This Day In History- August 12

1919 – ‘Father of Indian Space program’ Dr Vikram Sarabhai was born.In 1947 the Cambridge University awarded him PhD for his thesis on `Cosmic Ray investigation in Tropical Latitudes’. Dr.Sarabhai, upon his return to India, had sensed the need for a space program in a developing country like ours and successfully convinced the Government about the need for one.He was ably supported by Dr.Homi Jehangir Bhabha in his endeavour. Dr.Sarabhai is credited with the establishment of prominent institutions which include:
– Physical Research Laboratory,Ahmedabad (1947)
– Community Science Centre now known as the Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre,Ahmedabad (1966)
– Indian Space Research Organization (1969)
– Indian Institute of Management,Ahmedabad (1961)
– Ahmedabad Textiles Industrial Research Association (ATIRA)
– Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology University(CEPT),Ahmedabad (1962)
– Faster Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR), Kalpakkam
– Varaiable Energy Cyclotron Project(VECP), Calcutta
– Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), Hyderabad
– Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), Jaduguda, Bihar

Vikram Sarabhai

He also established the Blind Men’s Association(BMA)-an organization that imparts skills and provides necessary support to the visually impaired and the ‘Darpan Academy of Performing Arts ‘ along with his wife Mrinalini Sarabhai.
Dr.Sarabhai was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1966 and the Padma Vibhushan(posthumously) in 1972.In 1974,the International Astronomical Union renamed BESSEL,a moon crater in the sea of serenity as the Dr.Sarabhai Crater.

1948 – India and Portugal interchangechange diplomatic missions.

Gulshan Kumar

1997 – ‘Cassette King’ Gulshan Kumar was assassinated. Kumar founded the successful music label T-Series. He is credited with the introduction of low priced audio cassettes. T-Series is currently the largest music company in India and controls a large share of the music industry in India. The company is also active in movie production.

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