Our Founder

"Basic social and economic change needs to brought about gradually and the more carefully and thoughtfully it is effected, the more permanent it will be " - Dr. Vikram Sarabhai

Dr. Vikram Sarabhai (12 Aug 1919 - 30 Dec 1971) was a great scientist who dedicated his life to nation-building. He established several institutions of eminence working across a wide range of fields. He is regarded as the father of India's Space Programme, contributed significantly to the development of India's atomic energy programme, and laid the foundation for electronics development in India. He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 1966 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1972.

The Nehru Foundation for Development (NFD) was established in 1966 as a registered charitable trust by Dr. Vikram A. Sarabhai. The first area of work undertaken by NFD was education in Mathematics and Science through the establishment of the Community Science Centre. The Centre was created to improve science education by providing a platform where people could experiment with and develop innovative methods of teaching science.

Following the passing of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai in 1971, the Centre was renamed the Vikram Sarabhai Community Science Centre.

Vikram Sarabhai Centre for Development Interaction (VIKSAT) was established in 1977 as the second major activity of NFD. It began with an urban educational project aimed at improving the environment and later expanded its efforts to address environment and development-related issues across Gujarat.

Through interactions with various NGOs, VIKSAT identified the lack of communication and coordination among voluntary organizations. To bridge this gap, VIKSAT created a platform that encouraged interaction and collaboration among individuals and institutions working in the fields of environment and development.

Other institutions established under NFD include the Centre for Environment Education (CEE) in 1984, the Centre for Health Education, Training and Nutrition Awareness (CHETNA) in 1980, and Khamir Kachchh Heritage Art Music Information and Resources (KHAMIR) in 2005.

Governance

VIKSAT has been guided by several distinguished national figures. Since its inception, leading personalities from development and allied sectors have served on its Council of Members. The organization remains grateful to its former Chairpersons whose vision and leadership have contributed significantly to VIKSAT's growth and impact.

Timeline of Chairpersons

Shri Kartikeya V. Sarabhai

Shri Kartikeya V. Sarabhai completed his Tripos in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University and pursued postgraduate research at MIT, USA. He has extensive experience in both industry and the voluntary sector. He serves as Chairman of Ambalal Sarabhai Enterprises Ltd. and Sarabhai Electronics Ltd.

He is the Founder and Director of the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), a Centre of Excellence associated with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He is also the Managing Trustee of the Nehru Foundation for Development and has been Chairperson of VIKSAT's Council of Management since 2016.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to environmental education and sustainable development, he has received numerous national and international awards, including the Padma Shri.

Prof. M. S. Swaminathan

From 2000 to 2016, Late Prof. M. S. Swaminathan served as Chairperson of the VIKSAT Council of Management. Widely known as the Father of India's Green Revolution, he made extraordinary contributions to agricultural science, food security, and sustainable development.

He was the Founder Chairman of the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in Chennai and held several prestigious positions including Director of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and Director General of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines.

Prof. Swaminathan received numerous national and international honours, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the World Food Prize, the Albert Einstein World Science Award, and India's highest civilian honours—Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.

He was also a Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and received honorary doctorates from universities across the world. His advocacy of sustainable agriculture and the concept of an "Evergreen Revolution" earned him global recognition.

Shri V. B. Eswaran

From 1993 to 2000, Late Shri V. B. Eswaran served as Chairperson of the VIKSAT Council of Management. An officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), he played a significant role in India's environmental and ecological movement.

His work focused on wasteland development, energy conservation, sustainable water resource management, forest conservation, and ecosystem restoration.

In addition to serving as an advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Eswaran made important contributions to watershed development, forest conservation, and ecosystem services across India.