On International Women’s Day, two remarkable women scientists took over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s social media accounts to showcase their achievements and share their inspiring journeys with the public.
A Unique Initiative
In a heartfelt initiative announced on February 23, PM Modi expressed his intention to hand over his social media platforms, including X and Instagram, to a group of inspiring women for Women’s Day (March 8). This special gesture aimed to empower women to share their narratives and experiences with a broader audience.
Meet the Scientists
The scientists taking the helm on this occasion were Elina Mishra from Odisha and Shilpi Soni from Madhya Pradesh. They utilized the Prime Minister’s X handle to discuss their contributions and advocate for more women in scientific fields.
Empowering Women in Science
“We are Elina Mishra, a nuclear scientist, and Shilpi Soni, a space scientist. Thrilled to be featured on #WomensDay, we convey that India is a vibrant hub for science and encourage more women to pursue careers in these fields,” they proclaimed.
Both scientists noted the expanding opportunities for women in their respective sectors. Elina remarked on the unexpected growth within nuclear technology, while Shilpi highlighted the increasing involvement of women in the private space sector, emphasizing that India is the best place for innovation and growth.
Elina’s Journey
Elina Mishra credited her father as her inspiration for her passion for science. She stated, “My scientific curiosity was fostered by my father, who dedicated himself to research. My ambition was realized when I joined Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, where I engaged in critical work related to electromagnetism and accelerator physics.”
She took pride in her contributions to the development of advanced technologies, including magnetic and RF characterization for the Low Energy High Intensity Proton Accelerator (LEHIPA), stating, “It was immensely gratifying when the 20 MeV proton beam was successfully accelerated.”
Shilpi’s Contributions
Shilpi Soni shared her excitement about her journey with ISRO after a stint at DRDO, where she stated, “It has been a dream to contribute to the design, development, and induction of cutting-edge RF and Microwave subsystem technologies for various ISRO missions over the last 24 years.”
Highlighting the inclusivity at ISRO, she said, “There are no barriers here, and everyone is presented with opportunities to tackle complex challenges with innovative solutions that create a significant impact. It’s up to us to seize these chances.”
Shilpi took pride in India’s advancements, particularly noting ISRO’s successful indigenization of complex Space Traveling Wave Tube technology, a feat achieved by only a few nations globally. “This represents a significant leap toward Aatmanirbharta in space technology for India,” she expressed enthusiastically.
Currently serving as the Associate Project Director for GSAT-22/23 communication payloads, Shilpi recounted her experience as part of the ISRO delegation to French Guiana for a GSAT launch, affirming, “Seeing the spacecraft I contributed to being launched into space was an unforgettable moment.”
