Former ISRO chairman K Kasturirangan passes away at 84
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New Delhi/Bengaluru: Officials said that former ISRO chief and K Kasturirangan passed away in Bengaluru on Friday. He was 84 and is survived by two sons; family sources said, adding he had been suffering from age-related ailments for the past few months, PTI reported.
"He left for heavenly abode this morning at his residence in Bengaluru. His body will be kept at Raman Research Institute (RRI) for paying last respects on April 27," the officials said.
Chairperson of the drafting committee on the New National Education Policy (NEP), Kasturirangan, had also served as chancellor of the Jawaharlal Nehru University and chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission.
He also served as a member of the Rajya Sabha (2003–09) and as a member of the Planning Commission of India.
Kasturirangan was also the Director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, from April 2004 to 2009.
The former ISRO chief was born on October 24, 1940, in Ernakulam in Kerala, to C M Krishnaswamy Iyer and Visalakshi.
Hailing from Tamil Nadu, his family settled in Chalakudy in the Thrissur district. His mother was hailing from the Palakkad Iyer family.
The space scientist served as the ISRO chairperson for nine long years before demitting his office in August 2003.
For his exemplary work, he was awarded Padma Vibhushan in 2000.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed former ISRO chairman K Kasturirangan as a towering figure in India's scientific and educational journey.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. 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," Modi said in a post on X.
President Droupadi Murmu condoled his demise, remembering him for playing a stellar role in the evolution of India's space programme.
"With his passion for knowledge, he also contributed greatly in diverse fields. He helped draft the National Education Policy, which is already making a profound impact on the shaping of the next generation. My condolences to his family and admirers," Murmu said in a post on X.
