K Kasturirangan was architect of India’s space legacy and educational renaissance: ISRO chief V Narayanan

India bid farewell to one of its greatest scientific minds on April 27, as the mortal remains of former ISRO Chairman Dr. K Kasturirangan were kept at Bengaluru’s Raman Research Institute (RRI) for the public to pay their last respects.

Dr. Kasturirangan, who steered India's space program into a new era and reimagined its educational framework, passed away on April 25 at the age of 84. He was accorded full state honors before his final rites.

In a moving tribute, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan hailed Kasturirangan as a "transformative figure" whose visionary leadership reshaped India's ambitions in both space exploration and education.

“Kasturirangan’s life was marked by an unwavering pursuit of knowledge and a deep commitment to applying it for the nation’s advancement," Narayanan said. "His indomitable spirit and relentless drive for excellence will continue to inspire generations of Indian scientists."

During his nearly decade-long tenure as ISRO Chairman from 1994 to 2003, Kasturirangan presided over landmark missions that cemented India's position as a formidable space power.

Under his leadership, India operationalized the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and successfully tested the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).

He spearheaded the development of critical satellite series, including the Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) for communication and meteorology, and the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites for earth observation.

One of his most significant contributions was in remote sensing, with the launch of IRS-1C and IRS-1D satellites, which provided high-resolution data vital for agriculture, forestry, water resources, and urban planning.

"His vision bridged the gap between cutting-edge technology and grassroots development," Narayanan said, crediting Kasturirangan for making space technology directly beneficial to the Indian populace.

Notably, it was under Kasturirangan’s leadership that the seeds of India's first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, were sown — a venture that would later catapult India into the elite club of lunar explorers.

Beyond space, Kasturirangan left an indelible mark on India’s educational landscape. As the chairman of the committee that drafted the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, he championed a transformative vision that aimed to overhaul and modernize India's education system.

An accomplished astrophysicist, Kasturirangan also played a pivotal role in conceptualizing AstroSat, India’s first multi-wavelength space observatory, advancing India's position in high-energy X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy.

His influence extended into governance and environmental conservation. He served as a Member of the Planning Commission, the Rajya Sabha (2003-2009), and chaired the Karnataka Knowledge Commission. His leadership of the high-level working group on the Western Ghats, widely known as the Kasturirangan Committee, reflected his commitment to balancing development with ecological preservation.

Recognized globally, Kasturirangan was the recipient of India's highest civilian honours — the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan — alongside numerous international accolades.

"In the Indian tradition, it is said that the seeds sown by great individuals blossom into mighty trees, offering shade and sustenance for generations," Narayanan reflected. "Professor Kasturirangan’s contributions have indeed grown into towering trees that will inspire countless generations to come."

As India mourns his loss, the scientific community, and the nation at large resolve to honor his memory — by striving, as he did, towards a stronger, more prosperous future.