Former ISRO Chief K Kasturirangan Passes Away In Bengaluru; PM Modi Hails His Contribution

Former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and and chairperson of drafting committee behind the ambitious new National Education Policy (NEP) K Kasturirangan, passed away at his residence in Bengaluru on Friday.

He was 84.

Photo Credit: PTI File Photo

According to an official statement issued by ISRO, Kasturirangan died at 10:43 am.

His mortal remains will be placed at the Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru on Sunday, April 27, between 10 am and noon, to allow the public to pay their respects.

Kasturirangan headed ISRO, the Space Commission, and the Department of Space for more than nine years before stepping down on August 27, 2003.

Widely regarded as the architect of education reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP), he also held roles as Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University and Chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission.

He also served as the Director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore from April 2004 to 2009

Besides, he was a Rajya Sabha member from 2003 to 2009 and served on the former Planning Commission of India.

He previously served as Director of the ISRO Satellite Centre, playing a key role in the development of the INSAT-2 and IRS-1A/1B series, as well as other scientific satellites.

As Project Director for India's first Earth observation satellites, Bhaskara I and II, he also supervised key developments such as the PSLV and GSLV launches.

In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.

An astrophysicist by training, Kasturirangan's research focused on high-energy X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy.

His work made notable advances in understanding cosmic X-ray sources, celestial gamma rays, and their influence on the Earth's atmosphere.

He was 84. "He left for heavenly abode this morning at his residence in Bengaluru. His body will be kept at Raman Research Institute (RRI) for paying last respects on April 27," the officials said.

PM Modi Condoles Kasturirangan's demise

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed former ISRO chairman K Kasturirangan as a towering figure in India's scientific and educational journey.

"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," Modi said in a post on X.

The prime minister said Kasturirangan served ISRO with great diligence and steered India's space programme to new heights, for which the country received global recognition.

"His leadership also witnessed ambitious satellite launches and focussed on innovation," he said. Modi said 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.

Modi noted that Kasturirangan was also an outstanding mentor to many young scientists and researchers. "My thoughts are with his family, students, scientists and countless admirers. Om Shanti," the prime minister said.

(With PTI inputs)