In a career spanning three decades, Tessy Thomas has come a long way, playing a pivotal role in the mission design of the country’s Agni missile systems and, earning the reputation of being India’s ‘Missile Woman’.
Ms. Thomas believes that more women should don the role of scientists. As she looks back, Ms. Thomas, an outstanding scientist and director of Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is happy with the way the field of science has been treating women like her, but wants their participation to increase in the field.
Addressing a large gathering of students at VIT University in commemoration of International Women’s Day on Friday, she urged students to dream, to be dedicated, determined and disciplined to achieve their dreams.
“When I started my career, I was among two to three women scientists. Today, at ASL, which takes care of Agni systems, there are many women scientists, about 20 to 30 of them,” she said. There has been no discrimination in the field of science, she noted, pointing out how working under a doyen such as former President A.P..J Abdul Kalam had meant more opportunities to express oneself.
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is to be bold and be prepared for change, she said, adding, “The theme focuses on women in the changing world of work. We are looking at Planet 50-50 by 2030. What does it mean? It means that in another 15 years, we have to make a drastic change. The percentage of women working in scientific field is about 15, and we are talking about jumping to 50% in 15 years.”
Agni series
Ms. Thomas, who is credited with designing solid propulsion based guidance system, has left her mark in all Agni series. “This system is working in all Agni series (I to V),” she said.
As she moved on to the mission design for Agni, she donned the role of project director for Agni IV. She recalled how it was a challenging task as they were asked to make a system half the weight of Agni III with higher range. “We had 50 tonnes as launch mass for Agni III,” she said. She went on to achieve 22 tonnes and 4,000 km range for Agni IV.
G. Viswanathan, VIT University chancellor, was present on the occasion.
