Tessy Thomas Achieves Major Recognition With Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios Award 2025

Overview: Dr Tessy Thomas, known as India’s Missile Woman, has been awarded the prestigious Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios Award 2025 for her outstanding contribution to defence research. She played a key role in the Agni-IV and Agni-V missile projects, boosting India’s strategic capabilities. Her achievement inspires women in science and strengthens national scientific leadership.

Riyaz

Dec-02-2025

Tessy Thomas Achieves Major Recognition With Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios Award 2025

Dr Tessy Thomas, commonly known as the Missile Woman of India, has also been honoured with the Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios Award 2025 in recognition of her remarkable contribution to defence research and scientific leadership. Renowned as a key figure in the Agni missile programme, she consistently exemplifies excellence through innovation, perseverance, and dedication to national service. This prestigious award highlights her role in establishing India’s strategic capabilities and serves as an inspiration to generations of women in science and technology. Tessy Thomas’s recognition reflects how the country values her visionary leadership and commitment to advancing science-led development in India.

About Tessy Thomas, India’s Missile Woman

Dr Tessy Thomas, popularly known as Missile Woman of India.
The programmes involve the Bachelor of Electronics and Communication Engineering and the M.Tech in Guided Missile at the Institute of Armament Technology.
Innovative Project Director in Agni-IV and Agni-V missile projects.
The Indian woman scientist was the first to direct a missile project in the country.
Diverse prizes in the field of scientific excellence and leadership.
Known as a woman of inspiration in the field of STEM and defence research.
Helped in the strategic defence and missile technology of India.
Recognised on the national and international levels as innovative and dedicated.

Important Questions for Competitive Exams

Exam Name / Year	Question	Options	Answer
SSC CGL 2020	Who is known as India’s “Missile Woman”?	A) Tessy Thomas B) Kalpana Chawla C) Sunita Williams D) Indira Gandhi	A (Tessy Thomas)
SSC CHSL 2019	Tessy Thomas played a leading role in which missile project?	A) Prithvi B) Agni-IV & Agni-V C) BrahMos D) Akash	B (Agni-IV & Agni-V)
RRB NTPC 2018	Agni-V missile is a type of?	A) Surface-to-Air B) Intercontinental Ballistic Missile C) Anti-Tank Missile D) Cruise Missile	B (ICBM)
UPSC Prelims 2016	Which Indian scientist became the Project Director of the Agni-IV missile program?	A) Tessy Thomas B) A. P. J. Abdul Kalam C) G. Satheesh Reddy D) K. Kasturirangan	A (Tessy Thomas)
SSC CPO 2021	What is the range of the Agni-V missile?	A) 700 km B) 2000 km C) 5000+ km D) 1000 km	C (5000+ km)
RRB Group D 2019	Agni missiles are developed under which organisation?	A) ISRO B) DRDO C) HAL D) BHEL	B (DRDO)
Banking PO 2020	Tessy Thomas is the first woman to hold which post in India?	A) President of ISRO B) Project Director of Ballistic Missile Program C) Chief Scientist of HAL D) Director of Space Research	B (Project Director of Ballistic Missile Program)
SSC GD 2021	Agni-IV missile belongs to which category?	A) Short Range Ballistic Missile B) Medium Range Ballistic Missile C) Long Range Cruise Missile D) Surface-to-Air Missile	B (Medium Range Ballistic Missile)
UPSC Prelims 2019	Who is known as the “Missile Woman of India”?	A) Tessy Thomas B) Kalpana Chawla C) Tessy Paul D) Tessy Kapoor	A (Tessy Thomas)
RRB ALP 2018	Agni-V missile was successfully tested in which year?	A) 2010 B) 2012 C) 2013 D) 2015	D (2015)

Expected Question for Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios Award

The Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios Award is primarily given for excellence in which field?

A) Literature

B) Science and Research

C) Sports

D) Politics

Answer: B) Science and Research

Explanation: The award recognises exceptional achievements in scientific innovation, research, and national service, highlighting leaders like Tessy Thomas.

Who was the first recipient of the Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios Award?

A) Tessy Thomas

B) M. K. Cheriyan

C) Thomas Isaac

D) P. J. Kurien

Answer: B) M. K. Cheriyan

Explanation: M. K. Cheriyan was the first-ever recipient of this award, which recognises distinguished contributions in science, philosophy, and social service.

The award is named after Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios. What was he known for?

A) Defence research

B) Philosophy, theology, and social service

C) Space exploration

D) Literature

Answer: B) Philosophy, theology, and social service

Explanation: Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios was a renowned philosopher and thinker, and the award honours excellence in knowledge, leadership, and societal contributions.

Conclusion

It is a significant milestone that Tessy Thomas has received the Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios Award 2025 for her outstanding contribution to India's missile programme. This honour recognises her scientific expertise, innovative work, and effort, and it empowers women in the field and studies on STEM. Additionally, it serves to inspire the Indian government to pursue excellence in defence studies and innovation.