Kumudiniben Valambia’s letter about three Indian ladies astronauts is fantastic. Kumudiniben highlighted least known Embry-Riddle Astronautical University of USA and space venture by Shawna Pandya. Besides fluency in French, Spanish and Russian languages she must be fluent in Indian-mother tongues too. Such an astronautical achievement is rare when youngsters are chasing mickey-mouse degrees, and in environment of dating, dance, dinner and drugs culture.
The world is aware about ladies reaching highest posts in male dominated fields. Reaching highest levels in space travel by Indian ladies is incredible. Kalpana Chawla appeared to be flash in the pan. Later Sunita Williams stole the show. Now Shawna Pandya is set to win kudos. The whole world, especially Indians will eagerly wait to hear about success of this venture.
Women have played very vital role in ISRO(India) campaign to launch 104 satellites from 37 countries. This proves, that when women are given a fullest freedom, even sky is not the limit. Unfortunately misogyny is rampant in current patriarchal world, where women are confined and restrained by bigots. Only Hindu type of womens’ worship (divine Godesses-matajees) can liberate women and be accepted as competitor equal to menfolk. Hands that rocks cradle will now rule the planets.
Ramesh Jhalla
By email
