Former ISRO chief K Kasturirangan passes away at 84
Former ISRO chief and chairperson of drafting committee behind the ambitious new National Education Policy (NEP) K Kasturirangan passed away in Bengaluru on Friday at the age of 84.
“He left for heavenly abode at 10.43 this morning at his residence in Bengaluru. His body will be kept at Raman Research Institute (RRI) for paying last respects on April 27,” an ISRO official said.
Paying tribute, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X, "India will always be grateful to Dr Kasturirangan for his efforts during the drafting of the National Education Policy (NEP) and in ensuring that learning in India became more holistic and forward-looking. He was also an outstanding mentor to many young scientists and researchers. My thoughts are with his family, students, scientists and countless admirers. Om Shanti.”
Jitendra Singh, MoS, Science and Technology, said, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr K Kasturirangan, a visionary scientist and a guiding force behind India’s space programme. His contributions to ISRO and Indian science will be remembered for generations".
"To me, he was far more than a mentor — he was a guiding light, a wellspring of wisdom, compassion, and quiet strength. I consider myself truly fortunate to have received his affection, blessings, and guidance over the years," Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said.
Kasturirangan had served as chancellor of the Jawaharlal Nehru University and chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission. He had also served as a member of the Rajya Sabha (2003-09) and as member of then Planning Commission of India.
Kasturirangan was also the director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, from April 2004 to 2009. He led the ISRO, the Space Commission, and the Department of Space for over nine years. He stepped down from office on August 27, 2003.
He also served as director of the ISRO Satellite Centre, where he was involved in developing INSAT-2, IRS-1A/1B, and scientific satellites. He was the project director for India’s first earth observation satellites, Bhaskara I and II, and oversaw major milestones like the PSLV and GSLV launches. He has been conferred the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan for his contributions.
An astrophysicist by training, his research interests included high-energy X-ray and gamma ray astronomy. He made significant contributions to studies on cosmic X-ray sources, celestial gamma rays, and their effects on earth’s atmosphere.
