The Sarabhai name conjures up an image of  singularly intelligent , talented and significant people who have been on the Indian horizon for sometime now.

On 12th August 1919 in Ahmedabad, was born a person destined to take the country ahead by leaps and bounds in the field of science , technology and space research. This man, was Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai . A multifaceted personality, Sarabhai carried out his postgraduate research under the guidance of Nobel Laureate Sir . C. V. Raman at the Indian Institute of Science. Bangalore. He set up the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahemedabad- the first of many institutions he founded during his lifetime. Dr. Virkram Sarabhai was also instrumental in starting Indias space programme. In 1966 He became Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of the Govt.of India .  Dr.A. P.J.Abdul Kalam joined the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre as one of its first three engineers.

But apart from his achievements in the field of science and technology, Vikram Sarabhai had that rare combination which endears a man to the people.  He was a humble and intense person who charmed and won the hearts of all who knew him.

The Drapana Academy of Performing Arts for the propogation of ancient culture in India was founded by Dr. Sarabhai and his spouse,  Mrinalini Sarabhai.  Mrinalini Sarabhai is a classical dancer with enormous grace and agility . In her seventies now, she shows an amazing grace and dexterity . Mrinalini began her career at an early age  and trained further at Java and the United States where she studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She is also an author of scholarly books, novels and childrens books.  In an evocative poem she writes of " My Visions of Free India" -

….Let everyone walk without the fear 
    Of being Killed, molested and harmed
    By deeds, or words or race or colour
    Where women are not maimed or tortured 
    Nor raped nor seen as weaker sex
    Where children get enough to eat,
    No caste, no creed, no high ,no low
    People of the Universe free to live 
    A path o peace for all, the lamp of love in hand
    Lead us world citizens into that land.

Mrinalini hails from a distinguished family in Kerala. She trained in Bharatanatyam , but with her unstinting efforts popularized the form in Gujarat. She spent her childhood in Switzerland, where she learnt Western dance techniques. On her return to India she learnt Bharatanatyam under the guidance of great gurus like Muthukumar Pillai, Meenakshisundarm Pillai, Chockalingam Pillai and Elappa Pillai. She started performing with the great exponent of Bharatnatyam, Ram Gopal and later began choreographing and giving solo performances.

Her reputation as a dancer and choreographer who continously innovates and gives new meaning to dance is parallelled  only by her daughter Mallika. Mother and Daughter travel extensively throughout the world with their troupe.

A noted film maker, television anchor, editor, publisher, doctorate from IIM and an activist espousing many causes, Mallika Sarabhai, daughter of Vikram and Mrinalini  is a verastile to say the least. She awed President Clinton with herpainting of Ganesh done with her dancing feet, so much so that he took the portrait back along with him. Mallika has always been known as somewhat of a rebel with forthright ideas and outspoken. Her charisma and beauty belie a steely determination and grit.  Mallika has a Masters Degree in Business from IIM (Ahmedabad ) and a Ph.D. in organisational  behaviour from the Gujarat University.  Some of her memorable performances have been in theatre . As Draupadi in the "The Mahabharata " directed by Peter Brooke won her rave reviews. Others like "Shakti - The Power of Women" in 1989, "Srtas Daughters", in 1990 , Mothers, Daughters and Other Women ," "Shakuntala Structures " were all memorable performances of Mallika.

Recently shorouded in controversy about her cancellation of a tour abroad, Mallika strives to fight for the truth. Mallika was the proud recipient of the French Palme D`Or, the Highest Civilian Award conferred by the French government, among many other awards. Just as she can paint with her feet, she feels dance is a language and that too a living one.

With daughters Anahita and Revanta , Mallika and Mrinalini Sarabhai strive to continue and replenish the love for dance amongst the people.