Latest news with #KKasturirangan
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Uttar Pradesh schools directed to teach students about former ISRO chief Dr K Kasturirangan
LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government has directed all the Basic Education schools to tell students about the achievements of former ISRO chief Dr K Kasturirangan, who died on April 25 at 84. The state on Monday directed all Basic Council schools and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas to share information about Kasturirangan's life, his scientific achievements, and contributions to educational reforms during morning assemblies, an official statement said. The schools were asked to display his portraits in schools and encourage students to adopt his life values, it said. Kasturirangan set India on the path to becoming a global force in space science and also played a transformative role in reshaping the education sector. The initiative is a part of the government's mission to raise the quality of education at every level and to ignite in students a curiosity for science, mathematics, and innovation, the directive said. Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh said, "With the demise of the great scientist and chief architect of National Education Policy 2020 , Dr K Kasturirangan, the nation has lost a unique education thinker and nation builder. His life is a source of inspiration for all of us." "We aim to transform every school in Uttar Pradesh into a laboratory of scientists, where every child dreams of becoming the next Kasturirangan," he added. Kasturirangan, who died in Bengaluru, was the Chairperson of the drafting committee on the New National Education Policy (NEP), and had also served as the Chancellor of the Jawaharlal Nehru University and Chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission . For real-time updates, follow our AP SSC 10th Result 2025 Live Blog.
Indian Express
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Former Isro chief K Kasturirangan cremated with full honours in Bengaluru
A steady stream of friends, former colleagues from the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), and political leaders across party lines came to the Raman Research Institute (RRI) in Bengaluru to pay homage to Dr K Kasturirangan Sunday. Kasturirangan, 84, who served as the Isro chairman from 1994 to 2003, passed away Friday, and his cremation was held at Hebbal Sunday afternoon with full state honours. After Nobel laureate C V Raman and radio astronomer Professor V Radhakrishnan, it was the third instance when the mortal remains of a noted scientist were kept at RRI. Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, state Home Minister G Parameshwara, former Karnataka CM B S Yediyurappa, and former Union law minister Veerappa Moily were among those who paid their last respects to Kasturirangan. Speaking on the occasion, Shivakumar said, 'Dr Kasturirangan's contributions cannot be matched and there will never be another scientist like him. Soon, the Karnataka government will hold discussions and plan ways that will keep his name and scientific contributions immortal.' Former Isro chiefs A S Kiran Kumar, K Sivan, and S Somanath were among the dozen space scientists, along with other academicians, scientists and researchers who had gathered at RRI on the day. The visionary scientist had been ailing for the last two years due to age-related complications. After his condition deteriorated last month, he had been under palliative care at home. Kasturirangan served at Isro for over three and a half decades — a turbulent time for the Indian space agency amid several international restrictions, including access to cryogenic technology. Under Kasturirangan's leadership, Isro also embarked on a path of self-reliance and began planning for the big missions like Chandrayaan. Kasturirangan later became a member of Rajya Sabha, and then a member of the erstwhile Planning Commission. He also served the government in several other advisory capacities — he either headed or was part of committees that advised the dispensation on a range of issues, including higher education, technology, as well as environment.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Science
- Time of India
With fond memories, Kasturirangan's colleagues, mentees bid him farewell
1 2 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. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru 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'." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Discover Affordable Medical Insurance Options for Seniors in the Philippines 2025 LocalPlan Search Now Undo "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
Hindustan Times
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
From cosmos to classrooms, the Kasturirangan impact
With the many roles he played in India's space missions, including the success of Mangalyaan, K Kasturirangan will be remembered as the man who took India closer to the stars. What is less well known is that his quiet brilliance also shone in another direction. His most enduring legacy may lie not in the cosmos but in the classrooms of India, where his work through the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 continues to shape the lives of millions. As chairperson of the NEP drafting committee, Kasturirangan recognised that the key to India's growth lay in empowering its youngest minds with the foundational skills necessary for a prosperous nation. NEP laid the groundwork for a future where foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) are not aspirational but guaranteed for every child. The impact of his work, particularly through initiatives like the National Initiative for Proficiency with Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN) Mission, is already being felt across India. He may have laid the foundation for a developed India built on the knowledge and capabilities of those who are children now. Kasturirangan's deep commitment to education was apparent long before his role as the chief architect of NEP 2020. In 2008 he was appointed chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission. In that role and as a board member of institutions such as IIT Roorkee, IIT Madras, and IISc Bangalore, Kasturirangan was instrumental in shaping curricula and guiding strategic decisions in India's higher education system. If students do not achieve the first milestone of reading and numeracy by Grade 3, they fall behind not just in school but in life. This would have profound implications for their ability to engage in higher-level learning and, ultimately, for their success in life. FLN eventually became a movement across the country. Over 15 states have launched FLN missions and programmes, and NISHTHA FLN (a programme that aims to improve teacher training and education quality) has been adopted by 90% of states and Union Territories. It even made it to the G20 Summit in 2023 where Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted NIPUN Bharat and G20 took up FLN as an international priority. Green shoots from the FLN drive are beginning to show in survey data. According to the latest Annual Status of Education (Rural) Report (ASER), literacy levels in government schools have gone up from 20.9% (2018) to 23.4% (2024) and numeracy from 20.9% (2018) to 27.6% (2024) at the national level -- the highest ever outcomes at a Grade 3 level. Another NEP breakthrough has been recognising the importance of strong early years and play-based learning for children in the 3-6 years age group. This has been institutionalised in the form of Balvatika (pre-primary) and Vidya Pravesh (transitioning from pre-primary to primary) programmes, a total of 72% of students were covered under Vidya Pravesh by 2023. Another cornerstone of NEP 2020 is the creation of large, integrated school complexes — a move away from fragmented, under-resourced institutions toward more cohesive, resource-efficient hubs. The PM SHRI (Prime Minister Schools for Rising India) scheme, launched in 2022, represents a major step forward in implementation, where 14,500 schools are meant to be transformed into model institutions. These schools are meant not only to embody NEP's pedagogical ideals but also to serve as demonstration and anchor schools within their clusters. The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) has also been revamped under Kasturirangan's leadership for a better fit with NEP 2020 goals. It restructures schooling into four stages — foundational, preparatory, middle, and secondary — aligning curriculum and pedagogy with child development milestones. It also shifts focus from rote memorisation to building core skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and the application of knowledge; emphasises FLN, experiential learning, and a reform of assessment methods to measure conceptual understanding rather than just exam performance. Kasturirangan may no longer be with us. But his legacy lives on through the transformative changes he initiated in India's education system. His work continues to push Indian education toward greater inclusivity and innovation, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Ashish Dhawan is founder-CEO and Bikkrama Daulet Singh is operating partner, The Convergence Foundation. The views expressed are personal
United News of India
27-04-2025
- Science
- United News of India
Dr Kasturirangan cremated with state honours as nation mourns loss
Bengaluru, Apr 27 (UNI) Dr K Kasturirangan, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), was cremated with state honours today, following his passing at the age of 84. The nation mourns the loss of a visionary scientist whose contributions to India's space programme and national development were immense. The cremation ceremony, attended by prominent figures from the scientific, political, and academic communities, marked the final farewell to one of India's greatest minds. Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot paid tribute to the late scientist, remembering his immense contributions to space research and education. He said, "He was a great scientist and scholar, and as Chairman of ISRO, he played a pivotal role in shaping space research in India. His legacy will live on through his work and the institutions he helped build." Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan honoured the late scientist's memory, calling him "a priceless gem of our country" and praising his leadership in the creation of the National Education Policy. Former ISRO Chairman K Sivan, deeply moved by the loss, said, "It is a huge loss for the country. Dr Kasturirangan contributed not only to the space programme but also to other national programmes. Under his leadership, PSLV, GSLV, and many satellites were launched. I offer my condolences to the bereaved family." Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, also in attendance at the cremation, spoke of the profound impact Dr Kasturirangan had on the country, especially in the field of space exploration. "This is an irreparable loss. Dr Kasturirangan's contributions to the nation and to Karnataka are immeasurable. It is the duty of the state government to remember and honour his legacy," he remarked. Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan, who had worked closely with Dr Kasturirangan, expressed his personal loss, stating, "Dr Kasturirangan was a mentor to me, and his guidance was invaluable. His contributions to the National Education Policy 2020 and ISRO will be remembered for generations." In an emotional statement, Dr Kasturirangan's son, Sanjay Rangan, remembered his father's dedication to learning and curiosity, saying, "Even after a long day, he would spend time reading and always encouraged us to do our best. He was a true scientist, always seeking knowledge." Dr K Kasturirangan's passing leaves a void in the scientific community, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. UNI BDN ARN
