With fond memories, Kasturirangan's colleagues, mentees bid him farewell
1
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Bengaluru: Eminent scientist-administrator K
Kasturirangan
, who passed away at his Bengaluru residence Friday morning, was cremated with state honours here Sunday.
Before his final journey, his body was kept in state for several citizens and dignitaries from various walks of life, scientists and his former colleagues to pay their respects at Raman Research Institute. They recalled his love of
Carnatic music
, cricket, and casual chitchats. A person with a broader perspective on life, science, and service, he built lasting relationships across all walks of life.
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TK Alex, former director of UR Rao Satellite Centre, who worked with Kasturirangan at
Isro
in 1988, said, "From project director to Isro chairman, I saw him rise. A perfectionist, yet remarkably approachable — always jovial and respectful, regardless of one's grade, age, or status. Even among 18,000 people, he recognised individual passions; he encouraged my love for writing. I often joked with him, saying, 'Sir, if I sit with you for half an hour, I'll learn a new English word and its perfect usage'."
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"He loved cricket and music; he often attended music festivals and was deeply rooted in the rich cultural traditions of Travancore. Music was something he definitely loved," Alex recalled.
Jayaraman V, former director of National Remote Sensing Centre, Isro, said, "Despite holding high-ranking positions, he always maintained humility and made sure the hierarchy was no barrier to free intellectual exchanges. He was always a mentor, guiding me to further my education."
MK Sridhar, chancellor, Chanakya University, who worked with Kasturirangan in framing the
National Education Policy
, said, "I must have visited his house hundreds of times, and each time, I was welcomed with warmth, food, and his ever-present smile. He always conducted meetings with such warmth and light that we were able to achieve great things. On a personal level, our conversations went beyond work — we shared feelings, aspirations, and ideas, and he consistently inspired and cared for us. His impact on my life is unforgettable."
DEEP IMPACT
Dr Brindha Sitaram, founder-director, Centre of Psycho-Oncology for Education and Research
We once struggled to fund a psychoneuroimmunology study. In a casual conversation, I mentioned it to him, and he immediately said, 'Send me the proposal'. I was planning to seek foreign funding, but he insisted, 'Let's try here.' In no time, he connected with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad director and APJ Abdul Kalam, then DRDO chief, to arrange support. He even left the proposal with Kalam on his way to Moscow, saying, 'Let's see what can be done.' I wondered how cancer research and defence were related, but he simply said, 'We'll find a way.' True to his word, the funding came through. That's the simplicity and greatness of the man, always ready to help everyone
Dharmendra Pradhan, minister of education
The passing of Kasturirangan is not just a great loss for our nation but for humanity itself. He was not only a brilliant scientist but also a noble and compassionate soul. I had the privilege of working closely with him in the education sector — his loss is deeply personal to me. He was a true visionary; he believed in wide consultation and travelled across the country, engaging with people from every corner to shape public policy. The best tribute we can offer him is by remaining steadfast in our commitment to the education reforms, he so passionately envisioned
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