In future, you could reach New York from New Delhi in a just couple of hours. It sounds unbelievable, but with the Defence Research and Development Organisation working on the Hypersonic Transportation Vehicle, the dream journey is sure to become a reality.
Dr Tessy Thomas, project director, AGNI, Advanced Systems Laboratory, DRDO, Hyderabad said that the work on the project had already started and technology is under development. She said, “The work of the project is on, thorough testing is required for this project as it is for passenger travelling. It can also be extended to space tourism.”
Dr Thomas who is popularly known as Missile Woman, was interacting with school and college students at a progamme “Women achievers in science” organised by the Women's Cell, Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE). She said the Agni V, the 5,000-km range Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile, will be ready soon.
Dr Thomas said that most students take up these subjects and start research but after getting married they just discontinue work or shift work base. “These days there is no need to talk or argue about gender discrimination.
I joined in 1988 and at that time there were just about two per cent of women in our field. But today DRDO has about 20 percent of women working in it,” she added.
She, however, said that more women should be involved in the decision-making process. “A woman scientist may face opposition and multiple challenges throughout her life. But the key to success is to remain focused on your goals and be confident of your abilities. Never stop learning,” she advised and urged the women scientists to become role models for younger generation.
It was a unique opportunity for the students to interact with Dr Thomas and other personalities. Most students were from standard 11 and first year MSC.
Dr Lakshmi S. Nair, assistant professor, Department of Orthopaedics, University of Connecticut Health Centre, Farmington, spoke about biomaterials for medical devices and regenerative engineering.