Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman and Padma Shri awardee K. Kasturirangan was laid to rest in Bengaluru with full state honours. V. Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space (DOS), led the tributes, reflecting on the profound legacy Kasturirangan leaves behind.
A Personal Tribute from ISRO’s Current Chairman
“We are in deep sorrow,” Narayanan said. “Our beloved leader, one of the greatest sons of the soil who laid the foundation for India’s space programme across multiple domains, is no more”.
Recalling his long association with Kasturirangan, Narayanan shared that his admiration began in 1988 during his time at IIT Kharagpur. “Within a month of joining, I watched a Doordarshan programme called Eye on the Sky featuring Kasturirangan Sir, celebrating IRS-1A’s first 100 days in orbit. Listening to him was incredibly inspiring—it made me feel connected to ISRO even from afar,” he said.
A Lasting Impression on Young Engineers
Narayanan recounted a pivotal experience during a delegation trip to Moscow for the cryogenic programme under then-Chairman U.R. Rao. “I was fortunate to travel with Kasturirangan Sir for three days. As a young SD engineer, observing his sharp reviews and insightful questions left a deep impression. Even then, it was clear he would one day lead ISRO,” he recalled.
Architect of ISRO’s Golden Decade
Describing Kasturirangan’s leadership, Narayanan said, “During his 10-year tenure at ISRO’s helm, everything he touched turned to gold—success after success.”
Under his stewardship, the organisation overcame early setbacks. “Before he took charge, PSLV-D1 had failed. Afterward, PSLV and GSLV configurations reached historic milestones, and in 1995, the indigenous cryogenic project received approval,” Narayanan noted. He also highlighted Kasturirangan’s push for technical excellence. “When he visited the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, he questioned the lack of mathematical modelling and simulation for liquid propulsion systems—sparking a new era of technical rigor.”
Memories of Mentorship and Affection
Narayanan shared deeply personal anecdotes, recalling how Kasturirangan guided him through critical challenges, including an engine project crisis with Russian partners. “What was meant to be a 10-minute briefing turned into a three-hour in-depth discussion,” he remembered fondly.
Narayanan also spoke about Kasturirangan’s personal warmth. “He treated me like family. He would ask me to visit his pooja room before meeting him—a room filled with images of all gods and goddesses.”
A Legacy Beyond Space Science
Kasturirangan’s influence extended far beyond ISRO. “His role in framing India’s New Education Policy and contributing to many national initiatives was phenomenal,” Narayanan emphasised.
As reported by msn.com, Recalling his last meeting with the former ISRO chief, Narayanan said, “Despite being critically ill, he met us with warmth and vitality, surprising us all. That spirit will always stay with me.”
A Tremendous Loss for the Nation
Narayanan said, “Kasturirangan’s contributions to PSLV, GSLV, and satellite configurations are too vast to capture in just a few pages. He was a man of great principles and deep affection. His passing is a tremendous loss to ISRO’s 20,000 employees and the entire nation.”
