Former ISRO Chairman and a key architect of India’s National Education Policy, Dr. K. Kasturirangan, passed away this morning at his residence in Bengaluru. He was 84. As Chairman of ISRO, Dr. Kasturirangan played a pivotal role in the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which went on to become India’s most reliable satellite launcher. He led the Indian Space Programme for over nine years before stepping down on August 27, 2003.

Dr. Kasturirangan also served as Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University and Chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission and was Director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies in Bengaluru, where he supported research and learning. He was also a Rajya Sabha member from 2003 to 2009.

Arrangements are being made for the public to pay their last respects to the renowned scientist in Bengaluru on Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon.