Vikram Sarabhai: An Enduring Inspiration for Youth on International Youth Day

By Amit Kumar

As the world observes International Youth Day today, it is a moment to reflect on figures who continue to inspire generations of young minds. Among them, Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai stands tall, a visionary physicist, institution builder, and the driving force behind India’s space program.

Born on August 12, 1919, Sarabhai’s birthdate fittingly aligns with a day that celebrates youth, innovation, and the power of potential. Known as the “Father of the Indian Space Program,” his legacy is more than scientific achievements, it is a testament to what determination, vision, and education can accomplish, especially when driven by purpose.

Born into a progressive industrialist family in Ahmedabad, Sarabhai received his higher education at Cambridge. Following his return to India in the late 1940s, he established the Physical Research Laboratory, laying the groundwork for India’s space science ambitions in the early years of independence. In 1947, he founded the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, which became the cradle of India’s space exploration.

His conviction that “we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society” still resonates today. He initiated India’s first satellite project, which culminated in the launch of Aryabhata in 1975, and played a pivotal role in the establishment of institutions such as the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) and the Space Applications Centre. These institutions continue to shape India’s intellectual and technological future.

Notably, Sarabhai was not confined to science alone. Alongside his wife, renowned dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai, he co-founded the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts. His multifaceted life sends a powerful message to today’s youth: embrace curiosity, pursue excellence, and work for the greater good.

As we mark International Youth Day 2025, let us remember that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the changemakers of today. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai’s life is a shining example of how one individual’s vision can ignite a nation’s progress, and in doing so, inspire generations to come.