President Ram Nath Kovind said that Dr. Vikram Sarabhai was a world-class scientist, a policymaker and also an institution-builder who convened an army of brilliant scientists, anthropologists, communicators and social scientists to spearhead the Indian space programme.

Addressing the birth centenary programme of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai through video conferencing today, Mr. Kovind paid his tributes to Dr. Sarabhai and recalled his contribution in the field of Indian space programme. He said, for both Dr. Sarabhai and Dr. Bhabha, science was not only an exciting journey in itself but was also a path to modern development for a country like India.

Appreciating the vision of Dr. Sarabhai, the President said, Dr. Sarabhai wanted to demonstrate the usefulness of a satellite system for national development. He said, today we realise the significance of his dream, when the Covid-19 pandemic has failed to interrupt school education which has continued in the remote learning mode.

Mr. Kovind said, from such humble yet ambitious beginnings, India has reached the stage where preparations are on to launch a human space flight. He said, Mission Gaganyaan slated for the 75th year of India’s independence speaks of the legacy of Dr. Sarabhai.