CBSE has released a Notification on Tribute to Dr Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan. Read this article to gauge the details!
Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, an eminent scientist, educator, and architect of modern India’s education reforms left an indelible mark on the two critical pillars of India’s growth: Space Exploration and Education. Born on October 24, 1940, in Ernakulam, Kerala, Dr. Kasturirangan’s life was a testament to intellectual rigor, visionary leadership, and an unwavering commitment to nation-building. As the architect of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, his contributions to education, driven by a vision for holistic, inclusive, and forward-looking learning, have reshaped India’s educational landscape. Beyond his stellar achievements in space science, Dr. Kasturirangan’s role in education policy formulation and institutional leadership reflects his commitment to fostering knowledge and innovation for national development.
In view of above, it is desired that our students, teachers and stakeholders should know about him, and his contribution to the nation building as a role model. A two-page write-up about Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan (in English and Hindi) alongwith a portrait is enclosed. The same should be read out to all in the morning assembly of school on any day of the week starting 28.04.2025. Subsequently, the students, teachers and all stakeholders could offer tributes to his portrait. The write up may be translated in regional/ local Indian language for wider accessibility.
Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, an eminent scientist, educator, and architect of modern India’s education reforms left an indelible mark on the two critical pillars of India’s growth: space exploration and education. Born on October 24, 1940, in Ernakulam, Kerala, Dr. Kasturirangan’s life was a testament to intellectual rigor, visionary leadership, and an unwavering commitment to nation-building. As the architect of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, his contributions to education, driven by a vision for holistic, inclusive, and forward-looking learning, have reshaped India’s educational landscape. Beyond his stellar achievements in space science, Kasturirangan’s role in education policy formulation and institutional leadership reflects his commitment to fostering knowledge and innovation for national development.
A prodigious scholar, Dr. Kasturirangan took his Bachelor of Science with Honours and Master of Science degrees in Physics from Bombay University and received his Doctorate Degree in Experimental High Energy Astronomy in 1971 working at the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, under the mentorship of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. As ISRO Chairman (1994–2003), he spearheaded landmark achievements, including the operationalisation of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and India’s first lunar mission concept. It was during Kasturirangan’s time that ISRO embarked on self-reliance and indigenization, which eventually paid off handsomely in creating in-house capabilities. Dr. Kasturirangan was the only Indian honorary member and former Vice President of the International Academy of Astronautics. He held fellowships and honorary titles from global institutions, including the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), Cardiff University, and the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. He received prestigious awards like the Brock Medal, Allan D Emil Memorial Award, and Theodore von Karman Award. His scientific acumen earned him India’s highest civilian honours—Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.
Beyond space science, Dr. Kasturirangan recognized education as the cornerstone of societal progress. He served as a Rajya Sabha member (2003–09), advocating for policy-driven educational reforms. His holistic vision blended scientific inquiry with humanistic learning, emphasizing equity, innovation, and interdisciplinary thinking.
Dr. Kasturirangan’s most significant contribution to education was his role as the Chairman of the committee tasked with drafting the NEP 2020, a transformative policy that replaced the 1986 National Policy on Education. Appointed in 2017, he led a nine-member panel through extensive consultations across grassroots to national levels, engaging teachers, scientists, industry bodies, and community representatives. The resulting policy, launched in July 2020, introduced groundbreaking reforms aimed at making India a knowledge superpower. His emphasis on interconnectedness—linking school to higher education for cohesive learning— has been widely praised, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauding the policy as a foundation for 21st-century India.
Beyond policy, Kasturirangan’s contributions extended to shaping educational institutions. As Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), he influenced academic excellence and governance. He also chaired the Karnataka Knowledge Commission, advocating for teacher professionalization and comparing their role to that of engineers. His tenure as Director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru (2004–2009), and Chancellor of the Central University of Rajasthan and NIIT University furthered interdisciplinary research and innovation in education. Kasturirangan’s mentorship of young scientists and educators, noted by the Prime Minister, inspired a generation to pursue knowledge-driven careers. Union Education Minister Sh. Dharmendra Pradhan called him an “intellectual titan” and a guiding light. His ability to translate his scientific rigor and strategic vision from ISRO to education policy ensured that the NEP 2020 was rooted in India’s cultural values while addressing global aspirations.
The NEP 2020, now in implementation, stands as a living tribute to his foresight. By bridging scientific advancement with educational equity, he laid the groundwork for a knowledge- driven India. Colleagues recall his humility, intellectual generosity, and ability to inspire generations.
In honouring his memory, we reaffirm our commitment to the ideals he championed— education as empowerment, innovation as a societal force, and lifelong learning as a journey of transformation. Dr. Kasturirangan’s life reminds us that true greatness lies in lifting others through knowledge, and his contributions will continue to illuminate the path toward an enlightened future.
