Launch of the Dr Kasturirangan Trust
The Dr Kasturirangan Trust was formally launched at an inaugural ceremony in Bengaluru on 25 October 2026. The event commemorated the contributions of the late Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan (1940–2025), former Chairman of ISRO (1994‑2003), former Member of Parliament, Planning Commission member, and chair of the committee that drafted the National Education Policy 2020, who was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2000. The Trust is a non‑profit, non‑political public charitable entity governed by a Board of Trustees, an Advisory Board, and an Executive Council, and it is guided by the values of responsible research, compassion, excellence, and respect for nature.
Mission and Focus Areas
The Trust’s stated mission is to support research, encourage new ideas, and develop practical solutions to societal challenges. Its work will be concentrated in four thematic areas: space and technology, education, sustainability, and public policy. To achieve its objectives, the Trust will provide fellowships, scholarships, and grants; organise conferences; support book‑writing and scientific curation; and collaborate with Indian and international institutions.
First Initiative – Dr Kasturirangan 2027 Fellowship
The Trust’s inaugural programme is the Dr Kasturirangan 2027 Fellowship. The Fellowship will support six researchers at the PhD or post‑doctoral level whose work spans at least two of the Trust’s focus areas and demonstrates real‑world applicability. Each Fellow will receive a one‑time research grant of Rs 4 lakh, mentorship from senior experts, participation in two annual workshops to present their work, and inclusion in a growing peer community.
Eligibility and Nomination Process
Candidates must have submitted their PhD thesis between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2026. For the first year, nominations must be made either by a group of eminent individuals who personally knew Dr Kasturirangan or by leading universities; an open call for applications is planned for subsequent years. Nominations open on 27 October 2026 and close on 31 December 2026. The first cohort of Fellows will be announced on 25 April 2027.
Governance and Contact Details
The Trust’s governance structure includes a Board of Trustees (pictured left‑to‑right: Anurag Behar, Dr Sanjay Rangan, Dr Mukund Kasursrinivas Rao), an Advisory Board, and an Executive Council. For further information, enquiries can be directed to info@drkasturirangantrust.org or visited at https://drkasturirangantrust.org.
Quote from a Trustee
Dr Sanjay Rangan, Trustee of the Dr Kasturirangan Trust, stated: “Dr Kasturirangan believed in the power of knowledge and research to address the challenges facing our country. Through this Trust, we hope to carry forward his vision by bringing people and institutions together to find solutions that benefit society and support future leaders.”