OUR FOUNDER
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Legacy
The Visionary Behind the Institution
Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai (1919–1971) was one of India’s most remarkable institution builders. A physicist by training, a nation-builder by conviction, and a humanist at heart, he believed deeply that science must serve society and that institutions must be created to sustain progress.
He is widely known as the architect of India’s space programme. Yet, beyond rockets and laboratories, his contribution lies equally in the institutions he created and the values he embedded within them.
For Dr. Sarabhai, development was not a technical exercise. It was a moral and social responsibility. It required imagination, integrity and public participation.
In 1966, he established the Nehru Foundation for Development (NFD) in Ahmedabad as a platform for serious reflection on the problems of development and as a space to nurture intellectual engagement and institutional innovation.
A Philosophy Rooted in Scientific Temper
Dr. Sarabhai saw science not merely as a discipline, but as a way of thinking. He believed that rational inquiry, evidence-based reasoning and curiosity were essential not only for laboratories but for society at large.
He often emphasised that developing countries must apply advanced technologies thoughtfully, ensuring that they directly improve the lives of people.
“We do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets. 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.”
- Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
This belief shaped every institution he nurtured. Knowledge, in his view, had meaning only when it strengthened society.
Development as Participation
Dr. Sarabhai believed that people must be active participants in shaping development pathways. Institutions should not impose solutions but create spaces for dialogue, experimentation and shared learning.
In articulating the purpose of the Foundation, he expressed a clear intention:
“The Foundation would provide the forum and the staff services to support the initiative of individuals who are interested in similar problems of development… We would attempt to create intellectual resource groups… to think and to share their thinking with others on problems of current interest.”
- Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
This idea of the Foundation as a forum, a catalyst and an enabler continues to guide its work.
Institution Building as Nation Building
One of Dr. Sarabhai’s defining contributions was his ability to create institutions that were autonomous, mission-driven and intellectually rigorous.
He understood that enduring change requires stable institutions anchored in values rather than personalities. Across science, management, arts and development, he built organisations that combined professional excellence with public purpose.
The Foundation emerged from this same institutional philosophy: nurture ideas, build capacities, encourage debate, and enable long-term engagement.
Over time, specialised institutions in science education, environmental education, rural development, health and nutrition, crafts and urban sustainability evolved within this ecosystem. Each reflects a different facet of his integrated vision.
Integrating Science and Social Conscience
Dr. Sarabhai’s work bridged domains that are often treated separately. He connected technology with education, research with community engagement, and innovation with ethical responsibility.
He recognised that development must address ecological sustainability, equity, and human dignity. His perspective anticipated many of today’s sustainability concerns long before they became global priorities.
The institutional ecosystem that grew from his vision reflects this integration: Science education fosters curiosity and rational inquiry. Environmental education connects knowledge with stewardship. Rural development strengthens people’s institutions and livelihoods. Public health initiatives advance equity and dignity. Craft and cultural initiatives preserve heritage while sustaining communities. Urban initiatives encourage participatory and sustainable city development. Each domain is part of a larger systems view of development.
A Continuing Influence
More than five decades after his passing, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai’s philosophy continues to shape institutional practice.
His legacy within the Foundation is reflected in: Commitment to non-partisan public purpose; Emphasis on evidence-based thinking; Respect for community participation; Long-term institution building over short-term projects; Ethical governance and financial prudence; Integration of knowledge, action and reflection
The Foundation remains a living expression of his belief that thoughtful institutions can help shape a more just, sustainable and informed society.
Archival Engagement
The Foundation maintains archival records, publications and institutional memories that document its evolution and the ideas that shaped it.
Visitors and researchers are encouraged to explore archival materials, historical documents and institutional publications that reflect the intellectual journey initiated by Dr. Sarabhai.
Through reflection on the past, the institution seeks to remain relevant to the future.
Carrying the Vision Forward
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai demonstrated that scientific temper and social conscience are not opposing forces but complementary strengths.
The Foundation continues to uphold that conviction. By nurturing institutions, encouraging participation, and integrating knowledge with public purpose, it seeks to carry forward a vision that remains deeply relevant to contemporary development challenges.
His legacy is not confined to history. It lives through institutions that think, engage and act responsibly for the public good.
“We do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets. 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.”
“The Foundation would provide the forum and the staff services to support the initiative of individuals who are interested in similar problems of development.”
“Science and technology are not ends in themselves. They are instruments for achieving social and economic progress.”
“Institutions must be built to serve society, not to serve themselves.”
“Development is not merely a question of economic growth. It is a question of improving the quality of human life.”