## Tessy Thomas Biography##

Tessy Thomas is one of India's most renowned scientists and a pioneer in the field of missile technology. Known as the "Missile Woman of India," she played a key role in strengthening the country's strategic defense capabilities through her leadership of the Agni missile program. Her journey from a small town in Kerala to the highest levels of India's defense research establishment is a story of determination, scientific excellence, and breaking gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.Tessy Thomas was born in Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kerala, in April 1963. She grew up in a modest family that valued education and hard work. When she was young, her father suffered a stroke, causing financial and emotional hardship for the family. Despite these difficulties, Tessy excelled in her studies and developed a keen interest in science and math. Living near the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station in Kerala sparked her curiosity about rocketry and space technology at an early age.She completed her schooling in Kerala and earned a degree in electrical engineering from the Government Engineering College, Thrissur. She later earned a master's degree in guided missile technology from the Defence Institute of Armament Technology (now the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology), Pune. Her strong academic background laid the foundation for her entry into India's largest defense research organization.

In 1988, Tessy Thomas joined the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the government agency responsible for military research and development in India. She became part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) under the leadership of renowned scientist and former President of India, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. Working under his mentorship had a profound impact on her career. Kalam's vision for indigenous missile technology inspired a generation of scientists, including Tessy Thomas.At DRDO, she initially worked on the Agni series of ballistic missiles, designed to enhance India's strategic defense capabilities. Over time, she rose through the ranks due to her technical expertise and leadership abilities. Tessy Thomas eventually became the project director of the Agni-IV missile. The Agni-IV is an intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and features advanced navigation and guidance systems. Under her leadership, the missile's successful test launch marked a significant milestone in India's missile development program.Her biggest success came when she became the project director of the Agni-V missile. The Agni-V is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 kilometers, capable of striking distant targets with high precision. The successful test launch of the Agni-V in 2012 was a historic moment for India's defense sector. It placed India among a select group of countries with long-range missile capabilities. Tessy Thomas's leadership in this project brought her national recognition and earned her the nickname "Missile Woman of India."

Throughout her career, Tessy Thomas has emphasized the importance of teamwork and innovation. She has often spoken about how major defense projects require collaboration among hundreds of scientists, engineers, and technicians. As a woman leading a complex missile program, she shattered stereotypes and proved that gender is no barrier to excellence in science and technology. Her success has inspired countless young women in India to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).In addition to her technical contributions, Tessy Thomas has held important administrative roles within DRDO. She served as Director General (Aeronautical Systems) and later as Director General (Missile and Strategic Systems), overseeing several high-profile defense projects. Her leadership has contributed to India's efforts towards self-reliance in defense technology, a priority for the country's strategic autonomy.Over the years, she has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to science and national security. These include the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award and numerous other honors from scientific and government institutions. She has also been awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors for distinguished service in science and engineering.Despite her challenging professional life, Tessy Thomas has often spoken about balancing work and family responsibilities. She is married to an officer in the Indian Navy and has a son. Her ability to manage both personal and professional commitments has further cemented her image as a role model for working women across the country.