Former ISRO Chairman and NEP Architect K Kasturirangan Passes Away at 84
Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, the distinguished space scientist and key architect of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, passed away on Friday at the age of 84. He died at 10.43 am at his residence in Bengaluru after a prolonged illness. His funeral services will be held at the Raman Research Institute on Sunday between 10 am and 12 pm, where the public can pay their respects.
Dr. Kasturirangan, a pioneering figure in India’s space program, served as the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from 1994 to 2003. Widely regarded as the father of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), he was instrumental in developing and operationalizing the country’s most reliable satellite launch system. He also oversaw the initial development of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
Beyond his leadership at ISRO, Kasturirangan made monumental contributions to India’s satellite capabilities, including the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) program and the INSAT series. As project director of the BHASKARA-I and II experimental satellites, he laid the foundation for India’s remote sensing initiatives that today support agriculture, disaster management, and climate monitoring.
In his later years, Dr. Kasturirangan transitioned his expertise to education reform. He chaired the committee that drafted the National Education Policy 2020, a transformative blueprint for restructuring India’s education system. The policy introduced comprehensive reforms covering early childhood care, school education, higher education, teacher training, and curriculum restructuring. Under his guidance, the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) was also developed, setting the stage for a new generation of school textbooks.
His colleagues from the NEP committee remembered him as a visionary leader who encouraged democratic participation and inclusivity. M.K. Sridhar, a member of the NEP drafting panel, noted that Kasturirangan was far ahead of his time in education reform and welcomed feedback from diverse stakeholders, including students and teachers.
Born in Mumbai, Kasturirangan held a Bachelor’s degree from Ramnarain Ruia College and a Master’s in Physics from the University of Mumbai. He earned his doctorate in experimental high-energy astronomy in 1971 and began his scientific career at the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad. His early work focused on X-ray, gamma-ray, and optical astronomy.
Throughout his illustrious career, he was recognized with several national honors, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan. His contributions were also acknowledged with numerous scientific awards such as the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Prerit Award in Aerospace, and the MP Birla Memorial Award in Astronomy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed their condolences on social media, highlighting Kasturirangan’s lasting impact on both India’s scientific community and education system. PM Modi praised him as a “guiding light” and a “wellspring of wisdom,” while Minister Pradhan described him as a mentor who shaped the future of India.
Dr. Kasturirangan is remembered not only for launching India into space but also for laying the groundwork for a future-ready education system. His legacy spans the skies and classrooms of India, marking him as one of the most influential scientists and policymakers the country has known.
