patel, Minister for Education, Govt of Gujarat and Mrs Mrinalini Sarabhai. Prof J N Goswami, Director, PRL welcomed the dignitaries. Prof J E Blamont of France and Prof K G McCracken of Australia were specially invited for the occasion and were honoured for their contributions to PRL during its formative years. Several conferences, symposia, open house and public lectures were conducted as part of the celebrations.

An Open-House was organised during November 11-14, 2006, as part of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. An exhibition showcasing the growth of PRL over the years was also organised.