New Delhi, Feb 01: Technology Development Board (TDB), a statutory body of the Department of Science and Technology, has called for applications from Indian Women scientists and entrepreneurs for the India National Tech Excellence Award for Women 2022 for pursuing, prevailing, creating an impact, and etching out stories of inspiration for younger girls.
TDB has instituted the award, on the special occasion of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, to honour the outstanding contributions of women scientists and entrepreneurs in commercialising innovative indigenous technologies. The awards will be presented on International Women’s Day on 8th March 2022.
The awards are categorised under two categories: National Women Scientist Award for Excellence in Translational Research, and National Women Entrepreneur Award. The awards will be presented in two distinct subcategories of Senior (45 years and above) and Young (Below 45 years). The senior will receive a cash award of Rs. 3 Lakh and the junior Rs. 1 Lakh. There will be two awards in each category. Consequently, there will be four awards in total.
Announcing this, a government press release noted that the contribution of Indian women in science and technology and entrepreneurship has been exemplary, and they have proved that they can own businesses, and work tirelessly to show that they are adept and successful in the entrepreneurial space. In rural India, too, women entrepreneurs have made their way and emerged as leaders across different sectors, proving that they are capable mentors for future generations.
It recalled that the contributions made by women across sectors have been evident over the centuries, science and technology being one of the most benefited sectors. Women like, Leelavati, a mathematician; JanakiAmmal, first Indian scientist to have received the Padma Shri Award in 1977; KadambiniGanguly, one of the first female physicians of South Asia to be trained in western medicine; Anna Mani, a former DDG of the Indian Meteorological Department; Indira Hinduja, the first Indian women who delivered a test tube baby; Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairman & Managing Director, Biocon Limited; Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian woman in space, Dr.RenuSwaroop, the first Woman Secretary to lead DST and Dr. Alka Mittal, first woman CMD of ONGC have made significant contributions to sectors such as aerospace, medical science, biotechnology, and meteorology. They have proven time, and again, that opportunity and access to knowledge and resources can make all the difference.
The Government of India has been continuously focusing on women empowerment in Science and Technology, through various schemes and initiatives like BetiBachao, BetiPadhao, “KIRAN” (Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing), “GATI” – Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions and many other women scientist schemes. All these aims to support the talents of Indian women, and the Department of Science and Technology has played a key role in supporting talented women in science, the release added.
The last date to apply is 15th February 2022 by 5:00 PM. Interested candidates may visit www.tdb.gov.in for more details. (India Science Wire)
