Celebrate ISRO Day with the rocket women of India

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India’s space agency, has been a model of scientific achievements and women scientists have played key roles in successes. These powerful and influential women have broken barriers and paved the way for generations of thinkers and leaders.

On ISRO Day, which is celebrated on 23^rd August every year, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the incredible work of these women scientists. At Educate Girls, we celebrate women who have used education as a tool to shape their lives, and that of others, we feel it should be quite fitting to highlight the work of these ladies on this special day! 

These have been moments that have made Indians proud at the global level. That way, more women are encouraged to take up careers in science and technology.

Here’s why we must celebrate the achievements of every single Indian woman space scientist – 

• The unsung champions

A lot of focus is given to the missions, but the women behind such accomplishments should also be remembered. Not only architects and builders, but also all techs, engineers, scientists, mathematicians, and even programmers and designers are irreplaceable. They have been immensely instrumental to India’s space endeavours through commitment, hard work and efficiency.

• Breaking barriers

This is not a mere revision of gender roles in the scientific field, but the real expansion of knowledge about the world. With their knowledge in areas such as astrophysics, aeronautics, and satellite technology, they are preparing the ground for students to come and develop themselves.

• Inspiring young minds

The achievement of these women scientists is very encouraging to girl children and an indication that STEM careers are not reserved for boys only. They inspire young girls, and let them know that they should follow their dreams or ambitions without being told what to do by society.

Rocket Women of India: 

As we celebrate ISRO Day on August 23rd, let’s take a moment to honour the incredible contributions of the Rocket Women of India. These female scientists in ISRO have not only played a crucial role in advancing India’s space program but have also inspired a new generation of young women to pursue careers in science and technology. 

Here are the rocket women of India – a handful of the many women scientists in ISRO who are worth all the applause.

• Dr. Ritu Karidhal

Popularly hailed as the ‘Rocket Woman of India,’ Dr.Ritu Karidhal, was the Deputy Operations Director for Mangalyaan or India’s Mars Orbiter Mission. This mission was aimed at making India the first country to reach the Red Planet in its maiden attempt which it accomplished. Dr. Karidhal, who has had first-hand experience in spacecraft navigation and mission design, was instrumental in the success of the mission. Her work has inspired young women to seek employment opportunities, especially in the field of space science.

• Tessy Thomas

Tessy Thomas is well known as the ‘Missile Woman of India’ as she has initiated and developed several missile programs in India. Despite her work being attributed to the Defence Research and Development Organisation, she is indeed one of the few female space scientists from India who should be celebrated. Thomas was the first woman in India to head a missile project, and is well known for her part in developing the Agni series of missiles to fortify India’s defence system. 

• Muthayya Vanitha

ISRO saw history in Muthayya Vanitha who became the first woman to lead an interplanetary mission. She served as the Project Director for the Chandrayaan-2, the second Indian mission to the Moon. Relying on her leadership skills and technical knowledge, the mission of creating the spacecraft and its launch was set by Vanitha. She is one of those women scientists in India who have worked very hard to achieve such a progressive feat in space research through ISRO.

• Nandini Harinath

Nandini Harinath is another female scientist in ISRO who has worked on India’s space missions. She contributed as a Deputy Operations Director to the Mars Orbiter Mission with Dr. Ritu Karidhal. Little did Harinath know that once a Star Trek fan, she would one day become one of the respected space scientists of ISRO. It’s inspiring to remember that this woman understood the power of passion and persistence.

• Anuradha TK

Anuradha TK currently works for ISRO as a senior scientist.  She is one of the very few women who reached such a rank at ISRO. She has more than 30 years of experience in the area of satellite communications and has contributed towards the successful completion of various satellite projects. Anuradha, as one of the ladies scientists in ISRO, has played a crucial role in enhancing India’s space communication domain.

The Impact of Female Space Scientists in India

These female scientists have made great impacts on ISRO in different ways, not just in technical aspects. They have set the stage for female scientists who came following them and encouraged many young girls to embrace STEM careers. Many of them have proven that women are capable of performing any task in any discipline of work that is considered to be better suited for men. 

Further, these women scientists of ISRO are all over the internet, thus blurring the conventional ideas of how women should stay away from the limelight. Celebrating their achievements will encourage girls all around the world to venture into these scientific career paths hence bringing in the changes needed in the scientific world.

The Road Ahead….

While significant strides have been made, there’s still work to be done. Creating a more inclusive environment for women in STEM is crucial. By providing equal opportunities, mentorship, and support, we can nurture a new generation of female scientists who will continue to shape India’s space exploration journey.Let’s celebrate the achievements of these remarkable women and inspire future generations to reach for the stars. And to create more such remarkable women scientists in India, all you need to do is to support the education of young, capable and ambitious girls, especially girls living in marginalised communities . Do your part and donate to educate girls, through Educate Girls!