Standing before the accomplished women scientists of ISRO, Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged their indispensable contributions in the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Lunar South Pole. In a speech brimming with pride, he emphasised that without their dedication, the Chandrayaan-3 mission's triumph would have remained a distant dream. He envisioned their legacy as a beacon of inspiration for generations yet to come, igniting the flames of curiosity and ambition
A momentous touch down on the lunar surface deserved a name that encapsulated the collaborative spirit of this achievement. "Shiv Shakti" became the chosen one, a tribute by Prime Minister Modi to honour the equal role played by both male and female scientists in this historic endeavour
Several women contributed to the success of Chandrayaan-3 mission. Here is a list of eight remarkable women scientists of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), whose dedication and expertise were pivotal in shaping this historic achievement
Renowned as 'Rocket Women of India,’ Dr. Ritu Karidhal holds dual roles as a scientist and aerospace engineer within the ISRO. Her illustrious career trajectory also includes her pivotal position as the Deputy Operations Director for India's iconic Mars orbiter mission, widely recognised as Mangalyaan
Nandini Harinath's story is one of perseverance and commitment. Two decades within ISRO saw her contribute profoundly to 14 missions, leaving an indelible mark. Her roles as Project Manager and Mission Designer reflects her intricate involvement in the Chandrayaan-3 success. Notably, she also undertook responsibilities as Deputy Operations Director for the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), showcasing her expertise
Anuradha T. K., a luminary in the realm of communication satellites, boasts a career spanning several decades within ISRO. Her contributions as a retired Project Director have been instrumental in the successful launch of satellites like GSAT-12 and GSAT-10. Anuradha's journey is a testament to breaking barriers; she was the first woman to ascend to the prestigious role of a Satellite Project Director at ISRO
Minal Rohit's journey from the Nirma Institute of Technology to ISRO is a narrative of brilliance. Her expertise in systems engineering played a pivotal role in the triumphant Mars Orbiter Mission. As Deputy Project Director at ISRO, she continues to shape projects like Chandrayaan II, leaving an indelible mark on India's space exploration endeavors
Moumita Dutta, a distinguished physicist, stands as a guiding force at ISRO's Space Applications Centre. Leading a team focused on optical instruments and imaging spectrometers, she exemplifies the 'Make in India' initiative's essence. Her commitment to innovation shines, promising a brighter future for indigenous space technologies
Tessy Thomas, the "Missile Woman of India," brings her exceptional leadership to ISRO. Her role as Director General of Aeronautical Systems marks a journey filled with accolades, including the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award. Tessy's influence is far-reaching, embodying excellence and dynamism
Dr. V. R. Lalithambika's journey in Advanced Launcher Technologies is one of determination. Currently spearheading the Gaganyaan mission, she envisions Indian astronauts in space by 2024. Her leadership as Director of the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme cements her dedication to pushing the boundaries of space exploration
Muthayya Vanitha's contributions as an electronics system engineer at ISRO span over three decades. Her pivotal role as Project Director for Chandrayaan-2 also showcased her leadership. As Deputy Project Director for missions like Cartosat-1 and Megha-Tropiques, she exemplifies technical prowess and operational excellence
These remarkable women scientists embody the spirit of exploration and innovation. Their work stand as a testament to the heights that can be achieved when dedication meets opportunity. Through their brilliance, they've etched their names in history and inspired countless individuals to reach for the stars