Missile Woman of India says... I am just an ordinary woman
As a teenager, her father was paralysed and it taught her to never give up in the face of adversity. She took that spirit, faced failures to finally become the first woman to head an Indian missile project! Meet Dr Tessy Thomas, former Director General of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), who graced an event organized by the Indore chapter of FICCI Ladies Organization, also known as FICCI FLO at Sheraton Grand Palace, Indore, on Thursday.
Dr Thomas captivated the audience with her simplicity as she shared anecdotes from her journey, including struggles in technology and personal life. Her down-to-earth appearance left a lasting impact on the attendees, sparking discussions on the possibility of maintaining a grounded approach despite achieving great heights.
Reflecting on her early life, Dr Thomas said, "My struggle has been a long-standing companion. When I was 13, my father fell ill and was paralyzed, but my mother taught me never to give up in the face of adversity.” Despite financial constraints, her mother ensured that she continued her studies.
“With a passion for mathematics and physics, I decided to pursue a career in science and took a loan for the same,” Dr Thomas said.
Female entrepreneurs from Indore attended the event aimed at empowering women.
Expressing gratitude, FICCI FLO chairperson Mamta Bakliwal said, "There is much to learn from her life; how one can achieve success with hard work, dedication, and resilience against all odds.”
As a teenager, her father was paralysed and it taught her to never give up in the face of adversity. She took that spirit, faced failures to finally become the first woman to head an Indian missile project! Meet Dr Tessy Thomas, former Director General of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), who graced an event organized by the Indore chapter of FICCI Ladies Organization, also known as FICCI FLO at Sheraton Grand Palace, Indore, on Thursday.
Dr Thomas captivated the audience with her simplicity as she shared anecdotes from her journey, including struggles in technology and personal life. Her down-to-earth appearance left a lasting impact on the attendees, sparking discussions on the possibility of maintaining a grounded approach despite achieving great heights.
Reflecting on her early life, Dr Thomas said, "My struggle has been a long-standing companion. When I was 13, my father fell ill and was paralyzed, but my mother taught me never to give up in the face of adversity.” Despite financial constraints, her mother ensured that she continued her studies.
“With a passion for mathematics and physics, I decided to pursue a career in science and took a loan for the same,” Dr Thomas said.
Female entrepreneurs from Indore attended the event aimed at empowering women.
Expressing gratitude, FICCI FLO chairperson Mamta Bakliwal said, "There is much to learn from her life; how one can achieve success with hard work, dedication, and resilience against all odds.”
Journey of Missile Woman
Responding to questions about her journey to becoming the Missile Woman, Dr Thomas shared, "I started as an intern and later got an opportunity to work as a scientist in the Internal Navigation Group in Pune. Eventually, I joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). At that time, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was working on the Agni missile program, and I was initially placed in the design and development department of the new-generation ballistic missile, Agni. My appointment was made by Dr. Abdul Kalam himself. Working with him was a unique experience; he valued talent and dedication over seniority. He inspired me to succeed in this field, and I consider him my mentor."
And in a little more than two decades, she had reached a career milestone that would go on to be one of the most cherished moments of her life — the successful launch of the Agni-V missile from Odisha’s Wheeler Island in 2012.
Responding to questions about her journey to becoming the Missile Woman, Dr Thomas shared, "I started as an intern and later got an opportunity to work as a scientist in the Internal Navigation Group in Pune. Eventually, I joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). At that time, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was working on the Agni missile program, and I was initially placed in the design and development department of the new-generation ballistic missile, Agni. My appointment was made by Dr. Abdul Kalam himself. Working with him was a unique experience; he valued talent and dedication over seniority. He inspired me to succeed in this field, and I consider him my mentor."
And in a little more than two decades, she had reached a career milestone that would go on to be one of the most cherished moments of her life — the successful launch of the Agni-V missile from Odisha’s Wheeler Island in 2012.
Just an ordinary hard-working woman
"I am just an ordinary woman who chose a career and worked hard in it. I urge all of you to strive for excellence in your respective fields, become self-reliant, and contribute to the nation's development."
Dr Tessy Thomas
Former director of DRDO
Regards,
Tina Khatri
School coordinator
FP School (All editions) & Free Press Newspaper
+91-9826741702
"I am just an ordinary woman who chose a career and worked hard in it. I urge all of you to strive for excellence in your respective fields, become self-reliant, and contribute to the nation's development."
Dr Tessy Thomas
Former director of DRDO
Regards,
Tina Khatri
School coordinator
FP School (All editions) & Free Press Newspaper
+91-9826741702