Union Minister of State, Science and Technology, Hosts Grand Reception for 225 Women Scientists from ISRO in Celebration of Scientific Excellence
The festivities after the much-celebrated Indian Science and Research Organisation (ISRO) tableau at the 75th Republic Day reached their pinnacle as Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh (Independent Charge), Science & Technology; MoS PMO, PP/ DOPT, Atomic Energy, Space, played the gracious host at a Republic Day reception later in the evening at his residence. The event cast the spotlight on over 225 trailblazing women scientists from the ISRO, originating from various ISRO centres. These extraordinary minds weren’t just attendees but the stars of the show after India’s milestone year in space exploration and a beautiful tableau depicting the same.
In a breathtaking celebration of women’s brilliance in the scientific realm, the all-women contingent waved down from their centre stage on the Kartavya Path, meeting with a grand applause and heartfelt acknowledgment from the audience. Indians present in the crowd, as well as those tuning in from across the country, swelled with pride at the dedication and remarkable accomplishments on display of the “Vikshit Bharat ki Pehchaan,” the Indian Space and Research Organisation, and its daunting women scientists.
The tableau, a visual symphony showcasing India’s stellar space achievements, was masterfully guided by eight exceptional women scientists. ISRO featured the Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya L-1 missions in its tableau. It included a model of the launch vehicle for Chandrayaan-3 and highlighted the lunar landing site named “Shiv Shakti Point” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pay tribute to the women scientists of the mission. The ISRO tableau artfully narrated the historic moment when Chandrayaan-3 made a successful lunar touchdown, solidifying India’s position as the first and only country to reach the unexplored lunar south pole, with its women scientists sitting atop it with wide smiles. Over 100 women scientists and engineers played integral roles in the mission, with Deputy Project Director Kalpana Kalahasti, Robotics Specialist Reema Ghosh, Senior Scientist Ritu Karidhal, and ISRO Senior Scientist Nidhi Porwal standing out.
Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the transformative impact of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s space reforms, liberating the sector from historical constraints and providing these brilliant minds with the wings to soar. Expressing gratitude for the platform provided by PM Shri Narendra Modi, the women scientists conveyed their appreciation for the warm hospitality in the national capital, calling it a reprieve from Delhi’s winter chill.
During the festivities, ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath, under whose leadership the Moon Mission took place, introduced key women Project Directors and scientists, shedding light on their historical contributions. Figures like Nigar Shaji, affectionately known as ISRO’s ‘Sunny Lady,’ for being the Project Director of India’s first solar mission, Aditya-L1, Dr. Radha Devi of the Advanced Data Processing Research Institute (ADRIN), along with others like Kalpana Kalahasti, Reema Ghosh, Ritu Karidhal, and Nidhi Porwal, took the spotlight, being lauded for their extraordinary contributions to space exploration.
Dr. Jitendra Singh’s affirmation that women scientists at ISRO would be pivotal in India’s journey towards a developed nation by 2047 for a “Vikshit Bharat” marked a collective commitment to empowerment and progress, mirroring the significance of ISRO’s tableau on Republic Day. This celebration serves as a powerful testament to the indomitable spirit of women in science, propelling India towards cosmic heights. As India strides forward in its space odyssey, the stories of these women scientists serve as beacons, inspiring not just scientific endeavours but also the collective dream of a more inclusive and empowered future. The grand tapestry of India’s space journey finds its celestial architects breaking all terrestrial barriers with every stride, setting the stage for every woman in India to dream of a future among the stars.
Source: PIB; Press-ISRO; Year End Review of Department of Space
