On 8 March 2025, the CSIR celebrated International Women’s Day at the CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) in New Delhi, highlighting the pivotal role of women in science and technology. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Dr Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State for Science and Technology and Vice President, CSIR.
The programme was graced by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Directors of CSIR Labs and Heads of CSIR Headquarter Directorates. Smt. Kalpana Kalahasti, Associate Project Director of Chandrayaan-3 Mission of ISRO was the invited guest along with three women entrepreneurs of CSIR technologies, Dr Disha Ahuja (CSIR-IICT’s AGR Technology), Smt. P Sudha Reddy (CSIR-CMERI’s e-Tractor) and Smt. Shikha Vermani (CSIR-IIIM’s value-added Lavender products). The participants also included nominated CSIR officials from CSIR institutes and labs across the nation.
Dr Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister S&T, underscored the expanding participation of women across various sectors. He noted a significant increase in women’s representation in civil services, rising from 2-3% in earlier years to 25-30% currently.
Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood presented reports indicating that India leads globally with 42.7% of female graduates in STEM fields. Additionally, out of 1.5 lakh Indian startups in 2025, over 74,000 have at least one female director.
Dr N Kalaiselvi, the first woman Director General of CSIR, emphasised the indispensable contributions of women across all disciplines, highlighting their emotional strength and resilience.
The Associate Project Director of Chandrayaan-3, Smt. Kalpana Kalahasti was honoured for her significant role in India’s successful moon mission.
The event featured a play highlighting the achievements of women entrepreneurs, including:
o Dr Disha Ahuja: Entrepreneur of biogas plants utilising CSIR-IICT’s Anaerobic Gas Lift Reactor (AGR) — an advanced biomethanation technology to convert biodegradable waste into biogas for cooking and biofertilizers. Since its launch in 2015, approximately 40 such plants have been established nationwide, including locations like the Bowenpally vegetable market in Hyderabad and Amrita Hospital in Faridabad.
o Smt. P Sudha Reddy: Entrepreneur of the CSIR-CMERI’s Prima ET11 E-tractor, an innovative electric tractor contributing to sustainable agriculture.
o Smt. Shikha Vermani: Founder of “The Purple Himalayas,” an initiative stemming from the CSIR-enabled Purple Revolution promoting lavender farming in Jammu & Kashmir and development of CSIR-IIIM’s value-added lavender products.
A compendium of selected projects under the ASPIRE scheme of CSIR was released, showcasing research grants provided to around 300 women scientists over three years.
A video celebrating the Women’s Power of CSIR — CSIR Shakti, was released during the occasion.
A skit by CSIR women on Women-led Technologies of CSIR was staged by the CSIR members and highlighted various CSIR technologies licensed to and promoted by women entrepreneurs. The technologies and schemes showcased included CSIR’s ASPIRE one-time research grant to non-CSIR researchers; eTractor PRIMA ET11; production of incense sticks and other useful products from offered flowers in temples; AGR Technology; and Purple Revolution brought in Jammu & Kashmir by widespread farming of lavender flower.
CSIR Trivia, a quiz session on ‘How Much Do You Know About CSIR!’ was organised for the participants of the programme. The session included an exclusive parali-based box, designed and indigenously developed by CSIR-AMPRI, Bhopal, for the participants giving correct answers to the quizzes on CSIR.
The celebration underscored CSIR’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that recognises and promotes the contributions of women in science and technology.
