Celebrating Women’s Contribution to Science and Technology
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, underscored the remarkable increase in women’s engagement across various fields over the years.
Expansion of Roles in Scientific Fields
Singh noted that while women previously predominantly occupied roles in gynaecology and paediatrics, their presence has now diversified across numerous scientific disciplines. He pointed out that the percentage of women in earlier civil service batches was a mere 2 to 3 percent, whereas today, it has soared to between 25 and 30 percent.
Highlighting Achievements at CSIR Celebrations
Speaking during the International Women’s Day event at the CSIR-National Physical Laboratory in New Delhi, Singh celebrated the accomplishments of women in science and technology, embracing their contributions as entrepreneurs as well.
Emphasizing the Importance of Women
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, the first female Director General of CSIR, shared her insights on the vital role of women in society. She expressed that “women are a bundle of emotions” and possess emotional strength, asserting that “every discipline worldwide is significantly reliant on women.”
Notable Statistics on Women’s Education and Entrepreneurship
Ajay Kumar Sood, the principal scientific advisor to the government, presented reports showcasing India’s leading position, with 42.7 percent of female graduates in STEM fields globally. He highlighted that of the projected 150,000 startups by 2025, over 74,000 will have at least one female director.
Showcasing Women Entrepreneurs
The event featured a play that spotlighted several remarkable women entrepreneurs, including Dr. Disha Ahuja, P. Sudha Reddy, and Shikha Vermani. Dr. Ahuja was recognized for her innovative biogas plants that utilize advanced biomethanation technology to convert biodegradable waste into biogas for cooking and fertilizers. She shared that approximately 40 of these plants have been established across India, including in Hyderabad’s Bowenpally vegetable market and Amrita Hospital in Faridabad, Haryana.
In addition, Vermani’s initiative, The Purple Himalayas, promotes lavender farming in Jammu & Kashmir, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit of women in agriculture.
Honoring Female Contributions in Space Exploration
The celebration also included the release of a compendium featuring selected projects under the ASPIRE scheme, which has supported approximately 300 women scientists with research grants over three years. Furthermore, the Associate Project Director of Chandrayaan-3 was celebrated for her pivotal role in India’s successful moon mission.
