Soorya Krishnamoorthy, Former ISRO Scientist and Founder of Soorya Festival, Dies at 78

Soorya Krishnamoorthy, a theatre director, cultural organiser and former Indian Space Research Organisation scientist, died on 23 September 2026 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He was associated with the Soorya Stage and Film Society and founded the Soorya Festival in 1977. He also served in Kerala’s cultural institutions and received national and state honours for stage craft and direction.

Soorya Festival

The Soorya Festival began in Thiruvananthapuram in 1977. It developed into a long-running cultural festival with participation from audiences in more than 30 countries. The Limca Book of Records has recognised it as Asia’s longest-running cultural festival.

Career in Science and Public Institutions

Krishnamoorthy worked with the Indian Space Research Organisation for more than two decades before focusing on the arts. He worked as a scientist-engineer and was associated with APJ Abdul Kalam during his scientific career. He later served as director of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation for three terms and as chairman of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi.

Awards and Cultural Organisations

He received the National Award for Stage Craft and Direction in 1996. He was also awarded the Kerala Prabha Award in 2023, which is among Kerala’s highest civilian honours. The Soorya Stage and Film Society remained central to his work in theatre and cultural programming.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Indian Space Research Organisation was established in 1969 and functions under the Department of Space, Government of India.
• The Limca Book of Records is an Indian record book that documents national achievements and records.
• The Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi is a state-level institution for music, dance and theatre in Kerala.
• The Kerala State Film Development Corporation is a public sector undertaking linked to film development in Kerala.

Legacy in Kerala’s Cultural Sphere

The Soorya Festival is linked with theatre, music, dance and film events in Kerala. Krishnamoorthy’s work connected scientific service, cultural administration and stage direction in one career.