Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 27: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday mourned the passing of eminent space scientist and Padma awardee Dr. K. Kasturirangan, calling it an "irreparable loss" to India, particularly in the field of science.
Speaking to the media after paying his final respects to Dr. Kasturirangan's mortal remains, Siddaramaiah said, "He was a renowned scientist who made immense contributions to space research and education. His leadership at ISRO and efforts in shaping educational policies are unforgettable."
The Chief Minister highlighted Dr. Kasturirangan’s many national honors, including the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, and noted that the state government would take steps to honor his legacy.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar echoed the sentiment, stating, "We have lost an immense treasure of knowledge. Dr. Kasturirangan made bold decisions to protect India's forests and contributed greatly to the fields of science and education." He emphasized that the government would deliberate ways to preserve and celebrate his contributions.
State BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra also paid tribute, recalling Dr. Kasturirangan’s guidance to the Karnataka government during B.S. Yediyurappa’s tenure and praising his invaluable work with ISRO, the Knowledge Commission, and the Rajya Sabha. "Praying for strength to his family and the scientific community to bear this loss," Vijayendra said.
A lifetime of achievements
Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, who passed away on Friday at the age of 84 in Bengaluru, leaves behind a legacy that significantly shaped India’s space and education sectors.
Born on October 24, 1940, in Ernakulam, Kerala, Dr. Kasturirangan pursued his education in physics at the University of Mumbai and later earned a Ph.D. in experimental high-energy astronomy from the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad.
During his tenure as Chairman of ISRO (1994–2003), he played a pivotal role in strengthening India's space capabilities. Key achievements under his leadership included:
• The operationalisation of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV),
• The launch of critical remote sensing satellites like IRS-1C and IRS-1D,
• The advancement of INSAT communication satellites and ocean observation satellites (IRS-P3 and IRS-P4),
• Initiating the groundwork for India’s first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1.
Dr. Kasturirangan also made profound contributions to the field of education. He chaired the committee that drafted the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a major reform aiming to transform India's education system. He served as the Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, Chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission, and was a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha from 2003 to 2009.
His remarkable career earned him some of India's highest civilian honors — the Padma Shri (1982), Padma Bhushan (1992), and Padma Vibhushan (2000).
Dr Kasturirangan’s vision, leadership, and passion for science and education will continue to inspire generations to come.