National Science Day 2024: 13 Indian Female Scientists Who Made India Proud
National Science Day is celebrated every year on February 28th. It's a special day because it marks the discovery of something called the "Raman Effect" by a famous Indian scientist named Sir CV Raman in 1928. This discovery changed the way we think about how light and matter interact with each other.
The idea to celebrate National Science Day was first suggested by a group called the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) in 1986. They wanted to honor Sir CV Raman's work and also encourage more people to get interested in science.
Since then, National Science Day has become a big deal in India. Every year, there are lots of events and programs all over the country to celebrate science and technology. These events help people understand how important science is for our society.
Each year, the government picks a special theme for National Science Day. In 2024, the theme is "Indigenous Technology for Viksit Bharat." This means using our technology and ideas to help India grow and become stronger. It's a chance for people and scientists from India and other countries to work together and make a difference. The theme also reminds us that we should be proud of our inventions and discoveries.
National Science Day 2024 is a time to celebrate the remarkable contributions of Indian female scientists. These women have made significant strides in various fields, from space exploration to medical research, and their achievements continue to inspire future generations. In this article, we'll highlight some of the notable female scientists from India and their groundbreaking work.
1. Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi:
Dr. Anandibai Joshi holds the distinction of being the first Indian female physician. Despite facing adversity, she pursued her dream of studying medicine. Her journey began when she was married at a tender age and subsequently lost her son. This tragedy spurred her to pursue a career in medicine. She studied at the Women's Medical College in Pennsylvania and later worked at the Albert Edward Hospital in India. Dr. Joshi advocated for the education of Hindu female doctors in India and aspired to establish a medical college for women.
2. Ritu Karidhal:
Ritu Karidhal, as the Mission Director of the Chandrayaan-2 mission, played a pivotal role in India's lunar exploration. She was responsible for the craft's autonomous system, ensuring its smooth operation in space. Her contributions also extend to the Mars Orbiter Mission, where she served as the Deputy Operations Director. Karidhal's dedication to space exploration has earned her accolades, including the ISRO Young Scientist Award.
3. Darshan Ranganathan:
Darshan Ranganathan was a pioneering Indian organic chemist known for her work in protein folding. Her research, which included a stint at Imperial College, London, contributed significantly to the field of organic chemistry. Despite her untimely demise, Ranganathan's legacy lives on through her numerous publications and contributions to IICT, Hyderabad.
4. Dr. Tessy Thomas:
Dr. Tessy Thomas, dubbed the "Missile Woman of India," has made a mark in defense research. Her expertise in missile technology has been instrumental in the development of Agni and Prithvi missiles. Her contributions have earned her widespread recognition, making her a trailblazer in her field.
5. Gagandeep Kang:
Gagandeep Kang, a virologist and scientist, has made significant contributions to public health in India. Her interdisciplinary research on enteric infections in children has been instrumental in understanding and preventing these diseases. Kang's achievements include being elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society and her role as the chairperson of WHO Southeast Asia's Immunisation Technical Advisory Group.
6. Chandrima Shaha:
Chandrima Shaha, a biologist, made history as the first woman president of the Indian National Science Academy. Her expertise in cell biology and research on the leishmania parasite has garnered acclaim. Shaha's contributions to science have been recognised through various awards, including the Shakuntala Amirchand Award.
7. Kamala Sohonie:
Kamala Sohonie, the first Indian woman to receive a PhD in biochemistry, overcame gender-based prejudice to make her mark in the field of science. Her research on the enzyme 'cytochrome C' at Cambridge was groundbreaking. Sohonie's innovative work earned her the Rashtrapati Award, among other honors.
8. Rajeshwari Chatterjee:
Rajeshwari Chatterjee, the first woman engineer from Karnataka, made significant contributions to microwave engineering. Her tenure at IISc and mentorship of Ph.D. students highlight her dedication to the field. Chatterjee's research and publications have left a lasting impact on the scientific community.
9. Dr. Indira Hinduja:
Dr. Indira Hinduja, a gynecologist, made history by delivering India's first test-tube baby. Her pioneering work in reproductive medicine, including the introduction of gamete intra-fallopian transfer, has revolutionised fertility treatments in India.
10. Janaki Ammal:
Janaki Ammal's dedication to botany and research in cytogenetics and phytogeography has left an indelible mark. Her tenure as the Director-General of the Botanical Survey of India underscores her contributions to the field.
11. Anna Mani:
Anna Mani's research in meteorological instrumentation and spectroscopy has been instrumental in advancing the field. Her work at the Indian Institute of Science and numerous research papers highlight her dedication to scientific inquiry.
12. Mangala Narlikar:
Mangala Narlikar's passion for mathematics and teaching has inspired countless students. Her efforts to make mathematics accessible, especially to underprivileged children, have been commendable.
13. Asima Chatterjee:
Asima Chatterjee's pioneering work in medicinal chemistry, particularly on vinca alkaloids, has been groundbreaking. Despite facing resistance, her contributions to science have been recognised through numerous honors and awards.
On National Science Day 2024, let's celebrate the achievements of these remarkable Indian female scientists. Their dedication, innovation, and perseverance have not only advanced science and technology but also paved the way for future generations of scientists. As we honor their contributions, let's also strive to create more opportunities for women in STEM fields, ensuring that their talents continue to shape the world for years to come.
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