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Tessy Thomas, often known as the Missile Woman of India, is a prominent Indian scientist and the Director General of Aeronautical Systems at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). She has made significant contributions to India’s strategic missile program, particularly with the Agni series of ballistic missiles.
Tessy Thomas Biography – Overview
| Category | Details |
| Name | Tessy Thomas |
| Tessy Thomas Age | 61 years old (born in April 1963) |
| Tessy Thomas Education | – Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Government Engineering College, Thrissur |
| – Master’s degree in Guided Missiles, Institute of Armament Technology, Pune | |
| – MBA in Operations Management | |
| – Ph.D. in Missile Guidance | |
| Tessy Thomas Inventions | – Agni-IV Missile: Intermediate-range ballistic missile with advanced avionics and propulsion systems (2009) |
| – Agni-V Missile: Intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of over 5,000 km and multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) (2012) | |
| Tessy Thomas Achievements | – First woman to lead missile projects in India |
| – Significant role in the successful testing and deployment of Agni-IV and Agni-V missiles | |
| – Instrumental in advancing India’s missile technology and defense capabilities | |
| Tessy Thomas Awards | – DRDO Scientist of the Year Award (2008) |
| – Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for Excellence in Public Administration (2012) | |
| – Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (2016) |
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Tessy Thomas Image
Tessy Thomas – Early Life and Education
Tessy Thomas, often referred to as the “Missile Woman of India,” was born in April 1963 in Alappuzha, Kerala, India. She displayed a keen interest in science and technology from a young age. Tessy Thomas pursued her undergraduate degree in engineering from the Government Engineering College, Thrissur, specializing in Electrical Engineering.
She furthered her education with a Master’s degree in Guided Missiles from the Institute of Armament Technology, Pune (now known as the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology). Tessy Thomas also holds an MBA in Operations Management and a Ph.D. in Missile Guidance.
Also Check: Top 10 female scientists in India
Tessy Thomas – Family
Tessy Thomas is married to Saroj Kumar, a commander in the Indian Navy, and the couple has a son named Tejas. Her family has been a pillar of support throughout her illustrious career, providing the encouragement needed to balance her professional and personal life.
Tessy Thomas – Career and Achievements
Tessy Thomas began her career at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1988. Her initial work involved designing the guidance systems for the Agni series of missiles, which are an integral part of India’s strategic defense arsenal.
Tessy Thomas Inventions
| Invention | Description | Year |
| Agni-IV Missile | Intermediate-range ballistic missile with advanced avionics and propulsion systems | 2009 |
| Agni-V Missile | Intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of over 5,000 km and multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) | 2012 |
Tessy Thomas – Awards and Recognition
Tessy Thomas has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to missile technology and defense. Some of her notable awards include:
- DRDO Scientist of the Year Award (2008): For her remarkable contributions to the Agni-IV project.
- Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for Excellence in Public Administration (2012): Recognizing her significant achievements in the field of missile technology.
- Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (2016): For her outstanding engineering contributions.
Tessy Thomas – Achievements
Tessy Thomas has broken numerous barriers, becoming the first woman to lead missile projects in India. She played a pivotal role in the successful testing and deployment of the Agni series, significantly enhancing India’s strategic defense capabilities. Her leadership and technical expertise have made her a role model for aspiring female scientists and engineers in India and around the world.
Tessy Thomas – Current Role and Legacy
As of her last update, Tessy Thomas continues to serve in a senior role at DRDO, contributing to the ongoing advancements in India’s defense technologies. Her journey from a small town in Kerala to becoming a leading missile scientist exemplifies dedication, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence in science and technology.
FAQs on Tessy Thomas Biography
Why Tessy Thomas is called Agni Putri?
Tessy Thomas is called Agni Putri, meaning Daughter of Agni, due to her significant contributions to the Agni series of missiles in India.
Is Tessy Thomas a Hindu?
Tessy Thomas is a Christian by faith, hailing from the Christian community in Kerala, India.
What is the qualification of Tessy Thomas?
Tessy Thomas holds a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, a master's degree in Guided Missiles, an MBA in Operations Management, and a Ph.D. in Missile Guidance .
What are the contributions of Tessy Thomas?
Tessy Thomas has been instrumental in the development of the Agni-IV and Agni-V missiles, enhancing India's strategic missile capabilities.
Who is the first ever woman scientist to head a missile project in India?
Tessy Thomas is the first woman scientist to head a missile project in India, specifically the Agni-IV project .
Who is the Iron Lady of ISRO?
The title Iron Lady of ISRO refers to T.K. Anuradha, who led the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) efforts in satellite development .
What is the education of Dr. Tessy Thomas?
Dr. Tessy Thomas's education includes a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, a master's degree in Guided Missiles, an MBA in Operations Management, and a Ph.D. in Missile Guidance .
