Dr K Kasturirangan dies: All you need to know the visionary who led ISRO, shaped India's education policy

Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, the eminent space scientist and visionary behind India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, passed away on April 25, at his residence in Bengaluru. He was 84. His mortal remains will be kept at the Raman Research Institute on April 27 for the public to pay their last respects .

A stellar journey in space 

Science Born on October 24, 1940, in Ernakulam, Kerala, Dr. Kasturirangan's illustrious career in space science began with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), where he served as the 5th Chairman from 1994 to 2003. 

Under his leadership, ISRO achieved significant milestones, including the operationalization of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the development of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). He also played a pivotal role in the conceptualization of India's first dedicated astronomy satellite, Astrosat.

Championing educational reforms

Beyond his contributions to space science, Dr. Kasturirangan was instrumental in shaping India's educational landscape. As the chairperson of the committee that drafted the NEP 2020, he envisioned a holistic, flexible, and multidisciplinary approach to education, aiming to transform India into a knowledge superpower. His efforts emphasized critical thinking, creativity, and the integration of technology in education.

Roles in Academia and Policy 

Dr. Kasturirangan's commitment to academia was evident through his roles as Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, Central University of Rajasthan, and NIIT University. He also chaired the Karnataka Knowledge Commission, focusing on leveraging knowledge for societal development. In the realm of policy-making, he served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2003 to 2009 and was part of the erstwhile Planning Commission of India, contributing to national policy formulation. 

Honors and Recognitions

Dr. Kasturirangan's exemplary contributions earned him numerous accolades, including India's highest civilian awards: Padma Shri (1982), Padma Bhushan (1992), and Padma Vibhushan (2000). 

He also received international honors such as the Theodore von Karman Award from the International Academy of Astronautics and the Vikram Sarabhai Memorial Gold Medal from the Indian Science Congress.

Tributes Pour In Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed profound grief over Dr. Kasturirangan's demise, stating, "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 wellspring of wisdom, compassion, and quiet strength." Pradhan further lauded him as "an intellectual titan and a true karmayogi — a visionary whose contributions shaped the very architecture of modern India’s scientific, educational, and policy landscape."

A Lasting Legacy Dr. K. Kasturirangan's legacy transcends his scientific achievements; he was a nation-builder whose vision and dedication have left an indelible mark on India's journey in space exploration and education reform. His life's work continues to inspire generations of scientists, educators, and policymakers.