ISRO Pays Tribute to Its Founding Father, Dr Vikram Sarabhai

In a nostalgic, simple and solemn function marked by the presence of Dr K Kasturirangan, Chairman, ISRO and a galaxy of close associates of the visionary, late Dr Vikram Sarabhai, ISRO paid its humble tribute to the great son of India, as Smt Mrinalini Sarabhai unveiled the bust of Sarabhai at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram today (July 8, 2002).

Decades ago Dr Sarabhai declared "…. To us there is no ambiguity of purpose ……. We are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally and in the comity of nations we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of the man and society". Indian space programme has aptly lived to his expectations. The space programme has taken up challenging tasks, perfected, built and operationalised world class communication and remote sensing satellite and launch vehicle systems. These systems have become the mainstay in various space application programmes benefiting the common man and enriching the quality of life of ordinary Indian citizen.

Dr K Kasturirangan, Chairman, ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space welcomed the assemblage of dignitaries, who piloted the Indian space programme through various stages of its development and the ISRO personnel assembled at the venue and also at other ISRO Centres, who witnessed the proceedings, real time, over ISRO's SPACENET. While dwelling on the visionary abilities of Dr Sarabhai, Chairman, ISRO pointed out that the actual tribute is the four decades of work, which translated what Dr Sarabhai envisaged in the way that he would have wanted to. Dr Kasturirangan also said that these visions were realised only because of the collective effort of the people in ISRO and the luminaries who guided them. He made special mention of late Prof Satish Dhawan. He concluded his address saying that Dr Sarabhai was a "kind of perpetual being, always with us to guide us, to be with us in our tribulations and in our moments of triumph". Prof M G K Menon well known scientist, former Minister and former Chairman of ISRO presided over the function.

Unveiling the bronze bust of Dr Sarabhai, at the Veli research Complex, Smt Mrinalini Sarabhai reminisced the early days when her late husband carved out the Indian space programme. She touched the hearts of the gathering by addressing them in Malayalam first. She went on to acknowledge the tributes paid to her husband by the other speakers and expressed her happiness for his vision having been made a reality. Her further wish was that 'this vision be passed on to younger people so that they too share in the future of the country'.

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Chief guest at the occasion inspired the big gathering of about 7,000 personnel of ISRO assembled to witness the unveiling of the bust. In his inimitable way, Dr Kalam described Dr Sarabhai as a visionary who was always ahead and an "invisible" leader whose smiling demeanour was a lesson in itself. Dr Kalam pointed out that the ability to think is the real capital of the space community. Another lesson that he learnt from Dr Sarabhai was good leadership - that is, a leader who looks upon a team member's excellence as the success of the team. Therefore he concluded that the best tribute to Dr Sarabhai would be to enjoy the success of the younger members. He indicated that the trend of "invisible" leadership is in "exercising the vision to change the traditional roles from commander to coach, manager to mentor, director to delegator, and from one who demands respect to one who facilitates respect".

Prof Yash Pal, formerly Director of Space Application Center released a souvenir `The Legend Lives On' on the occasion. Prof E V Chitnis, formerly Director of Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad and Shri T N Seshan, former Chief Election Commissioner and former Additional Secretary to the Department of Space recalled their associations with Dr Vikram Sarabhai and the Indian space programme.

The bronze bust of Dr Vikram Sarabhai was cast by the seasoned hands of the famous sculptor, Shri Kanayi Kunhiraman. Dr K Kasturirangan presented a memento to Shri Kanayi Kunhiraman. Shri G Madhavan Nair, Director, VSSC proposed vote of thanks.