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. 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 know that there is also a “Missile Woman” of our country, Dr. Tessy Thomas? She led major missile projects like Agni-IV and Agni-V, significantly advancing India’s missile capabilities.
As a distinguished scientist at DRDO, she broke barriers in STEM and became an icon for women in science.
These women are just a few examples; there are countless others who contributed to science and the nation’s growth but remain unrecognized.
For example, Dr. Asima Chatterjee was a pioneering chemist known for her work in anti-malarial drugs and cancer treatment. Dr. Indira Hinduja achieved India’s first test-tube baby, and Dr. Anandibai Joshi inspired generations as one of the earliest Indian women physicians.
Even today, many women are still forced to live in the shadows. Society often finds it difficult to accept women’s achievements outside traditional roles.
No matter how much women contribute, their efforts are often overlooked, and credit is frequently given elsewhere.
This needs to change. Recognizing women’s contributions in science is essential not only to correct history but also to inspire future generations.
Schools and colleges should highlight the achievements of women scientists, and the media must give them the attention they deserve. Promoting gender equality in science drives innovation and progress.
It is time to bring these stories into the spotlight and ensure they are remembered. A scientist should be defined by passion and perseverance, not gender.
Biyani Girls College in Jaipur is creating valuable opportunities for female students by enabling them to study, train, and work internationally. Such initiatives help students gain global exposure and confidence.
Author
Dr. Arti Gupta
Associate Professor, Department Of Education
Biyani Girls B.Ed. College