Roorkee: IIT Roorkee organized an institute lecture by Padmavibhushan Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan at the premises of Biotechnology department auditorium on the evening of 26th February. The title of the lecture was “Towards a 21st Century Knowledge Society”.
The talk witnessed an enthusiastic participation of more than 100 students. Dr. Kasturirangan addressed some important elements related to transforming India into a knowledge society consistent with the 21st century aspirational goals, recognizing that such a society would be a key enabler for economic growth and prosperity.
“Knowledge is the dire need of a society as vast, diverse, and complex as India onto the path of progress. It is the time this generation realizes that knowledge is the true wealth, and multiplies if shared and made available to all members of society. It was a great evening with the students and faculties of IIT Roorkee and an honor for me to speak to the minds who are going to be the leaders of 21st-century society.” said Dr. Kasturirangan.
Dr. Kasturirangan has been assigned by the present Central Government, to serve as the Chairman of the Committee entrusted with drafting the new National Education Policy. Currently, he holds the positions of the Chairman of the Governing Board, Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune; Chancellor, Central University of Rajasthan; Chairperson, NIIT University, Neemrana; Member, Atomic Energy Commission; Emeritus Professor at NIAS, Bangalore, and Honorary Distinguished Advisor, ISRO.
Dr Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan completed his Bachelor of Science with Honours and Master of Science in Physics from Bombay University and received his Doctorate in Experimental High Energy Astronomy in 1971 while working at the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad. His interests include astrophysics, space science and technology as well as science related policies.
He was with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for over a period of nearly 35 years including nearly 10 years as its Chairman from 1994-2003. And is member of several International and National Science Academies including being the Fellow of all the four major science and engineering academies of India.
He was the first to occupy the Satish Dhawan Chair of Engineering Eminence instituted by Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE).
Padma Vibhushan Dr. Kasturirangan has won several awards including Brock Medal of International Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, (2004), Allan D Emil Memorial Award of the International Astronautical Federation (2004), Lifetime Achievement Award of Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council, Singapore (2005) and many more.