Stellar Journeys

Description of event: The event “Stellar Journeys” featured an enlightening conversation between Chairperson Priya Gazdar and two distinguished guests: Dr. Tessy Thomas from DRDO and Dr. Kalpana Kalahasthi from ISRO.

Dr. Tessy Thomas, also known as the “Missile Woman of India,” serves as the Director General (Aeronautical Systems) at DRDO. She has spearheaded groundbreaking projects for India’s AGNI-4 and AGNI-5 missile systems. Dr. Kalpana Kalahasthi, Associate Project Director of Chandrayaan-3 at ISRO, is renowned for her pivotal role in India’s lunar mission.

During the session, both eminent scientists shared their life stories, highlighting the meritocratic culture within the scientific community where gender bias is non-existent. They emphasized the importance of prioritizing knowledge in STEM fields, reassuring girls that success naturally follows. The audience showered them with a prolonged standing ovation, celebrating their continuous achievements and their significant contributions in elevating India’s stature in the international space arena.

Number of members attended: 128