K. Kasturirangan: The Visionary Architect of India’s Space Legacy

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Dr. K. Kasturirangan: ISRO Legend, NEP 2020 Architect, and Padma Honoree Who Shaped India’s Future

By TRH News Desk

New Delhi, April 25, 2025: Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan was a titan of Indian science and education. Under his leadership, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), from 1994 to 2003, soared into the elite league of space-faring nations.

Beyond space, his contributions as the architect of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and his work on ecological conservation reshaped India’s intellectual and environmental landscape. A recipient of the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, Kasturirangan’s life was a testament to relentless pursuit of excellence, blending astrophysics, policymaking, and nation-building.

His passing at 84 in Bengaluru marked the end of an era, but his legacy endures.

A Stellar Career in Space Exploration

Born in Ernakulam, Kerala, on October 24, 1940, Kasturirangan’s early life was shaped by a family that valued education. After losing his mother, he was raised by his maternal grandparents, who instilled discipline and curiosity.

He earned a Bachelor’s and master’s in physics from Bombay University and a Doctorate in Experimental High Energy Astronomy from the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, in 1971.

His scientific passion for X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy laid the foundation for a four-decade career at ISRO.

Kasturirangan’s tenure at ISRO was transformative. As Director of the ISRO Satellite Centre (1990–1994), he oversaw the development of the Indian National Satellite (INSAT-2) and Indian Remote Sensing Satellites (IRS-1A and 1B).

Earlier, as Project Director for India’s first experimental earth observation satellites, Bhaskara-I and II, and the operational IRS-1A, he honed India’s remote-sensing capabilities. His crowning role as ISRO Chairman saw milestones like the operationalization of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the first successful flight test of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).

He also spearheaded the launch of world-class civilian satellites IRS-1C and 1D, second- and third-generation INSAT satellites, and ocean observation satellites IRS-P3/P4.

ISRO in a post on X mourned him as “one of the chief architects of India’s Space Programme”. The space agency noted his leadership in developing IRS and INSAT systems and steering the Chandrayaan-1 mission’s conceptualization.

President Droupadi Murmu also mourned his demise on Friday. “As head of ISRO, he played 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,” said Murmu in a post on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, quoted on X, called him “a towering figure in India’s scientific and educational journey”. He credited his leadership for global recognition of India’s space program.

Beyond the Stars: Education and Policy Impact

Kasturirangan’s influence extended far beyond ISRO. As chairman of the committee that drafted the NEP 2020, he revolutionized Indian education with a 5+3+3+4 curriculum structure, emphasizing foundational learning and multidisciplinary pedagogy.

In 2021, he led a 12-member steering committee to develop the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), integrating lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, quoted on X, paid an emotional tribute, noting Kasturirangan’s role in shaping NEP 2020 as a “historic moment in India’s vision of education”.

His work on the Kasturirangan Committee report on the Western Ghats (2013) identified 59,940 sq. km as ecologically sensitive, though its recommendations faced implementation challenges. He also served as a Rajya Sabha member (2003–2009), Director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies (2004–2009), and a member of the Planning Commission, showcasing his versatility in governance.

Jairam Ramesh, rajya Sabha MP and Congress chief of communication, on X described him as the “fourth Chairman of ISRO under whose leadership it took giant strides”. Manohar Lal Khattar, former Haryana Chief Minister and Union Minister, called him the “architect of NEP 2020” and a “scientist par excellence”, emphasizing his indelible mark on India’s space program.

Raghavan, chief architect of satellite systems, told Outlook India that Kasturirangan “had the wisdom and managerial skills to convince the government to invest in rockets”, a testament to his strategic acumen.

A Life of Honors and Resilience

Kasturirangan’s accolades included the Brock Medal (2004), Theodore von Karman Award (2007), and 27 honorary doctorates. He was the only Indian with honorary membership in the International Academy of Astronautics.

Despite a heart attack in Sri Lanka in 2023, he remained active until his health declined. His passing prompted an outpouring of grief, with ISRO announcing his body would lie at the Raman Research Institute for last respects on April 27, 2025.

The Man Behind the Mission

Soft-spoken yet resolute, Kasturirangan believed learning was lifelong. Colleagues recalled his ability to bridge science and society, from labs to classrooms. Moneycontrol described him as a “quiet-spoken but firm” visionary whose work shaped “the classrooms of the future”.

His personal life, marked by the early loss of his mother and wife in 1991, reflected resilience. He is survived by his two sons, Rajesh and Sanjay.

Dr. K. Kasturirangan’s journey from an astrophysicist to a national icon embodies India’s aspirations. As SiliconIndia noted, his legacy in space, education, and policy-making “built modern India.” His vision continues to guide India’s trajectory, from the stars to the schoolbooks.

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