A proud moment for Goa — Chinmayee Vallabh Prabhu Dessai, a native of Tarvale, Shiroda, has successfully defended her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biomedical Engineering from the prestigious Boston University, USA.
Chinmayee joined Boston University in 2020, embarking on a rigorous journey of research and innovation under the expert mentorship of Prof. Ji-Xin Cheng, a global name in biomedical imaging and photonics.
Her research contributes to the evolving field of biomedical engineering — a discipline at the intersection of science, engineering, and medicine — with wide-ranging applications in healthcare technologies.
Chinmayee’s story is a glowing example of how local roots can lead to global breakthroughs. As a woman in STEM, her achievement reflects not just academic success but also the growing participation and excellence of Indian women in international scientific domains.
This success story is an inspiration for young minds in Goa and beyond who aspire to pursue research and innovation at a global level.
Andhra Pradesh, India – In a groundbreaking achievement that has inspired a generation, Dangeti Jahnavi, a young space enthusiast from the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, has become the first Indian to successfully complete NASA’s prestigious International Air and Space Program (IASP). With this accomplishment, she is now set to take her journey one step further—traveling to space in 2029.
Jahnavi, hailing from Palakollu in Andhra Pradesh, has long been fascinated by space science, astronomy, and aerospace engineering. Her journey began with a dream and was powered by relentless dedication, academic excellence, and a passion for exploration beyond Earth’s boundaries.
From participating in science fairs to interning at space research organizations, Jahnavi quickly rose through the ranks of India’s brightest young minds. Her admission into NASA’s IASP was a significant milestone—not just for her, but for India’s growing presence in the global space research community.
🌌 What is NASA’s International Air and Space Program (IASP)?
The IASP is an elite training program hosted by NASA in collaboration with the Aerospace Science and Technology Education Program (ASTEP). It brings together brilliant students and professionals from around the globe to participate in real-world astronaut training simulations, spacecraft engineering, robotics, and mission planning.
Jahnavi’s successful completion of this highly competitive program involved hands-on experience in microgravity simulations, space mission simulations, and working directly with NASA engineers and astronauts.
🛰️ A Mission to Space: Scheduled for 2029
After completing the IASP, Jahnavi’s talents and dedication didn’t go unnoticed. She has been officially selected for a future space research mission, scheduled to launch in 2029—making her one of the youngest Indian women ever chosen for a mission of this scale. While details of the mission remain under wraps, it is expected to involve international scientific collaboration and low-Earth orbit (LEO) exploration.
🇮🇳 Pride of India
Jahnavi’s achievement has sparked excitement and pride across India. From social media buzz to accolades from educators, scientists, and political leaders, her story is inspiring young minds to pursue careers in STEM, aerospace, and beyond.
In a statement, Jahnavi said:
“This is just the beginning. I hope my journey encourages more young Indians, especially girls, to look up to the stars and realize that no dream is too big.”
In the vast engineering history of India, some stories don’t make headlines but quietly build legacies. One such story is that of Dr. G. Madhavi Latha — the brilliant mind and resilient force behind one of the greatest modern engineering marvels: the Chenab Railway Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, soaring over the Chenab River in Jammu & Kashmir.
Her journey to make this project a reality took 17 years — not just of engineering, but of patience, persistence, and unwavering belief.
The Chenab Bridge is no ordinary structure. Standing 359 meters (1,178 feet) above the river bed, it’s taller than the Eiffel Tower and spans the majestic Chenab River in the Himalayas. Designed to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India via rail, it symbolizes not just connectivity, but unity, ambition, and hope.
Dr. G. Madhavi Latha is a geotechnical engineering expert and one of the key figures in India’s civil engineering ecosystem. With a deep academic and field background, she served as a lead technical advisor for critical infrastructure elements of the Chenab Bridge.
Her specialization in soil mechanics and geotechnical stability made her indispensable in ensuring the safety and feasibility of this massive structure — especially in a zone prone to seismic activity, harsh weather, and difficult terrain.
It took nearly two decades of design trials, field assessments, coordination with multiple agencies, and problem-solving under extreme conditions. Dr. Latha remained committed throughout:
Conducting extensive geological and soil studies in the remote Himalayas
Advising on foundation design and slope stabilization
Ensuring earthquake resilience and environmental compliance
Bridging the gap between theoretical models and field execution
In a male-dominated field, she not only stood her ground but led from the front, mentoring engineers, challenging outdated norms, and pushing for innovation wherever needed.
The Chenab Bridge isn’t just a symbol of India’s infrastructural might — it is a testament to the people behind the scenes, especially women like Dr. Madhavi Latha who defy convention and redefine leadership.
Her story inspires young girls, women in STEM, and every dreamer who’s told to “wait their turn.”
Today, as trains prepare to run on the Chenab Bridge, Dr. Madhavi Latha’s name deserves to be etched into history. This project is not just about steel and concrete — it’s about vision, sacrifice, and a woman’s will to redefine what’s possible.
While the world marvels at the structure, we honor the spirit that made it possible. Dr. G. Madhavi Latha is a reminder that India’s strength lies not just in its monuments, but in its minds.
Vedanta Sesa Goa-Value Added Business (VAB), continues to drive meaningful change by promoting education and empowering women both in the workplace and society.
Recognizing the need to support women to pursue skilling in technical fields, VAB has provided scholarships to 11 girls to pursue ITI courses in Diesel Mechanic, Electrical, Instrument Mechanic, and Machinist at Sesa Technical School (STS). The initiative is part of Vedanta Sesa Goa’s Project ‘Vriddhi’ and is aligned with the aims of the recently launched #IronLadiesIndia’25 campaign, which aims to enable women such that they are able to maximise their potential & contribute to the fullest to the goals of a ‘Viksit Bharat’. This is the third iteration of the #IronLadiesIndia campaign.
The scholarships have been instituted in 2023 and women trainees identified for the scholarship are being provided regular mentoring and guidance so that thy can fully benefit from the course curriculum. As part of their orientation process, they also interacted with Mr. Saptesh Sardesai, CEO, VAB, and Ms Leena Verenkar, Head CSR, Sesa Goa and were provided valuable insights which will help the trainees be better prepared and industry-ready. The trainees also interacted with several other Vedanta executives and benefited from a free-flowing exchange of ideas.
Speaking on the occasion, Saptesh Sardesai, CEO- VAB said “At VAB, we believe that education and skill development are key drivers of empowerment, especially for young women aspiring to build careers in technical fields. Through our scholarship programs, we are creating opportunities for these talented individuals to break barriers and thrive in industries traditionally dominated by men. It is inspiring to see their determination, and we remain committed to fostering an inclusive and skilled workforce for the future.”
Many of these young women are the first in their families to receive formal technical education, making their achievements a testament to resilience and progress. They expressed gratitude for the initiative, which is not just supporting their academic journey but also empowering them with the skills and confidence to build independent, successful careers in industries.The STS reconfigured its curriculum to include courses for women in 2023 and the first batch of women trainees passed out in 2024, with a 100% pass result.
Ms. Afsana Patvi, Scholarship awardee for pursing Machinist course said “It was a wonderful experience to sit and have an interaction with the senior management where great insightful discussions took place. It is very inspiring to see the journey they have covered, and we are motivated enough to aim for the best ahead. I sincerely thank Vedanta for supporting us in making a strong career for ourselves that will make us empowered and independent women.”
Sesa Technical School (STS), a flagship project of Sesa Goa, has been a cornerstone of skill development, equipping students with industry-relevant expertise for over Three decades. With a legacy of educating 2000+ students,and a 100% placement record, the STS continues to break barriers and inspire more women to pursue careers in mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation trades.
By equipping them with industry-relevant skills, Vedanta Sesa Goa impactfully pursuing its objectives related to fostering equal opportunities & capacity building & helping confront long-standing stereotypes. This initiative ensures that it will effectively bridge the gap between opportunity & aspirations.
