Bengaluru, April 25: Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman and Padma Shri awardee K. Kasturirangan passed away today. He was 84.
According to a statement by ISRO, the eminent scientist breathed his last at 10.43 a.m. this morning at his residence in Bengaluru.
His mortal remains will be available for public viewing at the Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru on Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon.
It is worth mentioning that Kasturirangan served as the Chairman of ISRO from 1994 to 2003 and was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri awards.
He is widely regarded as the architect of the educational reforms outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP). Kasturirangan also served as the Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University and Chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission.
He was a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2003 to 2009 and also served on the Planning Commission of India.
President Droupadi Murmu extended her condolences and said Kasturirangan helped draft the National Education Policy, which is already making a profound impact on the shaping of the next generation.
“Saddened to learn that Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan is no more. As head of ISRO, he played a stellar role in the evolution of India’s space programme. With his passion for knowledge, he also contributed greatly in diverse fields. He helped draft the National Education Policy, which is already making a profound impact on the shaping of the next generation. My condolences to his family and admirers,” read a post by official ‘X’ account of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to his official ‘X’ handle and expressed deep condolences over his demise. He said Kasturirangan’s leadership witnessed ambitious satellite launches and focused on innovation.
Calling him a towering figure in India’s scientific and educational journey, PM Modi wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. K. Kasturirangan, a towering figure in India’s scientific and educational journey. His visionary leadership and selfless contribution to the nation will always be remembered.”
“He served ISRO with great diligence, steering India’s space programme to new heights, for which we also received global recognition. His leadership also witnessed ambitious satellite launches and focused on innovation,” he added.
