K Kasturirangan: From heading ISRO to formulating NEP, this genius wore many hats

Former ISRO chief K Kasturirangan passed away in Bengaluru on Friday, officials confirmed. 

84-year-old Kasturirangan, who was the chairman of the drafting committee of the National Education Policy (NEP), passed away at his residence in Bengaluru. His body will be kept at Raman Research Institute (RRI) on April 27 to pay last respects.

He had been instrumental in leading the Indian Space programme for over nine years as the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), of the Space Commission and Secretary to the Government of India.

" 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 programme to new heights, for which we also received global recognition. His leadership also witnessed ambitious satellite launches and focussed on innovation," mentioned PM Modi in a post on X (formerly Twitter). 

Known for his reforms in the education sector, Kasturirangan had served as chancellor of the Jawaharlal Nehru University and chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission. He was also a member of the Planning Commission of India during the time he served as a member of the Rajya Sabha. 

As an astrophysicist, Kasturirangan's research focussed on high energy X-ray and gamma ray astronomy as well as optical astronomy. He had made extensive contributions to studies of cosmic X-ray sources, celestial gamma-ray and the effect of cosmic X-rays in the lower atmosphere. 

Honouring his exemplary work, the Government of India awarded him Padma Vibhushan in 2000.

India