Jalandhar May 2 (Jaswinder Singh Azad)- Apeejay College of Fine Arts held a special condolence assembly to pay homage to the late Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan — eminent scientist, former Chairman of ISRO, Padma Vibhushan awardee, and the principal architect of the National Education Policy 2020.
Dr. Kasturirangan shared a close association with the Apeejay Education fraternity and was the Chief Guest at the 101st Birth Anniversary celebrations (Founder’s Day) of its revered Founder-Chairman, Dr. Stya Paul, in 2020. On that occasion, he had expressed his appreciation for the NEP-aligned practices being implemented at Apeejay and commended the institution’s commitment to value-based education.
Principal Dr. Neerja Dhingra, while reading the message from Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia — Chairperson of Apeejay Education, President of the Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, and Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University — shared that she still remembers Dr. Kasturirangan’s words during the 101st birth anniversary of Dr. Stya Paul, when he remarked that Dr. Paul was one of India’s illustrious sons who laid the foundation of education on the principles of high moral values and ethics.
Dr. Kasturirangan led India’s space programme for nine years as Chairman of ISRO
She stated that Dr. Kasturirangan was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India for his extraordinary contributions to the fields of science and education. Dr. Kasturirangan led India’s space programme for nine years as Chairman of ISRO and the Space Commission, as well as Secretary of the Department of Space, Government of India. Under his leadership, India successfully launched and operated its prestigious launch vehicles — the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). It was also during his tenure that India launched Chandrayaan-1, a landmark achievement in the country’s space journey.
Dr. Dhingra also added that Dr. Kasturirangan once expressed his thoughts about Mrs. Berlia, stating, “Mrs. Berlia is herself an accomplished and distinguished personality whose creative ideas and work are making a significant impact across all sections of society.”
She concluded by saying that this condolence assembly serves as a befitting tribute to Dr. Kasturirangan’s legacy and his enduring bond with Apeejay Education. His contributions to science and education will continue to inspire generations.