Statue of Sarabhai will inspire SAC scientists

Had he been alive today, Dr Vikram Sarabhai would have turned 92 on August 12. A visionary, who turned many of his dreams into reality, he will be remembered with a life-size statue at the Space Applications Centre (SAC).

His wife Mrinalini Sarabhai will unveil this life-size statue at SAC on Friday morning in a low-key celebration. "In the past, busts have been put up, but this is the first life-size statue in Ahmedabad. It is being arranged by members of ISRO. I am very happy about it," said Mrinalini Sarabhai.

She added, "The statue is around 5.7 feet in height, which makes it life-size." She said that the statue is built by sculptor Padmashri Kanti Patel.

SAC director Dr RR Navalgund said it was a long standing desire of the institute to have a life-size statue of Dr Sarabhai. "We went through an elaborate process by a team of 2-3 people to select an artist," he said. Sculptor Kanti Patel says he was approached by SAC director around eight months ago.

"I have carved the statue on the basis of a photograph given to me, since I have never met him personally. The statue is made of bronze and is nearly 6 feet tall." Besides, there will be, like every year, tree plantation at Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) on Friday at 8.30am.