Vikram Sarabhai's Cosmic Love: How a Visionary's Passion Shaped India's Space Legacy

In October 2025, the story of Vikram Sarabhai, the visionary physicist who took India to space, continues to captivate historians and the public alike. Behind Sarabhai's remarkable achievements lies a tale of intellect, affection, and a deep personal bond that influenced the course of India's history.

According to psychoanalyst Sudhir Kakar's book, Sarabhai's relationship with Kamla Chowdhry, a pioneering psychologist and social reformer, played a pivotal role in the establishment of IIM Ahmedabad, India's second premier management institute. The two shared a passion for building institutions that could bridge the gap between science, management, and social change.

Sarabhai, who was married to classical dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai, met Chowdhry in the early 1950s while expanding his interests beyond pure science. Their professional collaboration soon evolved into a deep personal bond that lasted nearly two decades. Chowdhry's influence was instrumental in shaping the culture and philosophy of the newly founded IIM Ahmedabad in 1961.

However, Sarabhai's daughter, Mallika Sarabhai, has disputed the notion that the institute's creation was solely driven by her father's personal relationship. She argues that it would be an injustice to Vikram Sarabhai's vision for nation-building to attribute such a monumental achievement to a personal affair.

Regardless of the debate, Vikram Sarabhai's legacy extends far beyond this one story. He went on to establish the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969, guided India's first satellite program, and worked tirelessly to link technology with social progress. His belief that science should serve humanity became the cornerstone of Indian scientific policy, influencing the country's approach to innovation and development.