Two-day Centenary Exhibition of Dr Vikram Sarabhai at NIT Warangal

Warangal: Contribution of Dr Vikram Sarabhai to Indian space research cannot be described in words, said Dr V Jayaraman, former Director of the National Remote Sensing Centre, ISRO, as well as a former Professor and Senior Advisor at ISRO Headquarters. Speaking at the two-day Centenary Exhibition of Dr Vikram Sarabhai at NIT, Warangal, on Wednesday, he called him as the Father of the Indian space programme.

"Vikram Sarabhai developed a culture in the ISRO that a junior most employee can speak to the head of the institution. Such was his greatness," Jayaraman said.

Speaking on the occasion, NIT Director, Prof N V Ramana Rao said that Dr Vikram Sarabhai was a visionary and young minds must take inspiration from him and contribute to the nation. "For it is because of him that the Space Research Programme here in India is one amongst the very best in the World. What it takes to be a visionary is pure effort and every student in NITW has what it takes to become one," he said. He also mentioned that this year not only commemorates the 100th year of Dr Vikram Sarabhai and the Diamond Jubilee of NITW, but also the 50th year of ISRO and the Father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi's 150th year. Dean of Student Welfare, Prof LRG Reddy said that NIT Warangal has been chosen amongst hundreds of institutes across the nation, not only because of its deep roots in Indian culture and heritage, as the country's first REC, but also because it is one of India's leading Institutes with respect to Engineering as well as the Sciences. He explained students several aspects of space research and spoke about Vikram Sarabhai, his visions and their applicability in today's world.

Nearly, 5,000 students took part on the first day of the festivities. Students who visited the exhibition from various schools saw several exhibits informing them about space, launch vehicle models, water rocket launching, satellite models, laws of gravitation etc. The programme was jointly organised by National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO, NIT Warangal, Warangal district administration and Indian Red Cross Society.

Rajasree, General manager, NRSC, Hyderabad, Manu Chowdary, Special Officer & K Narayana Reddy, DEO, Warangal Urban and Dr Vijaya Chandra Reddy, Chairman, IRCS, Warangal were among others present.