On Vikram Sarabhai

Aristocrat. Vikram Sarabhai was an aristocrat of the soul.

I just finished reading Vikram Sarabhai - A life by Amrita Shah. I will not attempt a poor reconstruction of his life story here when Amrita has done such a good job but recommend you check out her work.

What has been most impressive about him is how he was serious (not solemn! he was princely and munificent), high-integrity, and honest. Man of science, institution builder, munificent, honest, open-minded, rich-yet-rooted. How many people can you say this about?

He is the epitome of privilege. Born to a Rich mill-owner, taught by private tutors, family that knew Gandhi, Tagore and Nehru personally (amongst others.) So much so that Tagore recommended him for Cambridge (in a letter I find hilarious, essentially saying “He comes from a rich family, his brother studies in Oxford. Take him in”, and they do!)

But what matters is he put his privilege to a good use, helping shape a newly-independent nation at a critical time. He was associated with many big-name institutes including ISRO and IIM-A and played a key-man-esque role in many of them.

Not to romanticize him but he comes off as someone who was serious(!) and almost had a higher calling. He comes off as regal, composed, willing to help, open-minded, hard-working, well-educated (and lavish). All qualities I appreciate. Perhaps that is why he speaks so much to me. :)

Oh, also, as someone from Ahmedabad, the references to different parts of the city, which I know personally was quite fun. History but near roads you walk by.