Prestigious projects ‘Aditya’, ‘Chandrayaan’ led by women: Dr Jitendra

By statetimes_editor Last updated Mar 9, 2025

STATE TIMES NEWS

NEW DELHI: Prestigious space missions like Aditya-L1 and Chandrayaan-3 have been led by women, paving the way for a culture of women-led leadership across various fields, said Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh during the International Women’s Day 2025 celebrations at the CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL).

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh addressing the country’s leading women scientists and innovators at the International Women’s Day 2025 programme organised by CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) at New Delhi on Saturday.

Dr. Singh highlighted that India’s Aditya-L1 mission is headed by Nigar Shaji, Chandrayaan-3 had Kalpana Kalahasti in a leadership role, and Dr. N. Kalaiselvi is the first woman Director General of CSIR in its 80-year history. With six women leading CSIR laboratories, he emphasized that India’s scientific landscape is witnessing a historic transformation.
During the event, Dr. Singh released a special video titled “CSIR Shakti: Celebrating Women in Science” and honored women entrepreneurs who commercialized CSIR technologies. These included Dr. Disha Ahuja (AGR Technology for converting market waste into cooking gas), Sudha Reddy (E-Tractor innovation), and Shikha Virmani (Lavender Products under the Purple Revolution initiative). He also launched the compendium “CSIR ASPIRE Women Scientist Awardees,” recognizing women scientists’ contributions to research and innovation. The Minister specially felicitated Kalpana Kalahasti for her pivotal role in Chandrayaan-3, underscoring the increasing number of women leading key scientific missions. He noted that women have progressed from mere participation to spearheading national projects in space, atomic energy, and administration.
He also pointed out the increasing presence of women in civil services, STEM education, and defense institutions, reflecting India’s socio-professional transformation. Referring to UPSC results where women have consistently secured top ranks, he remarked that fields once dominated by men are now witnessing an influx of talented women in leadership roles.
Dr. Singh also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives to promote gender inclusivity, such as increased women’s participation in Republic Day parades, the opening of military academies to female cadets, and the inclusion of women scientists in space and nuclear programs. He announced that India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission will feature ‘Vyommitra,’ a female robotic astronaut, symbolizing women’s growing role in space exploration.
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, emphasizing that women are no longer just participants but leaders shaping India’s scientific future. She urged young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields and break barriers in research and innovation.
As the event concluded, Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed confidence that gender parity in science will soon become a norm, with Indian women leading global innovation and research. The celebrations at CSIR-NPL sent a strong message-India’s future in science is being shaped by its women leaders.