We have all celebrated ISRO’s successes, which have rather been in quick succession in the last couple of years and have proud of each one of them. The launch of the Chandrayaan 2 has been a proud moment for every Indian.

There are many points which make Chandrayaan 2 a great feat for India such as being only the 4th nation to have a soft landing on the moon and being able to do that at only a fraction of the cost at which it has been done till now. While some nations have spent billions of dollars, the Chandrayaan 2 cost India $140 million. But other than these there is another big win in India with this mission. A win that goes way beyond science & space, much closer home, right here in the motherland…

This was the first time in India that an inter-planetary mission is being spearheaded by ace women scientists!

About 30% of ISRO’s current work force comprises of women, heres hoping this reaches 50:50 ratio soon and with role models such as Ms Ritu Karidhal (Mission Director) and Ms Muthayya Vanitha (Project Director), it doesn’t look like a reality too far off.

It isn’t that we already do not have some iconic women in India who have been inspirations for generations after them- I remember how my sister and I were completely fascinated and awed by Kalpana Chawla. But it is about time we gave the future generations more heroes to celebrate, to aspire to become like. So heres is to Ms Karidhal & Ms Muthayya, heroes maybe not with capes but a dupatta. Jai Hind.