Question 12 of 30intermediate🔍 AnalyzeLong Answer5 marks

How do the roles of women in ISRO today reflect broader changes in societal attitudes towards women in STEM in India?

Correct Answer

The roles of women in ISRO today reflect significant positive changes in societal attitudes towards women in STEM in India.

Women in ISRO are no longer mere participants but leaders in missions that make global headlines, such as the Mars Orbiter Mission, Chandrayaan-2, and Chandrayaan-3. Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava, known as the 'Rocket Woman of India,' exemplifies this leadership with her pivotal role in these missions.

Over 50 women contributed to Chandrayaan-3, developing autonomous systems for spacecraft and managing mission-critical operations.

This shift from exclusion to leadership demonstrates that society now increasingly recognises and celebrates women's capabilities in science and technology. The chapter notes that 'women's potential in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is being recognised beyond doubt,' showing that the barriers Bibha Chowdhuri faced are gradually being dismantled, though the journey continues.

Exercise: Let us think and reflect | Q: II.5 | (Page Page 6)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The chapter contrasts Bibha Chowdhuri's era, where 'Indian women struggled to seek knowledge and equitable access to education,' with today's scenario where 'Women in ISRO, for instance, are no longer participants but leaders in missions that make global headlines.' It specifically mentions Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava's leadership and the contributions of over 50 women to Chandrayaan-3, demonstrating the progress from being excluded to being celebrated for brilliance and achievements.

Solution Steps

  1. Women in ISRO have transformed from mere participants to leaders in headline-making missions like Mars Orbiter Mission, Chandrayaan-2, and Chandrayaan-3

  2. Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava, the 'Rocket Woman of India,' exemplifies women's leadership with pivotal roles in major space missions

  3. Over 50 women contributed to Chandrayaan-3, developing autonomous systems and managing mission-critical operations

  4. The shift from exclusion to leadership reflects society's growing recognition and celebration of women's capabilities in STEM

  5. Barriers that earlier scientists like Bibha Chowdhuri faced are being gradually dismantled, indicating progress though the journey continues