Bhubaneswar/New Delhi, Mar 8: On occasion of International Women’s Day today, two inspiring scientists Elina Mishra and Shilpi Soni took over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s social media to send a powerful message – India is the most vibrant place for science and thus, we call upon more women to pursue it.
Elina, a nuclear scientist, and Shilpi, a space scientist, are proof that nuclear and space technology which were once seen as male-dominated fields are now brimming with opportunities for women.
Elina Mishra’s inspiring journey:
Elina was born and raised in Odisha’s capital city of Bhubaneswar. She grew up in a family that valued education. Inspired by her father’s dedication to research, she developed a deep love for science. Her dream of working in the scientific domain came true when she was selected to work at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai.
“I was fortunate enough to be associated with a group working in the field of electromagnetism, accelerator physics and technology. I was associated with the development of magnetic and RF (Radio Frequency) characterisation of Drift Tube Linac cavities for Low Energy High Intensity Proton Accelerator (LEHIPA). It was indeed a very proud and satisfying moment when a 20 MeV proton beam was successfully accelerated,” said Elina.
Under Indian Institutes Fermilab Collaboration (IIFC), we have indigenously designed and developed several focusing quadrupole magnets and beam steering dipole corrector magnets for 800 MeV Proton Improvement Plan (PIP-II) project of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Chicago. BARC designed and developed magnets are now a part of PIP-II beamline.
Beyond physics, Elina has also worked on a life-changing healthcare innovation. She recognized the lack of medical imaging facilities in rural India and developed a low-cost, portable imaging system using Halbach-based permanent magnet dipoles along with her team. This technology has the potential to bring critical diagnostic services to remote areas, making quality healthcare more accessible.
Shilpi Soni’s exciting journey:
Hailing from Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar, Shilpi Soni’s journey into space technology is a story of passion and perseverance. Shilpi, who comes from a humble background, was always driven by curiosity and a love for innovation.
After a stint at DRDO, she achieved her dream of working at ISRO, where she has been an integral part of over 35 communication and navigation missions over the last 24 years.
Shilpi has played a major role in developing cutting-edge RF and Microwave subsystem technologies. One of her biggest achievements includes helping ISRO indigenize Space Travelling Wave Tube technology—an advanced system that only a few countries possess. This breakthrough marks a huge step toward making India self-reliant in space technology.
Shilpi, who is currently serving as the Associate Project Director for GSAT-22/23 communication payloads, is helping strengthen India’s communication networks. She also had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of the ISRO delegation in French Guiana, where she witnessed a GSAT satellite launch.
“It gave me so much satisfaction to see the spacecraft being launched to space, in which I contributed along with a brilliant team,” she said.
For Elina and Shilpi, science isn’t just a profession—it’s a passion that brings immense joy and fulfillment.
Their message to young women is clear: the infinite world of science and technology is very exciting as well as gratifying. The sheer joy we get when our designed and developed systems are put into application is beyond words. India’s nuclear and space programme has many such scientists like us, whom we acknowledge.
