Former ISRO chairman Ok Kasturirangan no extra

A file picture of Dr. Ok. Kasturirangan (centre) visiting Gundya in Sakaleshpur taluk of Hassan district in Karnataka. He was the writer of the Kasturirangan Committee report on Western Ghats, which in 2013, recognized an space of 59,940 sq. km of pure panorama of Western Ghats, unfold throughout 6 States as ecologically delicate.
| Picture Credit score: Prakash Hassan

Former ISRO chairman Dr. Ok Kasturirangan handed away in Bengaluru on April 25. He was 84 years previous.

In keeping with a press release from ISRO: “Dr. Ok. Kasturirangan has left for heavenly abode this morning at 10. 43 am at his residence in Bengaluru. His physique will probably be stored on the Raman Analysis Institute (RRI) in Bengaluru for paying final respects on Sunday April twenty seventh from 1000- 1200 hrs.”

Dr. Kasturirangan served because the fifth chairman of ISRO between 1994-2003, and likewise because the Secretary, Division of Area for over 9 years.

Throughout his four-decade-long profession in ISRO, he was a part of a number of key missions. He was the mission director of India’s first two experimental earth commentary satellites BHASKARA-I & II. He steered the primary operational Indian Distant Sensing satellite tv for pc IRS-1A.

A recipient of Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, Dr. Kasturirangan bought his Bachelor of Science with Honours and Grasp of Science levels in Physics from Bombay College. He obtained his Doctorate Diploma in Experimental Excessive Power Astronomy in 1971 whereas working on the Bodily Analysis Laboratory, Ahmedabad.

When he served as ISRO chairman, the Polar Satellite tv for pc Launch Car (PSLV) was launched and operationalised. The primary profitable flight testing of Geosynchronous Satellite tv for pc Launch Car (GSLV) came about unders hip his management.

ISRO states that because the Director of ISRO Satellite tv for pc Centre, he oversaw the actions associated to the event of latest technology spacecraft, Indian Nationwide Satellite tv for pc (INSAT-2) and Indian Distant Sensing Satellites (IRS-1A & 1B), in addition to scientific satellites.

“He has additionally overseen the design, improvement and launching of the world’s finest civilian satellites, IRS-1C and 1D, realisation of the second technology and initiation of third technology INSAT satellites, in addition to launching ocean commentary satellites IRS-P3/P4. These efforts have positioned India as a pre-eminent space-faring nation among the many handful of six international locations which have main area programmes,” states his profile on the area company’s web site.

Dr. Kasturirangan served as a member of the Rajya Sabha, and was a member of the Planning Fee throughout the UPA authorities.

Extra lately, Dr. Kasturirangan chaired the drafting committee for the Nationwide Schooling Coverage 2020, and headed the 12-member steering committee accountable for growing a brand new Nationwide Curriculum Framework.

He was the writer of the Kasturirangan Committee report on Western Ghats, which in 2013, recognized an space of 59,940 sq. km of pure panorama of Western Ghats, unfold throughout Karnataka, Gujarat, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra as ecologically delicate.

PM Modi mourns his demise

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his condolence message, known as Dr. Kasturirangan “a towering determine in India’s scientific and academic journey“. His visionary management and selfless contribution to the nation will at all times be remembered, Mr. Modi stated.

“He served ISRO with nice diligence, steering India’s area programme to new heights, for which we additionally obtained international recognition. His management additionally witnessed bold satellite tv for pc launches and focussed on innovation,” Mr. Modi added.