Personality of the Day: Tessy Thomas

Last Updated: Mar 19, 2026, 14:00 IST

Learn about Tessy Thomas’s life, achievements, and how she became a leading scientist in India’s missile programme.

Personality of the Day
Personality of the Day

Personality of the Day is a series that highlights people whose efforts, dedication, and hard work made a significant contribution to society. 

These personalities belong to various spheres such as science, sports, politics, literature, and arts but one thing all these have in common is they are people who influence others during their journey.

Their lives make us remember that any person can become successful and contribute to the country’s development. 

Today we will be mentioning one of the most inspiring scientists in India and her name is Tessy Thomas, who is popularly known as the Missile Woman of India. 

Her contribution in defence and missile technology has made the country more powerful. Moreover, many young women have been motivated by her to choose a career in the field of science.

READ| Personality of the Day: A.P.J Abdul Kalam

Personality of the Day: Tessy Thomas

Tessy Thomas was born in April 1963, in Alappuzha Kerala, India. She was brought up in an ordinary family and she took keen interest in science and mathematics even when she was very young. 

Her curiosity and determination were significant in developing her future.

She finished her electronics and communication engineering and went for higher education in guided missile technology. 

Her education helped her into the defence research field.

Tessy Thomas entered the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and she started working in the projects of missile development. 

With time, she was able to emerge as one of the top scientists in the Indian missile programs.

Why is this Personality Famous? Her Major Contributions

The progress that Tessy Thomas made in the defence system in India particularly in missile technology is notable. A few of her contributions are:

  • Agni Missile Programme: She was instrumental in the production of Agni family of ballistic missiles which form a significant component of strategic defence in India.

  • Leadership in DRDO Projects: Tessy Thomas was the Project Director in Agni-IV and Agni-V missile, which represents her credentials as a leader and technician.

The G20 website mentions: “She was associated with the ‘Agni Programme’ right from its developmental flights. She has designed the guidance scheme for long range missile systems which is used in all Agni missiles.”

Tessy Thomas: Personal Life and Family

Tessy Thomas is reputed to have a strict and concentrated life. Although she is in a challenging profession, she has been able to juggle between her personal and career life. 

She is married to Commodore Saroj Kumar Patel and the couple has a son named Tejas Patel. 

Quotes by Tessy Thomas

Here are some quotes by Tessy Thomas:

  • “Every setback taught me more than success ever could”

  • "If men can do, women can also do. There's nothing that can stop us".

  • "Leadership or technology doesn't know gender".

To conclude, Tessy Thomas is not only a scientist, but a representation of power, will and development. Her effort in defence in India and her struggle in a field that is not an easy one is the reason she is an inspiration.

READ| Personality of the Day: Albert Einstein

Nikhil Batra
Nikhil Batra

Content Writer

Nikhil is a dedicated content writer with more than five years of experience, and works for the Jagran Josh General Knowledge section. He likes to create engaging and easy-to-read general knowledge content. He has spent years working on brain teasers, optical illusions, trending stories, and informative listicles that simplify facts for readers. His approach focuses on clarity, creativity, and making information feel effortless to understand.

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First Published: Mar 19, 2026, 14:00 IST

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