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MUMBAI: Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Dr K Kasturirangan, Member
of Rajya Sabha and Director, National Institute of Advanced Sciences
and, former Chairman of ISRO, as an Academician of the Pontifical
Academy of Sciences.
The Pontifical Academy was founded in Rome on August 17, 1603 to
promote the progress of mathematical, physical and natural sciences
and the study of epistemological problems relating thereto. The
academicians are chosen on the basis of their eminent original scientific
studies and of their acknowledged moral personality, without any
ethnic or religious discrimination, and are nominated for life by
sovereign act of the Holy Father.
This international and interdisciplinary scientific body is subject
to the direct authority of the Supreme Pontiff. The academicians
will contribute to the activities of the Academy and attend its
Plenary Session during October-November every two years and participate
in other scientific matters organised by the Academy.
Dr Kasturirangan has made immense contribution to the Indian space
programme including the development of launch vehicles and satellite
technology, application in the areas of remote sensing, communications
and education that have greatly benefited the society.
The Pontifical Academy has about 90 Academicians of which 29 are
Nobel Laureates. Dr Kasturirangan is only the fourth Indian to be
appointed to the Academy after Dr C V Raman, Prof M G K Menon and
Prof C N R Rao.
The Holy Father will present Dr Kasturirangan the insignia of his
appointment at a solemn pontifical audience sometime in the near
future.
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