The Project Director of India's first solar mission, Aditya-L1, Nigar Shaji has made a powerful statement about the absence of a glass ceiling at the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), as she was speaking at the India Today Conclave Mumbai.

Speaking at the Conclave Mumbai 2023, she said that there is no glass ceiling in Isro and it's the inherent societal pressure that was pulling. The environment in Isro was very conducive.

"The environment in Isro is very conducive," she said, adding that climbing the ladder requires significant effort and a balance between work and personal life.

Shaji's leadership of the Aditya-L1 mission marks a significant milestone in the representation of women in India's space programs.

Shaji, who has been with Isro for 35 years, shared the support provided by the organization to its female scientists.

This is not the first time that the role of women scientists has been hailed in India's space program. Their work has been instrumental in the success of the Chandrayaan series and the Mangalyaan mission to Mars as well.

Shaji, a native of Shengottai, Tamil Nadu, joined Isro in 1987 and has since held several prestigious positions. She was the Associate Project Director of Resourcesat-2A and headed the Satellite telemetry centre in Bengaluru before taking on her current role as the project director of Aditya-L1. The mission, launched on September 2, 2023, is India's first dedicated to studying the Sun.

She also highlighted the importance of a supportive system in achieving work-life balance, a challenge often faced by women in demanding careers.

The successful launch of Aditya-L1 under Shaji's leadership is a testament to her dedication and the supportive environment within Isro.

She added that to climb the ladder hard work is needed and the efforts have to be put in, no matter man or woman.