– Sahana Rai, Freelance writer,Vittal
The world is looking at India with astonishment for its outstanding development in space science and technology. Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), established by Vikram Sarabhai, is India’s pride. A man who had put forward his honest efforts to realise Vikram Sarabhai’s vision of developing Indian space technology and who worked hard to carry forward the legacy was Prof. Sathish Dhawan. 03 January 2023 is the 20th death anniversary of Sathish Dhawan. His contributions can never be forgotten, and his works are still inspiring youngsters to join the Indian space program.
Sathish Dhawan was born on September 25, 1920, in Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir). He earned Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics, Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical), Masters degree in English from the University of Punjab. He received his Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Minnesota. Sathish Dhawan graduated from the California Institute of Technology after completing an Aeronautical Engineering degree. He did double PhD in Mathematics and Aerospace Engineering from the California Institute of Technology.
Sathish Dhawan was a Mathematician and Aerospace Engineer. He started his career as a faculty member at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore. He was a great teacher and an inspiring leader. In 1962, Dhawan became director of IISc. Country’s 1st supersonic wind tunnel was set up by him at IISc.
He showed great passion in leading the successful and indigenous development of the Indian Space Program. Due to his enormous contribution towards research in fluid dynamics, he is known as the “Father of Experimental Fluid Dynamics Research in India.”
In 1972, Dr. Sathish Dhawan assumed the chairmanship of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). He was the third chairman of ISRO. Also, he served as secretary to the Government of India at the Department of Space. Dhawan showed extremely idealistic leadership qualities during his tenure as ISRO chairman. He always encouraged the team involved in research, and he stood by them even during crucial times.
Sathish Dhawan died on January 3, 2002, in Bangalore, at the age of 81. Satellite launch centre at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, has been renamed in his honour as Sathish Dhawan space centre.
He was awarded India’s 2nd highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan, in 1981 and India’s 3rd highest civilian award, Padma Bhushan, in 1971.
