Former ISRO Chief K. Kasturirangan Passes Away; Tributes Flow
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Synopsis
Dr. K. Kasturirangan, former ISRO Chairman and Padma Shri awardee, has passed away at 84. His contributions to space exploration and education reforms are celebrated.
Key Takeaways
- K. Kasturirangan was the former Chairman of ISRO.
- He passed away on Friday at the age of 84.
- His contributions to the National Education Policy were significant.
- He served as a Rajya Sabha member from 2003 to 2009.
- Public viewing of his remains will be held at the Raman Research Institute.
Bengaluru, April 25 (NationPress) Dr. K. Kasturirangan, the former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and a recipient of the Padma Shri, has sadly passed away at the age of 84 on Friday.
He took his last breath at his home in Bengaluru.
According to a statement from ISRO, Kasturirangan departed for the heavenly realm this morning at 10:43 a.m. at his Bengaluru residence.
His body will be accessible for public homage at the Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru on Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon, as mentioned in the statement.
Kasturirangan held the position of Chairman at ISRO from 1994 to 2003 and was honored with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri awards.
Often hailed as the mastermind behind the educational reforms outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP), he also served as the Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University and was the Chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission.
Kasturirangan was a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2003 to 2009 and contributed to the Planning Commission of India.
Expressing his sorrow over Kasturirangan’s passing, Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy remarked, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of Padma Vibhushan Dr. Kasturirangan, a distinguished son of India, exceptional space scientist, former Chairman of ISRO, and Chairperson of the NEP 2020 draft committee."
"I shared a very close and personal bond with him. During my two terms as Chief Minister, I will always cherish the guidance and support he provided for the development of our state," he added.
Kumaraswamy noted that Kasturirangan, who led ISRO for nearly a decade, was pivotal in many of India’s significant achievements in space exploration.
He shared, "Kasturirangan had a profound emotional connection to Bengaluru and made considerable contributions to the realms of environment, education, science, and technology. As a member of the Rajya Sabha, he played a crucial role in shaping essential national policies. His passing is an immense loss for our country."
"I offer my heartfelt tributes to his departed soul. I pray that he may find eternal peace and that God grants strength to his family and admirers to cope with this loss," Kumaraswamy expressed.
Minister of State Jitendra Singh stated, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. K. Kasturirangan, a visionary scientist and a key figure behind India’s space program. His legacy within ISRO and Indian science will be remembered for generations. My heartfelt condolences go to his family and loved ones."
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat remarked, "With the passing of renowned space scientist Dr. Kasturirangan, a brilliant star in India’s national life has set. Dr. Rangan will now remain in our memories."
He continued, "We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and admirers of Dr. Kasturirangan. In honoring this great patriot, we pray that the Almighty grants a place for his noble soul in his lotus feet. Om Shanti."
