New Delhi: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, hosted a grand Republic Day reception at his residence to honour the contribution of over 225 ISRO women scientists. The gathering included distinguished women scientists who played a pivotal role in leading the Republic Day ISRO tableau, showcasing achievements like Chandrayaan, Aditya L1, and other recent success stories that garnered global acclaim.
The ISRO tableau was a significant representation of India’s prowess in space exploration, led entirely by eight women scientists. A total of 220 invited women scientists, along with their spouses, celebrated the occasion, forming a vibrant and enthusiastic audience. The contingent comprised women scientists from various ISRO centers, including Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram, and Sriharikota.
Dr Jitendra Singh attributed this moment of pride to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, acknowledging the transformative reforms that liberated the space sector from historical constraints.
Expressing their gratitude, the women scientists felt honored and privileged for the warm reception and spontaneous applause during the ISRO tableau parade down Kartavya Path. They acknowledged Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for providing them the opportunity to showcase their accomplishments to the nation.
As the ISRO tableau approached the President’s enclosure, the theme “ISRO – Viksit Bharat Ki Pehchaan” resonated, depicting the historic achievement of Chandrayaan-3’s successful lunar touchdown on August 23 the previous year. This marked India as the first and only country to land near the unexplored lunar south pole, a proud moment emphasized by Dr Jitendra Singh.
Highlighting ISRO’s commitment to women empowerment, Dr Jitendra Singh introduced key women scientists, including Ms. Nigar Shaji, Project Director of Aditya L1 Mission, and Ms. Kalpana Kalahasti, Associate Project Director of Chandrayaan-3. ISRO Chairman Dr S. Somanath presented women project directors and leading scientists such as Dr Radha Devi of ADRIL, Reema Ghosh, Ritu Karidhal, and Nidhi Porwal during the reception.
Dr Jitendra Singh concluded by stating that women scientists at ISRO would play a pivotal role in India’s journey during the Amritkaal, serving as torchbearers for a developed India by 2047. The reception celebrated not only ISRO’s achievements but also the remarkable contribution of women in shaping the nation’s space research programs.