Bhubaneswar, Apr 25: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday expressed grief over the passing away of former ISRO Chairman and a key architect of India’s National Education Policy, Dr. K. Kasturirangan.

Dr Kasturirangan passed away this morning at his residence in Bengaluru. He was 84.

I am deeply heartbroken by the passing of Padma Vibhushan Dr. K. Kasturirangan ji. His loss is not only a profound one for the global scientific and academic community, but an intensely personal one for me. To me, he was far more than a mentor — he was a guiding light, a… pic.twitter.com/QEHDZcguKz

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) April 25, 2025

In a social media post, Union Minister Pradhan said, “I am deeply heartbroken by the passing of Padma Vibhushan Dr. K. Kasturirangan ji. His loss is not only a profound one for the global scientific and academic community, but an intensely personal one for me. To me, he was far more than a mentor — he was a guiding light, a wellspring of wisdom, compassion, and quiet strength. I consider myself truly fortunate to have received his affection, blessings, and guidance over the years.”

“Dr. Kasturirangan ji was an intellectual titan and a true karmayogi — a visionary whose contributions shaped the very architecture of modern India’s scientific, educational, and policy landscape. He was not merely a brilliant scientist or a celebrated policy architect; he was a nation-builder in every sense of the word. His pivotal role in crafting the National Education Policy 2020 stands as a lasting testament to his far-sightedness, a transformative gift for generations yet to come,” he added.

“My deepest condolences to his family, his colleagues, and to the countless students, scholars, and admirers whose lives were enriched by his presence. India will forever remain indebted to his towering intellect, his quiet yet resolute leadership, and his selfless service to the nation,” he added.

“India mourns the loss of a stalwart of ISRO and a guiding light in our education reforms. His legacy will continue to shape young minds and future scientists. Heartfelt tributes,” Pradhan’s post on X reads.

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.