Who was Dr. K. Kasturirangan? Former ISRO chief and the visionary behind the NEP—his contributions, awards, and more
ISRO
), he was instrumental in advancing India's space aspirations into a new phase, building the ground for some of the country's most important satellite missions and launch vehicles. Apart from his scientific work, he was also very committed to forming the nation's education policy and shaping national development in some of the highest profile positions.
Former ISRO scientist Dr. Kasturirangan dies at 84 in Bengaluru
Renowned legendary scientist and former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman Dr. K Kasturirangan passed away at 84 in Bengaluru on Friday. As per reports published by ISRO, Dr. Kasturirangan's death occurred at 10:43 am. To enable people to pay tributes, his body will remain at the Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru on Sunday, April 27, between 10 am and noon as per reports.
Dr. Kasturirangan early life and education
Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan was born on October 24, 1940, in the Ernakulam town of the state of Kerala in southern India. He pursued academic studies in the field of physics to gain a doctoral degree (Ph.D.), which served as the foundation for his subsequent contributions to the scientific and space industries of India.
Dr. Kasturirangan career in ISRO
Dr. Kasturirangan's working experience with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been one of remarkable adventures in scientific excellence and innovation. He was the fifth Chairman of ISRO between 1994 and 2003 during a time of rapid growth and technological achievement. He made invaluable contributions in his tenure towards the successful development of India's two main launch vehicles—the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)—which proved to be a blessing to India's satellite launch capability.
He was Director of the ISRO Satellite Centre before taking over as chairman and had the task of establishing India's remote sensing satellite program. He was the initiator of the Bhaskara I and II development and launch of India's first Earth observing satellites and their Project Director. These were significant steps for India in being able to observe and understand its own environment from space.
Dr. Kasturirangan contributions to education and policy reform
Though Kasturirangan's name is eternally associated with space science, his contribution was much more. He was one of the most important persons to shape India's education system. He was the central figure in drafting the National Education Policy (NEP), and he led reformative initiatives for re-modeling India's education system for 21st-century needs.
He was also Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and chairperson of Karnataka Knowledge Commission to ensure science and education harmony with public policy. His six-year term of service in Rajya Sabha as member (2003–2009) and association with Planning Commission of India served further to consolidate him as an erudite national thinker and policymaker.
Former ISRO scientist Dr. Kasturirangan awards and honours
A professional astrophysicist, Dr. Kasturirangan had a keen interest in high-energy astronomy. His research focused on cosmic X-ray sources and cosmic gamma rays and how they behave with the atmosphere of the Earth. His administrative skills and scientific expertise helped some in improving space-based astrophysical research in India.
For his excellent contribution to science and service to the nation, he was awarded most of India's highest civilian honors: the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.
Also Read |
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites into orbit from Cape Canaveral on April 24
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
15 minutes ago
- Time of India
ICAR official advocates for creation of Directorate of Agri Engg, visits PAU
Ludhiana: In a significant academic and policy-focused interaction, the deputy director general (agricultural engineering), ICAR, andthe president of Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers (ISAE), S N Jha, visited theCollege of Agricultural Engineering and Technology (COAET)atPunjab Agricultural University (PAU)to engage with faculty members on the strategic upliftment of agricultural engineering and the proposed creation of Directorate of Agricultural Engineering in Punjab. During the interaction, Jha emphasised the growing importance of agricultural engineering in transforming Indian agriculture throughmechanisation, energy efficiency, post-harvest management, and climate-smart technologies. He encouraged faculty to contribute to demand-driven research, skill-based training, and interdisciplinary innovation aligned with national priorities. A key highlight of the discussion was theproposal for the creation of a Directorate of Agricultural Engineering in Punjab, which is in line with the recent directive from the central govt to all states. Jhaupdated the faculty on the current status of this development in Punjab, stating thatthe process has been initiated at the state level as per the letter from the chief secretary, Govt of Punjab to the secretary, department of agriculture and farmers' welfare, ministry of agriculture and farmers' welfare, Government of India. Discussions are going on with relevant authorities to expedite the formation of theDirectorate, which would act as a central agency for planning, implementation, and coordination of agricultural engineering activities in the state, he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Anvisa aprova solução para ajudar a reduzir gordura visceral da barriga em 7 dias! Você Mais Saudável Hoje Saiba Mais Undo Jha lauded the efforts of PAU and COAET in fostering innovation and assured continued ICAR support for strengthening agricultural engineering education, research, and outreach in Punjab. Manjeet Singh, dean, COAET, updated about the efforts made at the College level for the creation ofDirectorate of Agricultural Engineering in Punjab,and further emphasised that a committee would be formed to do follow-up of this important issue with the state govt. Faculty members of COAET shared their ongoing contributions, vision, and support for the proposed Directorate, which is expected to significantly enhance thedelivery of engineering services to farmersand promotetechnology-led agricultural growth. Dr Satish Kumar Gupta, Joint Secretary-cum-Treasurer, Punjab Chapter of Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers conducted the interactive session.
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
India's Shubhanshu Shukla turns space farmer, grows methi and moong seeds on ISS
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who is in the final week of his stay at the International Space Station, tried his hand at space farming as part of a study. Shukla, who is on the space station as part of the Axiom-4 mission, will be returning to earth after July 10. (Axiom Space) Shukla turned farmer onboard the ISS, growing moong and methi seeds, PTI reported. He also took photographs of the seeds sprouting in petri dishes and while keeping them in a storage freezer. The activity is part of a study into the influence of microgravity on germination and early plant development. These seeds will be cultivated over multiple generations after their return to eath, with researchers looking into changes in their genetics, microbial ecosystems and nutritional profiles, Axiom space said in a statement. Shukla, who is on the space station as part of the Axiom-4 mission, will be returning to earth after July 10. NASA is expected to announce the date for the undocking of the space mission soon, depending on the weather conditions off the Florida coast. The experiment for the germination of sprouts is part of a study headed by scientists Ravikumar Hosamani and and Sudheer Siddapureddy, according to PTI. While Hosamani is an assistant professor at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Siddapureddy is from the Indian Institute of Technology, Dharwad. Six varieties will be grown over generations under the crop seeds experiment in order to identify any desirable traits for genetic analysis in regards to sustainable space farming. Shukla on his research tasks onboard the space station Speaking about his research tasks on the ISS, Shukla said they had been 'fantastic'. "Right from doing stem cell research and looking at the effect of microgravity on seeds, evaluating the cognitive load on astronauts while they are interacting with screens onboard the station," PTI quoted him as saying. He added that he felt 'proud' to be acting as a 'bridge' between the researchers and the space station, and conduct these experiments on their behalf. He further said that he was 'really excited' about the study on stem cells. Under this, scientists are trying to determine whether the growth, recovery and repair process can be accelerated in stem cells by adding supplements. 'It has been great to work in the Glove Box doing this research for them. I am really excited to be doing this,' Shukla said. With PTI inputs
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
'Proud to be their bridge': Shubhanshu Shukla on taking Indian science to space
Shubhanshu Shukla (File pic) Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla (Shux) feels 'proud' and 'excited' to represent Indian scientists aboard the International Space Station (ISS), and described his role as a 'bridge' between research institutions on Earth and the orbiting lab. Speaking from space in a live interaction with Axiom Space 's chief scientist Dr Lucie Low, Shux said, 'The Axiom-4 mission is opening the doors for microgravity research for Indian scientists… It is a joy to do this.' He is currently executing a portfolio of experiments designed by Indian institutions under Isro 's coordination. 'Isro has collaborated with national institutions all over the country, and they came up with some fantastic research. It is a joy to conduct this for them,' he said, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. Among the most exciting of the studies, according to Shux, is one that investigates the effect of microgravity on stem cells. Scientists are testing whether the addition of certain supplements can enhance recovery or repair mechanisms. Shux has been conducting these experiments inside the glovebox, a sealed environment used to safely handle sensitive biological materials. He also detailed studies examining the growth of seeds in space and experiments that evaluate astronauts' cognitive load while they interact with digital interfaces on board. These studies are part of a broader push to understand how the human body and mind adapt to extended space travel—insights that could be vital for future missions. 'I feel proud to be a bridge between researchers and the station,' Shukla said, adding that the research portfolio spans multiple domains, including human physiology and space agriculture . The live event, coordinated by mission control in Houston, saw Low engaging with the four-member Ax-4 crew — Commander Peggy Whitson, pilot Shux, and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski and Tibor Kapu — about the science being carried out. Whitson, a veteran astronaut, outlined the diversity of the mission's research, which includes cancer studies, plant biology, human physiology, and multiple technology demonstrations that aim to enable more inclusive spaceflight. One such effort, she said, is focused on helping people with diabetes safely fly in space. Low reiterated that the Ax-4 crew is supporting research for scientists from eight countries, including India, Poland, Hungary, Brazil, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Uznański, who is representing Poland, shared that he has been working on nanomaterials and radiation research, including technology from CERN. He also conducted the first brain-machine interface demonstration in space. Kapu, representing Hungary under the Hunor programme, said they had brought 35 experiments, including brain activity monitoring and plant growth studies. 'My radishes, wheat and peppers are growing extremely fast… I might take up gardening as a hobby,' he joked. 'Everything you're doing is opening the door for more scientists in future,' Low said, adding that the mission represents a growing global scientific community contributing to microgravity research.
