Women Scientists at ISRO on Par with Men, Says Rupa Malali

Women Scientists at ISRO on Par with Men, Says Rupa Malali

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, September 21, 2025: Women scientists at ISRO perform their duties on par with their male counterparts, said Rupa Malali, Deputy General Manager and Space Scientist at ISRO. She emphasised that teamwork remains the hallmark of ISRO’s functioning.

She was speaking at an interactive session “Dialogue with Women Achievers,” organised by the Coastal Women Writers’ and Readers’ Association and the Centre for Samata Studies, Mysuru, at Sahitya Sadan, Urvastore in Mangaluru on Saturday.

Addressing a question on the limited media coverage of women scientists during the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), Malali said women serve as project managers across ISRO’s divisions. “During Mangalyaan, for security reasons, scientists were not in the media spotlight. However, during Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3, ISRO’s work received wider publicity,” she explained. She noted that even pregnant women scientists worked tirelessly during Chandrayaan, underscoring their dedication and capabilities.

From Literature to Space Science
Recounting her journey, Malali said she grew up in a Kannada literary family and studied in Kannada-medium schools until Class 10. Though inclined towards literature, she was encouraged by her parents to pursue science. After completing engineering and joining an MBA programme, she entered ISRO at Hassan as an apprentice trainee. In 1997, she became a scientist at ISRO’s Peenya, Bengaluru, centre.

She spent a decade in satellite management before contributing to the Space Recovery Capsule project, which inspired her further. This paved the way for her role in managing the OceanSat satellite and rising to Deputy General Manager. She later played key roles in the Mars Orbiter Mission and Chandrayaan launches.

Malali also reflected on the struggles of women scientists at NASA during the 1950s–60s, who made crucial contributions despite racial and gender discrimination. “The world has changed, but women still face subtle biases. We must ensure smoother paths for women achievers,” she said.

The session was moderated by Prof. R. Sunandamma and Sukhalakshmi Suvarna. The two-day programme opened with a traditional chennu kunita performance led by Hema Pai and her troupe. Senior writer A.P. Malati inaugurated the event in the customary style, while association president Shakuntala Shetty presided. Dr. Sabiha Bhoomigowda, president of the Centre for Samata Studies, delivered the introductory address. Yashodha Mohan welcomed the gathering, and Jyoti Chelyaru compered the programme.