Dr Vikram A Sarabhai : Father of Indian Space Program !
" There are some who question the relevance of space activities in a developing nation. To us, there is no ambiguity of purpose. We do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets or manned space-flight. But we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the community of nations, we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society. " ' Kalam always took himself very seriously' A close friend and former colleague recalls his long association with India's 11th President. Exclusive to I first met A P J Abdul Kalam way back in 1963 at the National Aeronautics Space Agency, Wallops Island launching facility in Virginia, United States. I was already there with three other colleagues. Dr Vikram Sarabhai had sent us for training in sounding rocket assembly and launching. Kalam joined us a f