New Delhi, May 12: The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in the United States has showcased India’s space achievements in a unique way. Among modern aircraft and spacecraft, the saree of Indian scientist Nandini Harinath, known as India’s ‘Rocket Woman,’ is now on display.
The museum, located in Washington D.C., shared on Instagram that the saree appears ordinary at first glance. However, it conceals the remarkable story behind India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan). Nandini Harinath wore this blue and red saree on the day when the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched Mangalyaan on its 300-day journey from Earth’s orbit to Mars.
Nandini Harinath served as the Deputy Operations Director for the Mangalyaan mission. She played a crucial role in planning and executing the mission successfully. Originally intended to last between six to ten months, the spacecraft remained in Mars’ orbit for a remarkable eight years, studying its surface and atmosphere. This achievement made India the first Asian nation and the fourth globally to reach Mars.
The museum’s post highlighted the significant contributions of women scientists like Nandini Harinath in propelling India to this milestone. It also provided details about the saree, which consists of a two-piece outfit featuring a blue geometric-patterned silk blouse and a saree with red and blue patterns. The saree’s borders and pallu are adorned with blue patterns, while both the blouse and saree feature intricate ‘French knots’ in yellow, orange, green, and red. This saree is displayed in the museum’s ‘Future in Space’ gallery, which invites visitors to ponder big questions about who will go to space, why we venture there, and what we will do upon arrival.
The museum team further noted that while Nandini Harinath’s saree never crossed Earth’s atmosphere, the woman who wore it helped India reach another planet. The inclusion of this saree in the museum symbolizes the capabilities of Indian women scientists, national pride, and India’s growing role in the space sector. This exhibition not only commemorates the success of the Mangalyaan mission but also inspires the younger generation to pursue careers in science and technology.
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