'A Towering Figure In India’s Scientific And Educational Journey': PM Modi Condoles Passing Of Former ISRO Chief K Kasturirangan​

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the passing of former ISRO chief Dr K Kasturirangan, describing him as a towering figure in India's scientific and educational advancement.

Kastrurirangan passed away at his residence in Bengaluru on Friday (25 April).

According to a statement by ISRO, his mortal remains will be kept at Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bangalore for paying last respects on Sunday (27 April) from 10 am to 12 noon.

In a post on X, PM Modi said,"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 focussed on innovation," PM Modi added.

Kasturirangan led ISRO from 1994 to 2003, navigating the agency through a turbulent phase dominated by international sanctions, especially concerning cryogenic technology.

The restrictions grew even harsher after India's nuclear tests in 1998.

Under his leadership, ISRO laid the groundwork for self-reliance in critical technologies and initiated planning for major future missions such as Chandrayaan.

After retiring from ISRO, Dr Kasturirangan continued to serve the nation as a Rajya Sabha member and as part of the erstwhile Planning Commission.

Known as the man behind the education reforms listed in NEP, Kasturirangan served as chancellor of the Jawaharlal Nehru University and chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission.

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