A few days ago, I got the opportunity to deliver a lecture on the occasion of Science Day. The topic for the same was women in science because this year the Government decided the theme of the day was “Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat.” Hearing the topic, I thought how hard could it even be, but I was soon humbled.
I searched every corner of my mind and tried so hard, but couldn’t remember a single name of an Indian woman scientist. I even asked my colleagues, my friends, and family members, but surprisingly enough, none of them could name a single one. Realizing I had to take the help of the internet, I started researching.
In the process, I learnt the names of so many women scientists. I was truly amazed at how much women have contributed to the development of our nation and our world as a whole, and yet they are lost somewhere in the shadows.
Whenever anyone thinks of a scientist, the first image that pops into our mind is of a man with crazy hair wearing a lab coat in a lab. Have we ever wondered why we never think that a woman can also achieve such a feat?
Naturally, I started looking more into it and came across multiple names like Dr. Janaki Ammal, who discovered new varieties of sugarcane with higher sucrose content. We owe our position as the second-largest producer of sugarcane to her, yet we have inadvertently overlooked her contributions.
Another remarkable name among female scientists is Kamala Sohonie, the first Indian woman to receive a PhD in science. She had to face many rejections even from Dr. C.V. Raman just because she was a woman and, according to the people at that time, inferior to men. Yet, without succumbing to the emotional pain of rejection, she silently protested and proved them wrong with her discoveries.
She discovered an energy drink called NEERA, which could help many women who are conceiving and newborns. She proved that talent has no gender. Despite all this, she faded into obscurity.
Everyone is aware of the “Missile Man” Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, but do people even know that there is a “Missile Woman” of our country, Dr. Tessy Thomas? She is the first woman scientist to lead a major missile project in India, notably heading the development of the Agni-IV and Agni-V ballistic missiles, significantly advancing India’s long-range missile capabilities.
As a distinguished scientist at DRDO, she broke barriers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and became an icon for women in science, recognized for her leadership in guidance, control, and navigation systems.
These women are just a few drops in a vast ocean; there are countless such women who gave their all to the world of science and helped in the growth of technology and the nation’s economy, yet they were consigned to oblivion.
For example, Dr. Asima Chatterjee was a pioneering chemist whose work on anti-malarial drugs and cancer treatment is recognized internationally. Dr. Indira Hinduja, an expert in gynecology, achieved the first successful test-tube baby in India, opening new doors for reproductive medicine. Dr. Anandibai Joshi, one of the earliest Indian women physicians, inspired generations despite passing away at a young age.
Even now, after the world has progressed so much, many women are still forced to live in the shadows of men. It is difficult for patriarchal society to believe that women who were confined to households since ancient times can progress and achieve great things outside their homes.
No matter how much women toil all day, society often overlooks their contributions and gives all the credit to men.
This needs to change. Recognizing and celebrating women’s contributions in science is not just about setting the historical record straight but also about inspiring the next generation of girls to dream big and pursue careers in STEM.
Schools and colleges should highlight the achievements of women scientists, and the media must give them the attention they deserve. By promoting gender equality in science, we foster innovation and progress for society as a whole.
It is high time we shine a spotlight on the remarkable women who have shaped our scientific landscape and ensure that their stories are told and remembered. With these efforts, we can create a world where the image of a scientist is not limited by gender but defined by passion, perseverance, and the drive to make a difference.
Biyani Girls College in Jaipur is creating valuable opportunities for its female students by enabling them to study, train, and even work in Japan through collaborations with several Japanese universities and organizations. Such initiatives not only broaden students’ academic horizons but also help them gain global exposure and confidence.
Author
Dr. Arti Gupta
Associate Professor,Department Of Education
Biyani Girls B.Ed. College