Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 27: K Kasturirangan, the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and a Padma Shri awardee, will be laid to rest in Bengaluru on Sunday with full state honours. The 84-year-old space scientist passed away on Friday at his residence in Bengaluru.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar are expected to pay their final respects to Kasturirangan, who was instrumental in shaping India’s space programme. The public will have the opportunity to bid farewell at the Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru on Sunday from 10 am to noon.
V Narayanan, the current chairman of ISRO and secretary of the department of Space, expressed deep sorrow following Kasturirangan’s death. "We are in deep sorrow. Our beloved leader, one of the greatest sons of the soil who laid the foundation for India's space programme in multiple areas, K Kasturirangan sir, is no more," Narayanan said.
Narayanan recalled his long association with Kasturirangan, tracing back to 1988 when he first encountered him while studying at IIT Kharagpur. He remembered how inspired he felt after hearing Kasturirangan’s interview on ISRO’s progress, even though he was miles away from the organisation.
He went on to recount a memorable trip to Moscow with Kasturirangan, during which his leadership and ability to conduct reviews made a lasting impression. "By the end of that review, it was clear to me that he would one day become Chairman of ISRO," Narayanan said.
Kasturirangan’s leadership was pivotal in achieving major milestones for ISRO. Under his guidance, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) configurations saw significant successes. "Whatever he touched turned to gold – success after success," Narayanan remarked.
His tenure also saw the approval of India’s indigenous cryogenic project in 1995, which was a major achievement for ISRO. Narayanan recalled how Kasturirangan’s leadership and focus on merit propelled the growth of ISRO, including the establishment of the satellite centre, and how he initiated the modelling and simulation activities that led to ISRO’s current prominence in space technology.
In addition to his contributions to ISRO, Kasturirangan played a key role in framing India's New Education Policy and other national initiatives.
Narayanan fondly recalled how Kasturirangan’s warmth and affection extended beyond professional boundaries, with memories of visits to his home and the pooja room he maintained. He also shared a personal memory of visiting Kasturirangan when he was critically ill and how the resilient leader surprised everyone with his recovery and spirit.
Kasturirangan's legacy in the fields of satellite configurations, space exploration, and scientific leadership will continue to influence generations. His passing is a tremendous loss to ISRO's 20,000 employees and the entire nation.