Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh Hosts Republic Day Reception for ISRO’s Women Scientists

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, recently hosted a Republic Day reception for over 225 ISRO women scientists at his residence in New Delhi.

The event celebrated the achievements of a distinguished team of women scientists who led the Republic Day ISRO tableau, showcasing significant projects such as Chandrayaan, Aditya L1, and other recent successes that garnered global acclaim. The all-women contingent, comprising eight scientists, led the ISRO tableau, while 220 invited women scientists, along with their spouses, cheered the contingent.

Dr Jitendra Singh attributed the day’s glory to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, acknowledging the transformative Space reforms that liberated the sector from past constraints. The women scientists expressed deep gratitude to PM Modi for providing them the platform to showcase their accomplishments, noting the warm hospitality in the national capital that made them forget Delhi’s winter chill.

As the ISRO tableau paraded down the Kartavya Path, the narration was centered on “ISRO- Viksit Bharat Ki Pehchaan.” The tableau depicted the historic moment when Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed near the unexplored lunar south pole on August 23, 2023, making India the first and only country to achieve this feat.

Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized ISRO’s role as the epitome of India’s Naarishakti, with women scientists actively participating and leading various space research programs. Notable figures such as Ms. Nigar Shaji, Project Director of Aditya L1 Mission, and Ms. Kalpana Kalahasti, Associate Project Director of Chandrayaan-3, were highlighted during the reception. ISRO Chairman Dr S. Somanath introduced key women project directors and scientists who have made significant contributions to space exploration.

Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed confidence in women being equal partners in India’s journey during the Amritkaal, with ISRO’s women scientists serving as torchbearers as the nation progresses towards a developed India by 2047.