By R.Swathi
Feb.28 is celebrated as World Science Day, commemorating the birthday of Sir C.V. Raman, the Nobel Prize-winning Physicist. Interestingly, a few years back, I read an article about Kamala Sohonie, India’s first Ph.D. (in 1939). Written by Ravi Viswakarma, her biography details the discrimination she faced while applying for post-graduation at IISc and working with Sir Raman. She was initially refused admission and never treated as a regular student. Nevertheless, she completed her post-graduation there and went to Cambridge University, where she earned her Ph.D. She discovered the universality of the enzyme ‘Cytochrome C,’ in all biochemical reactions within plants, to became the first Indian woman to get a Ph.D. in a science discipline.
Cut to today, I wonder what those stalwarts would feel seeing saree and salwar-clad women being part of Mission Mangalyaan and more recently the successful launch and touchdown of Chandrayaan in 2023?
It’s gladdening to see that the pictures of women at ISRO fit with this year’s theme of ‘Inspire Inclusion’. But we are still a long way, for some professions are still gender stigmatised, eg., teachers and nurses have to be women, photographers and cameramen have to be men, and very few men are dancers!
It takes work to make headway into unique professions. We are slammed, shamed and mud-slung! To the women struggling with this, remember that people are waiting for you to fail. Don’t give them what they want! There can be a thousand reasons for you to fail/quit, but just ONE reason should suffice for you to pursue success – that you want to be what YOU want to be!
Nice write up Swati. 100% truth in what you said. To supplement I wish to state that India has opened all its defence services to women (all cadres inclusive) A welcome Change.
You absolutely nailed the ending. It was so satisfying.
Fitting tributes and inspiration for our women on this great day in 2024.