Vijay Garg
Trailblazing women scientists continue to defy the odds, proving that inclusion is not just a matter of fairness but a necessity for scientific and societal progress
In the 21st century, where scientific breakthroughs continue to shape our world, the persistent underrepresentation of women in science remains a glaring issue. Women have been at the forefront of some of the greatest scientific achievements across the globe in diverse fields from basic science to space science. Despite these inspiring role models, systemic barriers continue to stifle women’s participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It’s time we confront these challenges and build a future where women can truly thrive in science. What kind of scientific world are we building if we exclude half of our population?
Without the full participation of women, we lose access to a vast pool of talent, creativity, and innovative solutions that could address some of our biggest challenges. Many girls are discouraged from pursuing science from a young age due to stereotypes that frame these fields as “unsuitable” or “too difficult.” The so-called “leaky pipeline” begins to take its toll as early as high school, with fewer girls opting for science-related studies and careers.
Even for those who break through these initial hurdles, the challenges persist in higher education and professional life. Women in research face a lack of mentorship, unequal access to funding and systemic biases in hiring and promotions.
The numbers speak for themselves: UNESCO reports that only 35 per cent of STEM students globally are women, and their representation in leadership roles remains even lower. In India, the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) confirms that while the number of women pursuing science has grown, their presence in top research positions and leadership roles is still dismal.
Despite these odds, many Indian women scientists have defied the status quo and achieved remarkable success. Dr Indira Hinduja revolutionised reproductive medicine by developing India’s first test-tube baby in 1986 and pioneering the gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) technique. Dr Soumya Swaminathan’s leadership as Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization (WHO) played a crucial role in global health policy. Kalpana Kalahasti, a senior scientist at ISRO, was instrumental in India’s triumphant Chandrayaan-3 mission and earned a spot in Nature’s list of notable figures in 2023. These trailblazers not only pushed the boundaries of scientific knowledge but also broke societal barriers, paving the way for future generations of women in science. Does this make any difference to the society? Society benefits from more inclusive and comprehensive solutions when women are at the forefront of scientific innovation. Areas like maternal health, gender-specific medicine and community health interventions often flourish because of women scientists who understand these challenges firsthand. Inclusion isn’t just about fairness—it’s about enriching science itself. So, how do we move forward? Building a future for women in science requires collective effort on multiple fronts.
We must dismantle the structural barriers hindering women’s advancement, provide mentorship programmes and promote policies that ensure equal hiring, funding, and career progression opportunities. Educational institutions should actively encourage girls to pursue STEM fields, while workplaces must offer flexible work environments that allow women to balance personal and professional responsibilities.
It is time to tear down these barriers and build a future where every young girl who dreams of becoming a scientist can do so without limitations. When women are given equal opportunities to contribute to science, we all stand to gain—from groundbreaking discoveries to a more inclusive and prosperous world.
Vijay Garg Retired Principal Educational columnist street kour Chand MHR Malout Punjab
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Why Is It Important To Continue Learning
Vijay GarG
When I am talking about learning I am not talking about education or continuing academic studies as a part of learning. learning is beyond what you read in your text books, its beyond what is thought by your teachers in a specific subject. learning is basically gaining knowledge skill, values or preferences. There is not just one way to learn things. We sometimes learn things without even realizing it.
Never stop learning because Life never stops teaching.
We learn things through conscious efforts like reading, watching, memorizing etc. What we learn unconsciously is my observing and through our senses. We also learn through imitation. We have a natural way of learning that is first by observing and then imitating the action.
So you now know how we actually learn things. But you must be wondering why is it important to keep learning. Actually learning is a life time process, you will always keep learning even if you don’t want to. But here I am stressing on an additional learning which you should take up at an early age if possible. A learning where you read and learn more about the world around. For eg. about different countries, about different occupations. not only read about things but also experience them. Try new things to seek out different opportunities of learning. Additional learning should be your goal in life.
Additional learning helps you feel less old and increases your wisdom and knowledge. By learning and experiencing more things in life you could be called an expert in many things. You could also educate more people when you learn things. Inspire people to learn. The best thing about learning is there are no rules about what method to use , till what limit you could keep learning. You just have to learn and learn and that’s it.
So learn more educate more and live more.
Vijay Garg Retired Principal Educational columnist street kour Chand MHR Malout Punjab
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Best study destinations for Indian students
Vijay Garg
When Indian students participate in foreign academic programs, they secure high-quality learning and worldwide cultural experience. The expenses linked to studying abroad pose a major challenge for Indian students. Several countries give students access to quality education at reasonable costs. Seven lower-cost study destinations are available for Indian students as follows:
1. Germany
Public German universities deliver excellent education worldwide while offering students from any country free tuition. Local and international students do not need to pay tuition fees at German public universities but usually need to pay minimum administrative fees. Living expenses average between Rs 70,000 and Rs 80,000 per month, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and other essentials. The DAAD Scholarship stands among many scholarships that offer financial assistance to students studying abroad.
2. Malaysia
Major international students are choosing Malaysia as their study destination because it provides reasonable education costs plus moderate expenses to live. Tuition fees for bachelor’s programs range from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 4 lakh per year, while master’s programs cost between Rs 4 lakh and Rs 9 lakh annually. The total expense of surviving each month in this location falls between Rs 40,000 and Rs 50,000. The wide range of cultures and English as the language of instruction draw many Indian students to study in Malaysia.
3. France
Every public institution in France runs an affordable education program. Tuition fees for bachelor’s programs average around Rs 2.5 lakh per year, while master’s programs range from Rs 9 lakh to Rs 15 lakh annually. Life costs dissimilarity based on city location results in Paris standing as the most expensive compared to the rest of the regions. The international student appeal of studying in France increases because French institutions grant multiple scholarship opportunities to overseas students.
4. Norway
Everyone, regardless of citizenship, receives free public university enrollment in Norway, which maintains a status as a nation that provides exceptional living standards. Economic expenses in this country reach approximately INR 1.5 lakh to INR 2 lakh per month, considering the local living costs. Indian students find Norway appealing because tuition fees do not exist while English-taught programs are available at public universities.
5. Ireland
Indian students choose Ireland as their study destination because of its reasonable tuition fees alongside its dynamic cultural environment. Tuition fees for bachelor’s programs range from INR 6.3 lakh to INR 10 lakh per year, while master’s programs cost between INR 12 lakh and INR 25 lakh annually. The monthly living expenses in this location fall between INR 70,000 and INR 1 lakh yearly. Students who want opportunities to work after graduation will find Ireland an attractive destination because of its post-study work programs.
6. Poland
Indian students increasingly choose Poland for their education because the country offers affordable academic costs together with affordable costs of living and superior educational quality. Tuition fees for bachelor’s programs range from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 4 lakh per year, while master’s programs cost between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 5 lakh annually. Monthly expenses in this location fall within Rs 40000 to Rs 60000. The country attracts more students because it offers a combination of historic value and a perfect central European position.
7. Mexico
The low tuition prices combined with affordable life expenses in Mexico create an affordable educational environment for Indian students who wish to study there. Tuition fees for bachelor’s programs range from INR 50,000 to INR 2 lakh per year, while master’s programs cost between INR 70,000 and INR 2.5 lakh annually. The average living costs in Mexico amount to between 40,000 and 70,000 INR per month. Students can discover their education in a lively cultural setting while participating in Spanish-speaking classes at Mexican educational institutions.
Conclusion
Students planning to study abroad need to include tuition expenses and basic living costs while making their decision. Students who investigate scholarship opportunities along with learning about local customs will gain a more gratifying educational abroad experience. These countries deliver high-quality education at low prices, thus providing excellent alternatives for debt-free international study opportunities to Indian students.
Vijay Garg Retired Principal Educational columnist street kour Chand MHR Malout
