The internationally renowned space scientist and one of the pioneers of India's application of space and rocket technology for promotion of human welfare, Dr K Kasturirangan, MP (Rajya Sabha), Director, National Institute of Advanced Studies and former chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), will deliver the annual Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Lecture on November 15, 2006 at 5.30 pm.
The topic of the lecture is 'Chandrayaan-1: India's first step in Planetary Exploration' and it will be held at the Jawahar Planetarium under the auspices of the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund.
It may be recalled that Dr Kasturirangan, who was decorated with the 'Padma Vibhushan' by the President of India in the year 2000, began his career as a physicist in the ISRO Satellite Centre Bangalore. Prior to joining ISRO he worked in Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad and made significant contribution in the field of high energy X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy as well as optical astronomy.
In his initial years with ISRO he actively got involved in the development of first Indian satellites Aryabhata and Bhaskara. Later as the director of the ISRO Satellite Centre, he oversaw the activities related to the development of new generation satellites, Indian National Satellites (INSAT-2) and Indian Remote Sensing Satellites, (IRS-1A and 1B) as well as other scientific satellites.
For his long association and noteworthy research work in highly specialised fields and its application he has earned several awards and distinctions including Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, Dr Vikram Sarabhai Perit Award, MP Birla Memorial Award, MM Chugani Memorial Award, HK Firodia Award, MN Saha Birth Centenary Medal, Aryabhatta Award and Lifetime Achievements Award of the Asia Pacific Satellite Communication Council, Singapore.
{{/usCountry}}For his long association and noteworthy research work in highly specialised fields and its application he has earned several awards and distinctions including Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, Dr Vikram Sarabhai Perit Award, MP Birla Memorial Award, MM Chugani Memorial Award, HK Firodia Award, MN Saha Birth Centenary Medal, Aryabhatta Award and Lifetime Achievements Award of the Asia Pacific Satellite Communication Council, Singapore.
{{/usCountry}}Dr Kasturirangan is every powerful and articulate orator. He loves to present science lectures of public interest on contemporary issues for the benefit of masses.
On the occasion of Pandit Nehru's 117th birth anniversary he intends to speak on a very exciting and interesting topic which would enable the masses to enlighten themselves about India's upcoming ambitious plans on planetary explorations.