Dr. Tessy Thomas: Igniting Dreams, Inspiring Generations
Dr Rajesh Parekh
Resilience Coach I Author of UNBREAKABLE - The Seven Habits of Highly Resilient People I Leadership Development I Change Management I Mindfulness Practitioner
Dr. Tessy Thomas, fondly known as India’s "Missile Woman," can also be called s a trailblazer who shattered stereotypes in the male-dominated field of defence research. Her journey from a humble upbringing in Kerala to becoming the first woman to lead an Indian missile project is a story of grit, determination, and unwavering passion for science.
Was fascinated with Science & Technology
Born in 1963 in Alappuzha, Kerala, Tessy grew up in a modest family with limited resources. Despite financial constraints, her parents prioritized education, fostering a love for learning in their children. Tessy’s fascination with science and technology began in her childhood, influenced by her father, a businessman who encouraged her curiosity. Her mother’s resilience as a homemaker also instilled in her the values of perseverance and determination.
An excellent student, Tessy excelled in mathematics and physics, laying the foundation for her future in engineering. She pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering from Government Engineering College, Thrissur, followed by a master’s in Guided Missile Technology from the Institute of Armament Technology, Pune.
Joined DRDO
Tessy’s passion for aerodynamics and her dream of contributing to India’s defence capabilities led her to join the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1988. She began her career working on the Agni missile program, one of India’s most ambitious projects aimed at developing indigenous long-range ballistic missiles.
Broke Stereotypes
As a woman in a field dominated by men, Tessy faced scepticism and societal stereotypes. Many doubted her ability to lead a high-stakes missile project, a domain traditionally considered unsuitable for women. Balancing her demanding career with family responsibilities added another layer of challenge.
However, Tessy remained undeterred. Her technical acumen, innovative thinking, and leadership skills soon earned her respect among her peers. She became the project director for Agni-IV and this phase of her career was marked by immense pressure, technical challenges, and scrutiny, as the missile program was critical to India’s strategic defence capabilities.
Testing the Agni IV missile
During one of the early phases of testing the Agni-IV missile, the team encountered a significant technical snag related to the missile’s navigation system. This issue threatened to delay the entire project and put Tessy’s leadership under the spotlight. Critics questioned whether a woman could handle such a high-stakes situation in a domain traditionally dominated by men.
Instead of succumbing to the pressure, Tessy approached the problem with a calm and composed mindset. She led her team in a systematic analysis of the issue, ensuring that every aspect of the problem was examined in detail.
Tessy worked long hours, often staying back late at the lab, collaborating with experts, and exploring innovative solutions to rectify the navigation glitch. Her persistence and technical expertise not only helped identify the root cause but also resulted in the implementation of a robust fix that enhanced the missile's accuracy and reliability.
Her success silenced sceptics
This incident became a turning point in the project’s success. Under her leadership, the Agni-IV missile was successfully test-fired in November 2011, meeting all mission objectives. This success silenced sceptics and reaffirmed her capability as a leader in a high-pressure, male-dominated environment.
Successful launch of Agni V
Under Tessy’s leadership, Agni-V was successfully tested in 2012, marking a milestone in India’s defence capabilities. Her achievements earned her numerous accolades, including the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for Excellence in Public Administration and contributions to missile technology. She also became a role model for young women aspiring to pursue careers in STEM fields.
领英推荐
Her remarkable journey teaches us many lessons
Dr. Tessy Thomas’s story is not just about scientific achievements; it is a narrative of empowerment, breaking barriers, and inspiring a nation to believe in the potential of its women. She reminds us that with hard work and determination, no goal is out of reach.
UNBREAKABLE
“UNBREAKABLE – The 7 Habits of Highly Resilient People” is an Amazon Best Seller. Have you got your copy? You can buy it from Amazon or through the link provided below.
I am a Resilience & Well-Being Coach with over 3 decades of L&D experience. As the founder of Resilient Leadership, my mission is to enable leaders to be proactive about mental health and wellbeing, choose mental fitness & emotional strength over stress and struggle and grow through what they go through.
Should you wish to conduct keynote addresses, workshops, or short introductory sessions on Building Personal Resilience please get in touch with me at [email protected] or on 9820177998.
You can also visit my website? www.resilientleadership.in
To receive an e-book on Building Personal Resilience by email, click here….
Director - Evolve2Achieve & Evolvate Consulting LLP
1 个月Excellent example of Grit and Determination, backed by Passion and Perseverance. Dr. Parekh you have highlighted Dr. Tessy Thomas’s remarkable accomplishments in such a simple, yet well structured manner. Highlighting various aspects of her earlier days, family, education and her relentless passion and determination to accomplish what very few would have even thought off in the past. Playing a crucial role and being the first woman in leading India’s ballistic missle program. Sowing a seed of thought, on what a person is capable off achieving by just adhering to few timless principles ????