News: Dr Tessy Thomas has been honoured with the prestigious Paulos Mar Gregorios Award 2025 for her significant achievements in missile development and her impactful work in promoting women’s empowerment.
About Paulos Mar Gregorios Award
- Instituted by: Sophia Society of the Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Church
- Purpose: The purpose of the award is to acknowledge service that uplifts society and demonstrates a union of intellectual rigour with humane, ethical responsibility.
- Frequency: The award is presented every alternate year.
- Named after: It is established in memory of Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios, who served as the first Metropolitan of the Delhi Diocese and was also a scholar, linguist, theologian, ecumenical leader and socio-political thinker.
- He also served as President of the World Council of Churches, adding to the global significance of his legacy.
- Award is given to: The award honours individuals whose contributions reflect the blend of scholarship, moral clarity, social commitment and spiritual depth associated with Paulos Mar Gregorios.
- It recognises people whose work upholds human dignity and empowers disadvantaged or overlooked communities.
- It also highlights leadership in advancing gender equality, a cause that Dr Gregorios strongly advocated.
About Eighth Paulos Mar Gregorios Award 2025
- Dr Tessy Thomas, known widely as India’s “Missile Woman,” received the 8th Paulos Mar Gregorios Award in 2025.
- Recognized for: She was recognized for her outstanding contribution to women’s empowerment, space technology and missile development.
- She played a crucial role in the development of the Agni-V missile and became the first woman to head an Indian missile project, earning the title “Agniputri.”
