ISRO chairman and family members of the scientist who pioneered the Indian space programme attended the function.
To commemorate the pioneer of space research in India on his 92nd birth anniversary, the Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO, Ahmedabad unveiled a life-size bronze statue of Dr Vikram Sarabhai on its campus on Friday.
On a wet afternoon when the sun meekly hid behind the dark clouds as the rain gods remained active, ISRO chairman Dr K Radhakrishnan unveiled the statue in the presence of other members of the institute and the Sarabhai family members-Dr Sarabhai's wife Mrinalini, daughter Mallika and son Kartikeya. Dr Rangnath Navalgund, director, SAC, welcomed the dignitaries and later, Dr Radhakrishnan, Mrs Sarabhai, Prof. PD Bhavsar, former director, SAC, Dr George Joseph and Dr Rangnath Navalgund planted saplings near the statue.
The full size statue of Dr Sarabhai, the first of its kind anywhere, is a unique combination of art and craftsmanship created by Padmashree awardee Kantibhai Patel, a veteran freedom fighter who at the 'young' age of 89 years took up the assignment with passion and urgency.
The statue has been installed near the New Auditorium amid green surroundings and a natural ambience. The occasion was an emotional moment for the Sarabhais. Prof. PD Bhavsar, also a close associate of Dr Sarabhai, shared the memories and his experience with Dr Sarabhai in the early sixties when rocket launching and space activities took off at Thumba, Thiruvananthpuram on coastal Kerala.
In the rainy weather, the SAC/ISRO staff wholeheartedly participated in the function and paid homage to the late scientist who played a definitive role in the setting up of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). A documentary capsule on the achievements of Dr Sarabhai made by DECU was screened at New Auditorium and across the centre.
The standing posture of Dr Sarabhai truly reflects his scientific vision and his keen insight in using space science technology for societal benefits.
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