New Delhi [India]: In a unique celebration of International Women’s Day, two women scientists, Elina Mishra and Shilpi Soni, took over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s social media accounts to share their inspiring journeys and contributions to India’s scientific advancements.
International Women's Day: Two women scientists take over PM Modi's 'X' handle to share their stories
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) March 8, 2025
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/mwIw5HrkOz#PMModi #InternationalWomensDay pic.twitter.com/vORnevfZSY
Earlier, on February 23, PM Modi had announced that he would hand over his social media accounts, including X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, to a select group of inspiring women for a day, allowing them to share their work and experiences with the nation.
Space technology, nuclear technology and women empowerment…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2025
We are Elina Mishra, a nuclear scientist and Shilpi Soni, a space scientist and we are thrilled to be helming the PM’s social media properties on #WomensDay.
Our message- India is the most vibrant place for science… pic.twitter.com/G2Qi0j0LKS
Elina Mishra, a nuclear scientist from Odisha, and Shilpi Soni, a space scientist from Madhya Pradesh, shared a joint message on PM Modi’s X handle, saying:
“Space technology, nuclear technology, and women empowerment…We are Elina Mishra, a nuclear scientist, and Shilpi Soni, a space scientist, and we are thrilled to be helming the PM’s social media properties on #WomensDay. Our message – India is the most vibrant place for science, and thus, we call upon more women to pursue it.”
They highlighted the increasing opportunities for women in nuclear and space technology in India, describing the nation as the most happening place to innovate and grow.
Elina Mishra’s Journey: From Odisha to BARC
Elina Mishra credited her father as her inspiration for pursuing science. She described her pride in being selected for the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai, where she worked on the magnetic and RF characterization of Drift Tube Linac cavities for the Low Energy High Intensity Proton Accelerator (LEHIPA).
She also shared her contributions to the Indian Institutes Fermilab Collaboration (IIFC), where her team developed focusing quadrupole magnets and beam steering dipole corrector magnets for the 800 MeV Proton Improvement Plan (PIP-II) at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Chicago.
“It was indeed a very proud and satisfying moment when a 20 MeV proton beam was successfully accelerated,” she remarked.
Shilpi Soni’s Contributions to ISRO
Shilpi Soni, who hails from Madhya Pradesh, spoke about her journey from a stint at DRDO to her 24-year career at ISRO. She has contributed to the design and development of RF and Microwave subsystem technologies for more than 35 communication and navigation missions of ISRO.
She expressed pride in ISRO’s achievements, including the successful indigenization of Space Travelling Wave Tube technology—a critical advancement available globally to only a few nations.
“What I like about ISRO is that there is no glass ceiling and it offers immense opportunities for all,” Shilpi said.
Shilpi also serves as the Associate Project Director for the GSAT-22/23 communication payload, aimed at enhancing communication services for India’s citizens. She recalled her participation in the ISRO delegation to French Guiana, Kourou for a satellite launch, calling it a dream come true.
A Call for More Women in Science
Both scientists encouraged more women to pursue careers in science and highlighted the vast opportunities available in India’s scientific sectors. Their inspiring stories on PM Modi’s social media aimed to showcase the strength, dedication, and capabilities of Indian women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).