PM Modi, Amit Shah Mourn Passing of Dr K Kasturirangan; Hail His Contributions To Science & Education

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday mourned the passing of former ISRO chairman Dr K Kasturirangan, remembering him for his visionary leadership and lasting contributions to India’s scientific progress.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “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.”

“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 focused on innovation,” the post further added.

“India will always be grateful to Dr. Kasturirangan for his efforts during the drafting of the National Education Policy (NEP) and in ensuring that learning in India became more holistic and forward-looking. He was also an outstanding mentor to many young scientists and researchers,” PM Modi posted on X.

The Prime Minister further added, “My thoughts are with his family, students, scientists and countless admirers. Om Shanti.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also mourned the passing of Dr K Kasturirangan, calling it an irreparable loss to the nation.

Taking to X, Shah posted, “Pained by the demise of scientist and educationist Dr. K. Kasturirangan Ji. A multifaceted genius, Kasturirangan Ji led Bharat’s space mission to new heights as the head of the ISRO and also contributed immensely to the fields of education, law, and policymaking. His passing away is an irreparable loss to our nation. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and admirers at this hour of grief.”

Dr Kasturirangan passed away on Friday at the age of 84 at his Bengaluru residence.

ISRO announced that his mortal remains will kept for public viewing at the Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru on Sunday, from 10 AM to 12 noon.

During his career, Kasturirangan served as ISRO chairman from 1994 to 2003. He was also a recipient of India’s highest civilian honours:

• Padma Vibhushan,
• Padma Bhushan, and
• Padma Shri

Beyond space science, he was a driving force behind India’s educational reforms, having led the drafting of NEP 2020.

He was also Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University and Chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission.

Additionally, Kasturirangan served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2003 to 2009 and was part of the Planning Commission of India.