OCLF - 2019 | Those Magnificent Women and their Flying Machines: ISRO'S Mission to Mars - Minnie Vaid in Conversation with Barkha Mathur
Description
I didn’t know much about the women scientists involved in the Mars mission or the others working at ISRO. I was struck by the iconic photograph of a bunch of sari-clad women (with flowers in their hair) congratulating each other when Mangalyaan was a success. Later it was clarified that they were administrative staff, but their pride was valid. Two years later, I was invited for a women achievers conclave by the Indian Women Network, Confederation of Indian Industry, in Mumbai. Among the speakers were three Mangalyaan scientists — Ritu Karidhal, Moumita Datta and Minal Sampath. I listened to them talk about how they ‘balanced’ their work and families and the germ of an idea for a book sprouted in my head. From that to the published book was a long journey but the interactions with the women scientists at ISRO was the most rewarding part for me.
I have written about the women scientists in an engaging way — using human stories, family members’ comments, and male bosses’ interpretation of women scientists’ contribution. These are remarkable stories of grit and determination. They have more to do with gender than pure science. I hope that will be attraction enough.
I am specifically targeting young girls who want to pursue a career in STEM and who are told that ‘science is not for girls’. The ISRO scientists are shining role models for every girl who dreams of becoming a scientist or an astronaut. They deserve far more attention. I thought that the work they do at ISRO, quietly and efficiently, and the way they lead their lives, was a larger story well worth telling.
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