Bengaluru: Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, eminent scientist-administrator whose influence extended from space exploration to educational reform, passed away at his Bengaluru residence Friday morning. He was 84.
Kasturirangan, whose health was in decline after a heart attack in Sri Lanka in July 2023, breathed his last at 10.43am. His mortal remains will be placed at Raman Research Institute here from 10am to noon Sunday for public tributes. He is survived by his sons Rajesh and Sanjay.
Born on Oct 24, 1940, in Ernakulam to CM Krishnaswamy Iyer and Visalakshi, Kasturirangan’s space journey began with education in physics at Bombay University, followed by a doctorate in Experimental High Energy Astronomy from Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, in 1971.
His association with India’s space programme dates back to its earliest days. As part of the Aryabhata satellite team in the 1970s, he laid the foundation for what would become a distinguished career at Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro).
His tenure as Isro chairman from 1994 to 2003 was marked by unprecedented success and transformative leadership. Under his stewardship, Isro fully operationalised Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), establishing India as a reliable launch partner in the global space community.
He oversaw the development of India’s remote-sensing capabilities through IRS-1C and 1D satellites, widely regarded as among the world’s best civilian satellites at that time.
“He was a key member who supported Prof UR Rao in building satellite capabilities and setting up of the satellite centre. He was also instrumental in several programmes becoming successful in Isro. But his contributions weren’t limited to space,” Prem Shanker Goel, one of the earliest members to join Isro, told TOI.
Perhaps his most forward-looking contribution to India’s space programme was preparing the groundwork for Chandrayaan-1, India’s first lunar mission, which came to fruition after his tenure but bore his vision. Former Isro scientist BN Suresh, who has edited Kasturirangan’s book ‘Space & Beyond’, which chronicles his life, told TOI: “…It was he who initiated the interplanetary exploration with Chandrayaan 1. Although the mission did not take place when he was chairman, Kasturirangan visualised it, took it to various committees, to the government, and got the approval.”
Following his retirement from Isro, Kasturirangan’s expertise and wisdom found new avenues of expression. As a Rajya Sabha member, he played a pivotal role in garnering support for the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement. His measured, scientifically grounded interventions proved decisive during this crucial juncture in India’s foreign policy.
His commitment to environmental conservation was evident in his leadership of the Western Ghats ecology study, which sought to balance development imperatives with the preservation of one of India’s most precious ecological treasures. The recommendations of the report have not been implemented.
However, it was, perhaps, in education that Kasturirangan left his most enduring legacy. As chairman of National Education Policy (NEP) committee, he orchestrated a comprehensive overhaul of Indian education in decades. The policy, with its emphasis on multidisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and pedagogical flexibility, reflected his belief that education must prepare students not merely for examinations but for the uncertainties of a rapidly evolving world.
Throughout his distinguished career, Kasturirangan received numerous accolades, including Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan — India’s highest civilian honours. He was a fellow of several prestigious academies, including Indian Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Sciences of India, and authored over 240 scholarly papers.
Beyond these formal recognitions, colleagues remember him as a mentor and enabler — a man of quiet resolve and profound intellect who approached every challenge with meticulous preparation and characteristic humility.
“Kasturirangan is no more, but the nation he helped shape — more confident in its scientific endeavours, more aspiring in its educational pursuits, and more conscious of its ecological responsibilities — stands as his living monument,” BR Guruprasad, director, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, said.
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Reactions:
I’m deeply saddened by the passing of 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.
— Narendra Modi | PM
Renowned scientist K Kasturirangan, who elevated India’s reputation in the field of space technology, has passed away, leaving us in shock. Kasturirangan had immense love and concern for our state. His long-term service as the chairman of India’s esteemed Isro and as the chairman of the central space commission has helped India gain international recognition in the field of space science. I share in the grief of his family members and admirers over the loss of Dr Kasturirangan. I pray for peace for the departed soul.
— Siddaramaiah | CM, Karnataka
He was a scientist, visionary and, above all, a leader par excellence. Isro soared under his watch. His support to leaders like Prof Dhawan and Prof UR Rao in building India’s space programme, and later his leadership in encouraging colleagues to propel it further will always be remembered.
— K Sivan | Former Isro chairman
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…He had a profound influence on all of us in Isro. It leaves a vacuum in the community of technocrats and thinkers whose voice is heard by all. I join in the sorrow of the Isro family and all who admired him.
— S Somanath | Former Isro chairman
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Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr K Kasturirangan, a visionary scientist and a guiding force behind India’s space programme. His contributions to ISRO and Indian science will be remembered for generations. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
— Jitendra Singh | Union minister