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.
