Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Kerala Woman Breaks Barriers as Nuclear Scientist
Thankam was a brave woman from Kerala who became a nuclear scientist in the 1960s, a time when very few women worked in science.
She joined the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and worked hard to support her family.
She faced many challenges, like living away from home, adjusting to city life, and dealing with gender discrimination at work.
Despite these difficulties, she had a successful career and helped build better nuclear reactors.
Thankam's story shows how women can achieve great things even when faced with many obstacles.
Thankam joined BARC in 1962 as one of the first female scientists in India.
She worked on the ZERLINA reactor, contributing to nuclear research and reactor design.
Thankam faced gender discrimination at work, including being excluded from meetings.
She supported her family financially and broke class barriers through her career.
Thankam retired from BARC in 1993 after 31 years of service.
- Who
- Thankam, a nuclear scientist and single mother from Kerala, India.
- What
- Thankam broke gender and class barriers to become a nuclear scientist at BARC.
- When
- She joined BARC in 1962 and retired in 1993.
- Where
- She worked at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Bombay (now Mumbai), India.
- Why
- To support her family financially and break gender barriers in a male-dominated field.
Gender Equality in STEM
Gender Inequality in STEM
Representation of Women in STEM
Gender Equality in STEM
Women are increasingly represented in STEM fields, with growing opportunities and recognition.
Gender Inequality in STEM
Women still face significant barriers and are underrepresented in leadership roles within STEM.
- Name
- Thankam
- Occupation
- Nuclear Scientist
- Institution
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
- Year Joined BARC
- 1962
- Years of Service
- 31 years
- Retirement Year
- 1993
- Notable Reactor Worked On
- ZERLINA
- Field of Work
- Nuclear Physics