Understanding nature, which is what physics is all about, is a global human endeavor. However, for a variety of reasons, women are conspicuously underrepresented in physics. In the new millennium, it is certainly important to correct this underrepresentation-both for the sake of the women, who should have the same opportunities and resources to realize and fulfill all they desire to accomplish in their lives, as well as for the sake of physics, which must draw on the lull potential of humankind to solve its myriad questions. Within the Indian context, the participation of women in public life has been quite high. Even before independence, thanks to an enlightened Indian leadership, especially that of Mahatma Gandhi, both men and women have been involved in the freedom struggle. This led to the emergence of strong women leaders in the subcontinent. Indian women have held most political positions of importance, such as prime minister, chief ministers of various states, and leaders of legislatures. Women have also held positions of prominence in the judiciary and in other professions.
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