"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
6 Jul 2023
Ayyalasomayajula Lalitha, India's first female engineer, overcame tremendous obstacles to achieve her dream of becoming an engineer in a male-dominated field. Lalitha was born in 1919 in Andhra Pradesh and lost her husband at a young age, leaving her to raise their daughter on her own.
Despite societal pressures and financial constraints, Lalitha was determined to pursue her education and enrolled in the College of Engineering in Guindy, Madras. She faced numerous challenges and discrimination due to her gender, but she persevered and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering in 1943.
After graduation, Lalitha went on to work at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, where she contributed to the development of India's first indigenous airplane engine. She later worked for the Indian Standards Institution and the Central Power Research Institute, where she made significant contributions to the field of power systems engineering.
Lalitha's groundbreaking achievements paved the way for future generations of women in engineering and inspired countless others to pursue their dreams despite the odds. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, determination, and courage in the face of adversity.
