Scientists Pay Tribute To Former ISRO Chief K Kasturirangan
Source:Indian Express ↗
Why It Matters
Dr. Kasturirangan's work directly intersects with three core UPSC syllabus domains: GS3 Space Technology, GS2 Education Policy (NEP 2020), and GS3 Environment (Western Ghats conservation). His name and the committees he headed are frequently referenced in Prelims and Mains questions.
Summary
The article covers a tribute to former ISRO chief K. Kasturirangan in Bengaluru, remembering him as a "father figure and promoter of science." Dr. Kasturirangan's multifaceted legacy encompasses three major pillars of India's development: steering ISRO's launch vehicle programs (PSLV and GSLV) during a critical decade, shaping the country's modern education landscape as the architect of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and addressing crucial environmental conservation strategies through his report on the eco-sensitive zones of the Western Ghats.
Key Points
- Scientists and colleagues gathered in Bengaluru to pay tribute to Dr. K. Kasturirangan, honoring his legacy as a prominent space scientist and a visionary institution builder.
- During his tenure as ISRO Chairman (1994–2003), India saw the successful operationalization of the PSLV, the first successful flight of the GSLV, and the advancement of earth observation satellites.
- He was the chief architect of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, charting a new structural framework for multi-disciplinary education and foundational learning in India.
- He headed the High-Level Working Group on the Western Ghats (widely known as the Kasturirangan Committee), which recommended demarcating about 37% of the Western Ghats as ecologically sensitive.
Important Terms
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
India's third major educational framework replacing the 1986 policy. It introduces a 5+3+3+4 structure, emphasizes mother-tongue instruction, multi-disciplinary learning, and aims for 6% GDP spending on education.
UPSC context
GS Paper 2 (Education/Human Resources); tests understanding of major systemic reforms in the Indian education sector.
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)
The premier national agency of India responsible for space research, satellite communication, and planetary exploration. Under Dr. Kasturirangan, it transitioned from experimental to operational space capabilities.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3 (Science & Technology); tests awareness of indigenous technological milestones and space governance.
Kasturirangan Committee Report on Western Ghats
A 2013 report recommending only 37% of the Western Ghats be designated as Eco-Sensitive Areas. It sought to balance environmental conservation with the developmental needs and livelihoods of local communities.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3 (Environment/Disaster Management); tests knowledge of balancing ecological protection with sustainable development.
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
The "workhorse" of ISRO, a four-stage launch vehicle using solid and liquid propulsion. It primarily places satellites into Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbits and supported missions like Chandrayaan-1.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3 (S&T); crucial for questions on satellite deployment technology and India's space historical achievements.
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)
A heavy-lift launch vehicle designed to place communication satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits. It features a critical third cryogenic stage using super-cooled liquid fuel for high efficiency.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3 (S&T); tests technical understanding of cryogenic technology and heavy-payload space missions.
Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA)
Landscapes identified for protection to safeguard biological diversity. In the Kasturirangan report, these areas faced bans on mining, quarrying, and highly polluting 'red category' industries.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3 (Environment); tests knowledge of regulatory frameworks for biodiversity hotspots and conservation zoning.
Prelims Trap
"The Kasturirangan Committee recommended declaring 64% of the Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area."
This is a classic syllabus trap. The earlier Madhav Gadgil Committee recommended ~64%, while the Kasturirangan Committee deliberately reduced the strict ESA coverage to ~37% to balance development.
Static Concepts Connected
How did the Kasturirangan Committee differ from the Gadgil Committee on Western Ghats?
- Gadgil (WGEEP): Recommended classifying the entire Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) with three varying degrees of strict protection.
- Kasturirangan (HLWG): Diluted the strict ESA to just 37% (approx 60,000 sq km) of the region to accommodate economic and developmental needs.
- Prohibited Activities: Banned mining, quarrying, thermal power plants, and highly polluting 'red category' industries within the demarcated 37% ESA.
What is the fundamental difference between PSLV and GSLV?
- PSLV (Polar): Primarily designed to place lighter Earth-observation (remote sensing) satellites into low-earth Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbits.
- GSLV (Geosynchronous): Designed with a cryogenic upper stage to carry heavier communication satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits (GTO).
Cross-Topic Patterns
Eco-Sensitive Zones vs. State Demands
The Kasturirangan report remains a classic case study for GS2 federalism and GS3 environment, as states like Kerala repeatedly oppose the 37% ESA notification citing local livelihood impacts.
Technocrats driving multi-sector governance
Kasturirangan’s legacy spans Space (GS3), Education (GS2), and Environment (GS3), reflecting how India uses top scientific technocrats to shape macro-policy beyond their core domains.
A 2026 Prelims statement will likely contrast Gadgil's vs Kasturirangan's ESA criteria due to ongoing Western Ghats notification protests.
Linked PYQs · 3
Linked PYQs · 3
- 2016MainsGS3
Discuss India's achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development?
- 2020MainsGS2
National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement.
- 2016PrelimsGS1
'Gadgil Committee Report' and 'Kasturirangan Committee Report', sometimes seen in the news, are related to
