
PM Modi condoles death of former ISRO chief K Kasturirangan
India has lost a stalwart in the field of science and technology with the passing away of former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Kasturirangan. The news of his demise on April 25 at the age of 84 has sent shockwaves across the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the tributes.
Taking to Twitter, PM Modi expressed his deepest condolences to Kasturirangan’s family and friends, calling him a “towering figure in India’s scientific and educational journey.” He also praised Kasturirangan’s contributions to ISRO, stating that he served the organisation with great diligence and steered India’s space programme to new heights.
K Kasturirangan was a renowned scientist and administrator who played a pivotal role in India’s space programme. He served as the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from 1994 to 2002, during which period he oversaw several landmark missions, including the launch of the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites and the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
Under his leadership, ISRO made significant strides in space exploration, including the launch of the Chandrayaan-1 mission, which successfully sent an orbiter to the Moon in 2008. Kasturirangan was also instrumental in the development of the PSLV, which has become a reliable workhorse for ISRO, launching numerous satellites into orbit.
Kasturirangan’s contributions to ISRO went beyond his technical expertise. He was known for his strong leadership and vision, which inspired a generation of scientists and engineers to pursue careers in space research. His tenure as ISRO chief was marked by a period of rapid growth and expansion, during which the organisation made significant strides in areas such as satellite technology, rocket development, and space exploration.
The scientific community has been mourning the loss of Kasturirangan, who was widely respected for his intellect, his passion for science, and his commitment to the development of India’s space programme. His legacy will be remembered for generations to come, and his contributions to ISRO will continue to inspire scientists and engineers to pursue their dreams in the field of space research.
Kasturirangan’s passing away has also sparked tributes from across the country, with many praising his contributions to India’s scientific and educational journey. His legacy extends beyond the field of space research, and he will be remembered as a true pioneer and a champion of science and technology in India.
As the nation mourns the loss of a great scientist and administrator, it is a fitting tribute to his memory to look back on his contributions to ISRO and the country’s space programme. Kasturirangan’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers, and his contributions to India’s scientific and educational journey will never be forgotten.