AMN / NEW DELHI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that it will be a tribute to Dr. Sarabhai from crores of Indians in true sense when ‘Vikram’ lander will land on Moon. He also said that Vikram Sarabhai’s ideology led India to become a powerful country in the field of science and technology. Mr. Modi was addressing the inaugural ceremony of centenary celebration of the birth anniversary of the founding father of ISRO- Dr. Vikiram Sarabhai held in Ahmedabad through video conferencing today.
The Prime Minister said that Dr. Homi Bhabha’s demise had created a vacuum in Indian science. At that time, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai gave a new dimension to science with his skills and leadership. Describing Dr. Sarabhai as a dedicated soldier of Science, Mr. Modi said that he encouraged science as well as India’s culture and Sanskrit language. The Prime Minister said that Dr. Vikram Sarabhai has left a legacy for us and it is our responsibility to take this legacy to the people. Mr. Modi also appealed the school children to participate in the online space quiz launched by ISRO.
Speaking on this occasion, ISRO Chairman Dr. K Sivan described Dr. Vikram Sarabhai as a great institution builder. He said that Dr. 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. He said that institutions set up by Vikram Sarabhai have become today’s Center of Excellence.
During the inaugural programme, an album on the life and work of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, a coffee table book on ISRO and commemorative coin from Department of Atomic Energy have been released. ‘Space on Wheels’ an exhibition inside a bus was also inaugurated on the occasion.
A year-long 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 the country. The valedictory function will be held at Thiruvananthapuram on 12th August 2020.
