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Icons of India

K.Kasturirangan

A distinguished space scientist and visionary leader, has significantly shaped India’s space and education sectors, propelling national initiatives to global recognition

K.Kasturirangan

Professional Experience

Chancellor, Central University of Rajasthan | NIIT University

  • Date: Present

  • Achievements: Overseeing academic and administrative functions, promoting advanced research and technology integration in university curricula.

Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

  • Date: 1994 – 2003

  • Achievements:

    • Led ISRO through significant advancements including the development and launch of the INSAT-2 series, IRS-1C, and IRS-1D satellites.

    • Spearheaded the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) programs.

    • Initiated India's planetary exploration missions, notably defining the Chandrayaan-1 mission.

Director, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore

  • Date: April 2004 – 2009

  • Achievements: Directed interdisciplinary research combining science and technology with social sciences to address complex issues facing India.

Education

Doctorate Degree in Experimental High Energy Astronomy

  • Institution: Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad

  • Year: 1971

Master of Science in Physics

  • Institution: University of Mumbai

  • Year: [Year]

Bachelor of Science

  • Institution: University of Mumbai

  • Year: [Year]

Key Contributions

  • Former Chairman: Space Commission and Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Space.

  • Project Director: For India's first two experimental earth observation satellites, Bhaskara-I and II.

  • Research: Published over 240 papers in astronomy, space science, and applications.

  • Education Policy: Head of the committee for National Education Policy 2020 and the development of the new National Curriculum Framework.

Awards and Honors

  • Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan: Major civilian awards from the Government of India recognizing contributions to space science.

  • Honorary Doctorates: Received from 27 universities worldwide.

Skills

  • Leadership in Space Technology

  • Policy Formulation and Strategic Planning

  • Academic and Research Excellence

  • Public Speaking and Advisory

Professional Affiliations

  • Board of Trustees Member: Raman Research Institute Trust, Bengaluru

  • Former Member: Rajya Sabha and Planning Commission of India

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