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The Hindu
25-04-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
K. Kasturirangan, A meticulous person who helmed ISRO in challenging times
K. Kasturirangan, the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) who passed away in Bengaluru, was once known as the 'Chairman with golden fingers' in the ISRO community, G. Madhavan Nair, who had succeeded him to the top post in 2003, recalled on Friday. Dr. Kasturirangan was a 'very meticulous person' who did an excellent job as Chairman during the nine-year period from 1994 that he was at the helm, Dr. Madhavan Nair told The Hindu. ISRO carried out a number of missions during this period, which, though not many in number, were all successful. 'It was not luck. He was a very meticulous person, someone who never left anything to chance. He would go into the details of each and every thing, analyse, and make sure all the data were collected. Unless he was fully satisfied he never gave the go-ahead,' Dr. Madhavan Nair said. An alumnus of the Sree Rama Varma High School in Ernakulam, Dr. Kasturirangan was part of the Indian space programme from its early days. He was Project Director for India's first two experimental earth observation satellites, Bhaskara-I and Bhaskara-II, and later the first operational Indian Remote Sensing Satellite, IRS-1A. Before all that, Dr. Kasturirangan used to be a research associate at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, in the late 1960s, which is where Dr. Madhavan Nair first met him. Dr. Madhavan Nair recalls that the space agency was going through a tough phase when Dr. Kasturirangan took over from U.R. Rao as Chairman in 1994. 'The first launch of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV D1 in September 1993), in the last leg of Prof. Rao's tenure, was not a successful one. So it fell on Dr. Kasturirangan to see to it that the PSLV become a success. Of course, there were other challenges too, like making advanced remote sensing satellites and so on,' he said. Bigger trouble was brewing in the form of the ISRO espionage case of 1994, when a number of senior scientists were accused of selling space-tech secrets. It had also escalated into a full-blown political controversy in Kerala. Though subsequently declared as fabricated, the case played havoc with the lives of the accused scientists and the morale of the space agency. Dr. Kasturirangan's predilection to go about things in his characteristic quiet way was on display in his handling of the events, according to Dr. Madhavan Nair. 'He was trying to look at the inner details. He conducted all the reviews and he did the job silently. After making sure that no spying had taken place, he took action, spoke to (then Prime Minister) P.V. Narasimha Rao and made sure that the CBI came into the picture,' Dr. Madhavan Nair said. 'That was his nature, he did it silently and managed the situation well.' He also came down to Thiruvananthapuram and spoke to the ISRO staff at the Veli and Valiamala units, in a bid to boost their morale, Dr. Madhavan Nair recalls.
The Print
25-04-2025
- Science
- The Print
Former ISRO chief K Kasturirangan, the brain behind NEP 2020, dies at 84
He passed away at 10.43 am at his home in Bengaluru after a prolonged illness. In a statement, the family said Kasturirangan's body will be kept at Bengaluru's Raman Research Institute (RRI) Sunday between 10 am and 12 pm for people to pay their last respects. Kasturirangan, who also served as secretary of the Department of Space, was the pioneer of India's remote sensing satellites and played a pivotal role in propelling India to the front and centre of the highly competitive emerging space race. New Delhi: Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairperson Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, known as the father of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in India's space circuit, died Friday. He was 84. Kasturirangan survived a major heart attack in 2023 but his health condition progressively deteriorated since, people close to the scientist told ThePrint. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a post on X said Kasturirangan's 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,' Modi posted on social media platform 'X'. 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… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 25, 2025 '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,' Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan posted on X. I am deeply heartbroken by the passing of Padma Vibhushan Dr. K. Kasturirangan ji. His loss is not only a profound one for the global scientific and academic community, but an intensely personal one for me. To me, he was far more than a mentor — he was a guiding light, a… — Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) April 25, 2025 Also read: 'Centre should refer to 2013 report' — ex-ISRO chief on upcoming Western Ghats notification Space pioneer Best known for his illustrious career in shaping India's space programme, Kasturirangan was chairperson of ISRO for nine years, between 1994 and 2003. Before taking charge of the ISRO, he held various important positions, including as director of the ISRO Satellite Centre, where he oversaw activities related to the Indian National Satellite (INSAT-2), Indian Remote Sensing Satellites (IRS-1A and 1B), scientific satellites and new generation spacecraft. He was also project director for India's first two experimental earth observation satellites—BHASKARA-I and II—and spearheaded the country's first operational Indian Remote Sensing Satellite, IRS-1A. Under his leadership, ISRO also launched and operationalised its most trusted workhorse rocket, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and undertook the first successful flight testing of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). These launch vehicles have the highest success records and continue to be used for significant mission launches. Former ISRO chairperson, S. Somanath, told ThePrint the passing of Kasturirangan was a big loss to the scientific community, which gained immensely from his work and experience. 'A lot of what the ISRO has achieved is because of his contributions.' In 2013, a 10-member panel led by Kasturirangan recommended the notification of 37 percent of the 1.29 lakh square kilometres of Western Ghats as ecologically sensitive. In an interview with ThePrint in August last year, he had urged the government to implement recommendations of the committee to ensure protection and conservation of the Western Ghats while considering the plight of residents in the area. The brain behind NEP 2020 Dr. K. Kasturirangan was also the driving force behind India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020—a landmark policy that introduced sweeping changes across all levels of the country's education system. His leadership helped draft the policy encompassing a wide spectrum of educational reforms, including early childhood care and education, restructuring of school and higher education, examination reforms, and enhanced teacher training and professional development. He also chaired a 12-member steering committee that developed the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), which now serves as the foundation for new school textbooks currently being rolled out across the country. His colleagues from the NEP steering committee fondly remember him as a democratic and visionary leader who deeply valued collective input. 'He always thought ahead of his time while drafting the policy,' said NEP committee member and academician M.K. Sridhar in an interview with ThePrint. 'His approach wasn't to merely solve today's problems, but to envision the future of education in India.' Sridhar remembered Kasturirangan's inclusive and open-minded approach while drafting the policy. 'He took inputs for NEP 2020 from a wide range of voices—even school students. He gave equal importance to everyone's views and never dismissed anyone's. Throughout the process, he listened carefully and encouraged all of us to share our opinions freely,' he said. Early education and work Kasturirangan had a Bachelors degree in Science with Honours from the Ramnarain Ruia College in Mumbai, and a Masters degree in Physics from what was then called Bombay University (now University of Mumbai). He then received his Doctorate in experimental high-energy astronomy in 1971 from the university, and extensively worked in the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad during his early career. In past conversations with ThePrint, Kasturirangan spoke extensively about his love for astrophysics, particularly in the areas of high-energy X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy and optical astronomy. A recipient of Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri for his contributions in the field of science, Kasturirangan had a long list of awards to his name, including the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, Dr Vikram Sarabhai Prerit Award in Aerospace, MP Birla Memorial Award in Astronomy, Shri MM Chugani Memorial Award in Applied Science, H.K. Firodia Award in Science Technology, among others. Edited by Ajeet Tiwari) Also Read: Sriharikota, we have a situation. Limited budget, manpower are stifling India's space ambitions
The Print
25-04-2025
- Science
- The Print
ISRO stalwart to educationist: Kasturirangan's legacy to live in space missions, education reforms
Kasturirangan breathed his last at his Bengaluru residence at 10:43 am on Friday. He was unwell since he suffered a heart attack in Sri Lanka in 2023 and his public appearances had reduced since then. New Delhi, Apr 25 (PTI) From a renowned space scientist to an educationist, former ISRO chief K Kasturirangan put his stamp on key milestones in India's space missions and education reforms, earning him the title of 'encyclopedia' in both arenas. He steered the Indian space programme gloriously for more than nine years as the chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), head of the Space Commission and secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Space, before laying down his office on August 27, 2003. He was the project director for India's first two experimental earth observation satellites — BHASKARA-I and II — and subsequently, was also responsible for the overall direction of the first operational Indian remote-sensing satellite, IRS-1A. Kasturirangan got his bachelor's and master's degree in physics from the Bombay University and PhD in experimental high-energy astronomy while working at the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, in 1971. He is credited with the successful launch and operationalisation of India's prestigious launch vehicle, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), and the first successful flight testing of the all-important Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). Defining India's most ambitious space-based high-energy astronomy observatory and initiating a related activities was also an important milestone under his leadership. Kasturirangan has made extensive and significant contributions to the studies of cosmic X-ray and gamma-ray sources and the effect of cosmic X-rays in the lower atmosphere. He is a recipient of three major civilian awards — Padma Shri (1982), Padma Bhushan (1992) and Padma Vibhushan (2000). After being associated with the ISRO for nearly 35 years — and heading it from 1994 to 2003 — Kasturirangan served as a Rajya Sabha MP from 2003 to 2009 and concurrently, as the director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Under the former United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, he was a member of the Planning Commission from 2009 to 2014. He also headed the Karnataka Knowledge Commission in 2008. The current National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government gave Kasturirangan the reins of a nine-member committee tasked with drafting the ambitious National Education Policy (NEP) in 2017. Prior to this, another committee was formed in 2015 under former cabinet secretary T S R Subramanian, but its recommendations had not panned out. Officials at the Ministry of Education remember him as an 'encyclopedia'. Kasturirangan was later also given the charge of the committee that drafted the new National Curriculum Framework (NCF), based on the NEP. He was also a member of the boards of governors of various institutes like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) Roorkee and Madras and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. PTI GJS RC This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Hindustan Times
25-04-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
ISRO stalwart to educationist: Kasturirangan's legacy to live in space missions, education reforms
From a renowned space scientist to an educationist, former ISRO chief K Kasturirangan put his stamp on key milestones in India's space missions and education reforms, earning him the title of "encyclopedia" in both arenas. Also read: Former ISRO chief K Kasturirangan dies at 84 Kasturirangan breathed his last at his Bengaluru residence at 10:43 am on Friday. He was unwell since he suffered a heart attack in Sri Lanka in 2023 and his public appearances had reduced since then. Kasturirangan was 84. He steered the Indian space programme gloriously for more than nine years as the chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), head of the Space Commission and secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Space, before laying down his office on August 27, 2003. He was the project director for India's first two experimental earth observation satellites -- BHASKARA-I and II -- and subsequently, was also responsible for the overall direction of the first operational Indian remote-sensing satellite, IRS-1A. Kasturirangan got his bachelor's and master's degree in physics from the Bombay University and PhD in experimental high-energy astronomy while working at the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, in 1971. Also read: Ex- ISRO chief passes away, President Murmu, PM Modi condole his death He is credited with the successful launch and operationalisation of India's prestigious launch vehicle, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), and the first successful flight testing of the all-important Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). Defining India's most ambitious space-based high-energy astronomy observatory and initiating a related activities was also an important milestone under his leadership. Kasturirangan has made extensive and significant contributions to the studies of cosmic X-ray and gamma-ray sources and the effect of cosmic X-rays in the lower atmosphere. He is a recipient of three major civilian awards -- Padma Shri (1982), Padma Bhushan (1992) and Padma Vibhushan (2000). After being associated with the ISRO for nearly 35 years -- and heading it from 1994 to 2003 -- Kasturirangan served as a Rajya Sabha MP from 2003 to 2009 and concurrently, as the director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Under the former United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, he was a member of the Planning Commission from 2009 to 2014. He also headed the Karnataka Knowledge Commission in 2008. The current National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government gave Kasturirangan the reins of a nine-member committee tasked with drafting the ambitious National Education Policy (NEP) in 2017. Prior to this, another committee was formed in 2015 under former cabinet secretary T S R Subramanian, but its recommendations had not panned out. Officials at the Ministry of Education remember him as an "encyclopedia". Kasturirangan was later also given the charge of the committee that drafted the new National Curriculum Framework (NCF), based on the NEP. He was also a member of the boards of governors of various institutes like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) Roorkee and Madras and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Science
- Time of India
ISRO stalwart to educationist: Kasturirangan's legacy to live in space missions, education reforms
From a renowned space scientist to an educationist, former ISRO chief K Kasturirangan put his stamp on key milestones in India's space missions and education reforms , earning him the title of "encyclopedia" in both arenas. Kasturirangan breathed his last at his Bengaluru residence at 10:43 am on Friday. He was unwell since he suffered a heart attack in Sri Lanka in 2023 and his public appearances had reduced since then. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack India pulled the plug on IWT when Pakistanis are fighting over water Pakistan alleges terror charge on India in its statement What makes this India-Pakistan standoff more dangerous than past ones Kasturirangan was 84. He steered the Indian space programme gloriously for more than nine years as the chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), head of the Space Commission and secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Space, before laying down his office on August 27, 2003. 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by He was the project director for India's first two experimental earth observation satellites -- BHASKARA-I and II -- and subsequently, was also responsible for the overall direction of the first operational Indian remote-sensing satellite, IRS-1A. Kasturirangan got his bachelor's and master's degree in physics from the Bombay University and PhD in experimental high-energy astronomy while working at the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, in 1971. Live Events He is credited with the successful launch and operationalisation of India's prestigious launch vehicle, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), and the first successful flight testing of the all-important Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). Defining India's most ambitious space-based high-energy astronomy observatory and initiating a related activities was also an important milestone under his leadership. Kasturirangan has made extensive and significant contributions to the studies of cosmic X-ray and gamma-ray sources and the effect of cosmic X-rays in the lower atmosphere. He is a recipient of three major civilian awards -- Padma Shri (1982), Padma Bhushan (1992) and Padma Vibhushan (2000). After being associated with the ISRO for nearly 35 years -- and heading it from 1994 to 2003 -- Kasturirangan served as a Rajya Sabha MP from 2003 to 2009 and concurrently, as the director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Under the former United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, he was a member of the Planning Commission from 2009 to 2014. He also headed the Karnataka Knowledge Commission in 2008. The current National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government gave Kasturirangan the reins of a nine-member committee tasked with drafting the ambitious National Education Policy (NEP) in 2017. Prior to this, another committee was formed in 2015 under former cabinet secretary T S R Subramanian, but its recommendations had not panned out. Officials at the Ministry of Education remember him as an "encyclopedia". Kasturirangan was later also given the charge of the committee that drafted the new National Curriculum Framework (NCF), based on the NEP. He was also a member of the boards of governors of various institutes like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) Roorkee and Madras and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.
