New Delhi, May 12 (IANS). India’s space achievements are now displayed in a unique way at America’s Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Here, amidst the modern planes and spacecraft, is kept the saree of Indian scientist Nandini Harinath, who is also known as the ‘Rocket Woman’ of India.
Washington DC-based Smithsonian Museum said through an Instagram post, this saree looks like a normal saree, but behind it lies the story of the historic success of India’s Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission). Nandini Harinath wore this blue and red saree on the same day when the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)’s Mangalyaan left Earth’s orbit and set off on a 300-day long journey to Mars.
Nandini Harinath was the Deputy Operations Director of Mangalyaan Mission. He played an important role in the planning and successful conduct of the mission. This vehicle remained in the orbit of Mars for more than the stipulated period of 6 to 10 months i.e. for 8 years and kept studying its surface and atmosphere. This success made India the first Asian country and the fourth country in the world to reach Mars.
The museum wrote in the post that women scientists like Nandini Harinath made important contributions in taking India to this point. Also gave details of the saree. It is a two-part ensemble, consisting of a blue geometric patterned silk choli and a red-blue patterned saree. There are blue patterns on the sides and pallu of the saree. Both the choli and the saree are embroidered with ‘French knots’ in yellow, orange, green and red colours. This saree is displayed in the ‘Future in Space’ gallery of the museum. This gallery invites viewers to think about the big questions: who will go to space, why do we go there, and what will we do when we get there?
The museum team further said, this saree of Nandini Harinath could never cross the Earth’s atmosphere, but the woman wearing it helped India reach another planet. Keeping this saree in the museum has become a symbol of the ability of Indian women scientists, national pride and India’s growing role in the space sector. This exhibition not only reminds the success of Mangalyaan Mission but also inspires the young generation to make a career in the field of science and technology.
–IANS
MT/VC