Jyotirmayee Mohanty: Empowering Odisha
Jyotirmayee Mohanty, a distinguished scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in Mumbai, has etched her name in history as the first woman in India to receive the prestigious IUPAC 2023 Distinguished Women in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering award.
| Name | Jyotirmayee Mohanty |
| Gender | Female |
| Profession | Scientist |
| Birthdate | January 31, 1971 |
| Age (as of 2023) | 52 years |
| Place of birth | Cuttack, Orissa, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| College | Utkal University ,Mumbai University |
| Educational Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.) in Physical Chemistry |
| Parents | Father: Dr Baikuntha Nath Patra Mother: Tulasi Patra |
| Husband/Spouse | Dr Rashmi Ranjan Mohanty |
Joyful Waves in Titira: A Village Celebrates
The news of Jyotirmayee Mohanty’s accolade has ignited a wave of happiness in Titira under Balikuda block, her hometown. As the daughter-in-law of the village, Mohanty’s achievement resonates deeply with the community, marking a milestone in their collective pride.
International Recognition on the Horizon
The recognition bestowed upon Mohanty is part of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrations. On February 11, IUPAC revealed the names of 12 exceptional awardees, highlighting the global impact of women chemists and chemical engineers. This annual awards ceremony, initiated in 2011, serves as a powerful platform to acknowledge and promote the significant contributions of women in the field.
At the inaugural ceremony of the World Chemistry Congress in The Hague, Netherlands, on August 20, she was honored with the esteemed ‘IUPAC 2023 Distinguished Women Award in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.’ IUPAC President Javier G-Martinez presented her with this prestigious recognition, acknowledging her exceptional contributions to the fields of Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
IUPAC stands for the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. It is an international scientific organization that works to standardize and promote the nomenclature, terminology, and methods used in the field of chemistry. The main goals of IUPAC are to ensure a common language and understanding among chemists worldwide, thereby facilitating communication and collaboration in the scientific community.
IUPAC is responsible for developing and maintaining the rules for naming chemical compounds, including organic and inorganic compounds. The IUPAC nomenclature is widely used in scientific literature, research papers, and textbooks to provide a systematic and unambiguous way of referring to chemical substances.
In addition to nomenclature, IUPAC also addresses other aspects of chemistry, such as terminology, symbols, measurement standards, and data representation. The organization plays a crucial role in advancing the field of chemistry by providing a foundation for consistent and accurate communication within the global scientific community.
Mohanty’s Milestone Journey
Jyotirmayee Mohanty’s journey in the scientific realm is adorned with significant milestones. Not only is she the first woman in the country to receive the IUPAC award, but she also holds the distinction of being the inaugural female recipient of the fellowship from the Science and Engineering Research Board. In the preceding year, Mohanty garnered further acclaim by securing the fellowship of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), an esteemed honor conferred by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) in the United Kingdom.
Roots and Connections
Beyond her scientific achievements, Mohanty’s roots are deeply embedded in Odisha. The daughter of renowned pediatrician Dr. Baikuntnath Patra of Chauliaganj in Cuttack, she carries the legacy of excellence. Married to Rasmiranjan Mohanty, also a scientist, Jyotirmayee Mohanty’s success story is a testament to Odisha’s rich scientific talent.
A Beacon of Inspiration
Jyotirmayee Mohanty’s groundbreaking achievements not only elevate her status as a pioneering Odia scientist but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring scientists, especially women, across the nation. Her success underscores the potential within Odisha’s scientific community, contributing to a brighter and more inclusive future in the realm of chemistry and chemical engineering.