Table of Contents

1. Early Life and Academic Journey
2. Professional History and Career Milestones
3. The Chenab Bridge: A 17-Year Engineering Odyssey
4. Major Projects and Research Focus
5. Awards, Fellowships, and Global Recognition
6. Advocacy and Institutional Leadership

1. Early Life and Academic Journey

Dr. Madhavi Latha’s journey began in a small village in Andhra Pradesh, where she was born into a farming family. Demonstrating exceptional academic prowess early on, she became the first engineer from her village.

• B.Tech: She completed her Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) in 1992 with first-class distinction.
• M.Tech: She specialized in Geotechnical Engineering at NIT Warangal, where she was awarded a Gold Medal for her outstanding academic performance in 1995.
• PhD: She earned her doctorate in Geotechnical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras in 2000.
• Post-Doctoral Research: She furthered her expertise through post-doctoral studies in rock engineering at IISc Bangalore (2002–2003).

2. Professional History and Career Milestones

Before becoming a cornerstone of the IISc faculty, Dr. Latha served as an Assistant Professor at IIT Guwahati. In 2003, she joined the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru, making history as the first female faculty member in the Department of Civil Engineering.

Over more than two decades at IISc, she has risen through the ranks to become an HAG Professor. Her career is marked by a rare blend of rigorous academic research and high-stakes field consultancy, particularly in the challenging terrains of the Himalayas.

3. The Chenab Bridge: A 17-Year Engineering Odyssey

Dr. Latha is widely recognized as the “geotechnical genius” behind the Chenab Railway Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir—the world’s highest single-arch railway bridge. Standing 359 meters above the river bed (taller than the Eiffel Tower), the bridge faced “unprecedented geological challenges.”

The “Design-as-You-Go” Methodology

Her most significant contribution to this project was the development and implementation of a dynamic “Design-as-You-Go” strategy. Because the Himalayan rock was fractured and contained hidden cavities, a rigid design was impossible.

• Real-time Adaptation: Her team adjusted designs based on actual ground conditions revealed during excavation.
• Stability Solutions: She advised on the installation of thousands of rock anchors, bolts, and complex retaining systems to stabilize the steep slopes and provide structural integrity to the foundations in a high-seismic zone.
• Continuity: She remained a consultant for the project from 2005 until its inauguration in June 2025, ensuring technical precision through nearly two decades of construction.

4. Major Projects and Research Focus

Beyond the Chenab Bridge, Dr. Latha is a prolific researcher in material science and geotechnical safety. Her work focuses on:

• Geosynthetics and Ground Reinforcement: Using image-based techniques to understand how sand interacts with geosynthetic materials at a micro-topographical level.
• Rock Engineering: Numerical modeling of jointed rock masses and stability analysis of rock slopes.
• Sustainable Technologies: As the Chair of the Centre for Sustainable Technologies, she leads research into eco-friendly construction and disaster-resilient infrastructure.

5. Awards, Fellowships, and Global Recognition

Dr. Latha’s contributions have been recognized by both national and international bodies:

• 2021 Best Woman Geotechnical Researcher: Awarded by the Indian Geotechnical Society.
• Top 75 Women in STEAM (2022): Recognized by the Government of India as a leader in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.
• Prof. S.K. Chatterjee Outstanding Researcher Award: A prestigious internal honor from IISc.
• SERB POWER Fellowship: Awarded for her excellence in research and leadership.
• Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE).

6. Advocacy and Institutional Leadership

Dr. Latha is not just an engineer but a pioneer for women in STEM. Upon joining IISc, she famously fought for basic facilities—specifically the installation of a women’s toilet in the geotechnical engineering building—paving the way for more inclusive campus infrastructure.

She has also served in high-level editorial roles, including Editor-in-Chief of the Indian Geotechnical Journal (2016–2022), and continues to mentor the next generation of engineers, often stating that her success belongs to the “thousands of unsung heroes” on the ground.

Table of Contents

1. Early Life and Personal Hardship
2. A Historic Education at Guindy
3. Professional Career and Key Projects
4. International Advocacy for Women in STEM
5. Death and Lasting Legacy

1. Early Life and Personal Hardship

Born on August 27, 1919, in Chennai, A. Lalitha grew up in a middle-class Telugu-speaking family. In accordance with the customs of the early 20th century, she was married at the age of 15. Tragedy struck just a few years later when her husband passed away in 1937, leaving her an 18-year-old widow with a four-month-old daughter named Syamala.

Refusing to accept the isolated life typically prescribed for widows at the time, and with the unwavering support of her father, Pappu Subba Rao (a professor of engineering), she decided to pursue a professional degree to ensure her daughter’s future and her own independence.

2. A Historic Education at Guindy

Lalitha chose the challenging path of engineering, a field then entirely occupied by men.

• The admission: Her father petitioned the College of Engineering, Guindy (CEG) to admit her. As the first female student, the college had to modify its rules and even strike out “He” to write “She” on her eventual degree.
• Campus Life: She lived in a separate hostel and was later joined by two other women, P.K. Thressia and Leelamma George.
• The Milestone: In 1943, she graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering, becoming the first woman in India to do so.

3. Professional Career and Key Projects

Lalitha’s career spanned over three decades, marked by technical excellence and contributions to India’s infrastructure.

• Bhakra Nangal Dam: While working for the British firm Associated Electrical Industries (AEI), she contributed to the design of transmission lines and protective gear for this massive national project.
• Research and Patents: Before her long tenure at AEI, she assisted her father in researching smokeless ovens and an electrical musical instrument called the “Jelectromonium.”
• Duration: She remained with the same firm (later GEC) for nearly 30 years until her retirement in 1977.

4. International Advocacy for Women in STEM

Lalitha was a global representative for Indian women in technical fields.

• ICWES 1964: She was the only female engineer from India to attend the First International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists in New York.
• WES London: She became a full member of the Women’s Engineering Society of London in 1965 and helped facilitate the attendance of other Indian women at international conferences.

5. Death and Lasting Legacy

Lalitha passed away in 1979 at the age of 60 due to a brain aneurysm. She never remarried, choosing instead to focus on her career and her daughter, who eventually became a teacher.

Lalitha’s legacy is not just in the transmission lines she designed, but in the barriers she broke. She proved that technical skill is not gendered and that personal tragedy can be the catalyst for a revolutionary journey.

1. Introduction

Ar. Krupa Zubin is the founding partner of the award-winning Mumbai-based firm, ZZ Architects, a practice recognized for creating a global reputation for high-quality architectural and interior design projects. While her work seamlessly blends craft with contemporary luxury, she has managed to remain focused on the design process, often staying out of the mainstream limelight. She, alongside her partner, Ar. Zubin Zainuddin, aims for the firm to be part of changing the perception of India as a creative and global hub for quality projects and design.

II. Early Life and Education

Ar. Krupa Zubin was enamored by the creative world of design from an early age, which led her to decide on pursuing Architecture. She completed her architectural studies at Pillai College of Architecture, Mumbai (Batch 1994-99). Following her graduation, she worked as an intern with Sanjay Puri Architects, where she was exposed to a variety of large-scale projects. 

III. The Genesis of ZZ Architects 

Following her internship, Ar. Krupa Zubin, together with Ar. Zubin Zainuddin, decided to join hands and start their own venture, leading to the birth of ZZ Architects in 2002. The firm began as a two-member entity but has since grown into a large design practice involving a substantial team of architects and designers. The architects framed the quote ‘Every Detail Counts’ for their office since the beginning, which remains close to the firm’s principal approach.

IV. Design Philosophy and Approach

Krupa Zubin’s personal preference in design is to create something that is fresh and contemporary with a global, timeless appeal. The firm’s work is described as very personal and process-driven, with a constant need to ensure that all projects maintain individual identities. 

Key aspects of her design philosophy include: 

• Attention to Detail: She believes that attention to detail and the purpose of particulars truly make a home. 

• Inspiration and Evolution: She strongly believes in personalizing and evolving their style, seeking inspiration from diverse art and ideas, including Art, Food, Fashion, Graphic, Cinema, Product Design, Literature, and Travel. 

• Material Language: There is a particular emphasis on material language and the final fit and finish of a project. They constantly research new materials and play with the interesting dynamics of interpolating them with traditional stone and timber. 

• The Invisible Nuances: The firm operates on the belief that “It’s often the invisible nuances that make the visible difference.”

V. Architectural Portfolio and Impact

While the firm is recognized for its work in boutique residential and interior architecture, a majority of ZZ Architects’ portfolio involves high-end bungalows and villas. However, the firm is multidisciplinary and multi-award winning, with an extensive array of work across varying categories such as Master planning, Residential high-rises, educational institutions, healthcare, hospitality, corporate interiors, office buildings, and clubhouses. 

ZZ Architects is committed to working with qualified and selective suppliers and contractors, which helps ensure the best quality, fit, and finish for all projects. The firm has also received recognition, including the ‘Best Architect’ award at the Good Homes Awards and nominations in the ‘International Design and Architecture Awards.’

VI. The Nuance of Personalization

For Krupa Zubin, enhancing the experience of living and adding a personal touch is what truly defines a home. She states, “Our homes have become the main settings of our lives: where we need to unwind and energize ourselves at the same time.” This drives a desire to create a space that reflects the client’s inherent self, based on both aspiration and comfort. She views the relationship with a client as one where “everybody has to be committed and then you can do the best.”  

Finding Her Voice in the Language of Craft and Space 

Khushnu Panthaki Hoof’s journey into architecture feels almost like a natural evolution rather than a decision. She grew up drawn to the quiet poetry of spaces, fascinated by how light, materials, and textures can shape the way people feel. This instinctive sensitivity eventually led her toward a path where design was not just a discipline, but a way of observing the world. 

When she joined Studio Mumbai, the globally acclaimed practice founded by Bijoy Jain, she discovered the perfect environment to grow. Here, the boundaries between architecture, art, and craftsmanship blurred, and Khushnu found her voice in the delicate interplay between structure and atmosphere. Over the years, she evolved into one of the studio’s strongest creative pillars, recognized internationally for her thoughtful approach to design. 

Crafting Architecture Through Collaboration 

Khushnu’s practice stands apart because she believes architecture is a deeply collaborative act. She works closely with artisans, carpenters, masons, and material specialists — people who carry generations of knowledge in their hands. For her, these craftspeople are not just part of a project team; they are co-authors of the space. 

Under her creative leadership, Studio Mumbai developed an approach that rejects the idea of speed or mass-production. Instead, every building is crafted slowly, carefully, and with immense respect for materials. Whether it is stone, wood, or metal, Khushnu encourages the process of “listening” to materials — understanding how they age, how they behave, and how they belong to a landscape. 

This philosophy resulted in projects that have traveled the world through exhibitions and publications, showcasing a type of Indian architecture rooted in tradition yet undeniably contemporary. 

Shaping Studio Mumbai’s Global Presence 

Khushnu played a major role in bringing Studio Mumbai onto the global stage. She was instrumental in organizing exhibitions at leading platforms like the Venice Architecture Biennale, where the studio’s work was celebrated for its honesty, tactility, and deep cultural grounding. These exhibitions made audiences rethink what Indian architecture could be — not only monumental or modern, but intimate, handmade, and slow. 

Her curatorial and communicative abilities expanded the studio’s impact far beyond its built work. She articulated its design philosophy to the world with clarity and depth, helping international audiences understand the emotional and ecological intelligence behind each project. 

Designing for Quietness, Humanity, and Place 

Khushnu’s architectural style is defined by a sense of quiet. Her designs do not shout for attention; they invite you in gently. Whether she is working on a coastal residence, a workshop, or a pavilion, her spaces feel timeless — built with a sensitivity that prioritizes human experience over spectacle. 

She is deeply attentive to landscape, climate, and culture. Every project reflects a respect for context rather than an imposition on it. In her work, windows frame wind, walls hold shadows, and courtyards carry silence. It is architecture that breathes. 

A Leadership Style Built on Care and Integrity 

In a field often driven by ego or speed, Khushnu stands out for her calm presence and grounded leadership. She listens more than she speaks, observes before she decides, and chooses integrity over convenience. Colleagues describe her as someone who brings steadiness to complex processes, clarity to difficult decisions, and empathy to every interaction. 

Her leadership continues to inspire young architects who seek to build meaningful work in a world obsessed with efficiency. 

A Legacy Defined by Thoughtfulness 

Khushnu Panthaki Hoof is more than an architect; she is a custodian of India’s craft traditions, a bridge between old knowledge and new ideas, and a voice for architecture that is slow, deliberate, and deeply human. Her career proves that design does not need to be loud to be powerful — it needs to be honest. 

She represents a generation of Indian architects who are redefining global design narratives, not by chasing trends, but by anchoring themselves in values, place, and humanity. 

Early Curiosity and an Unusual Path 

Shakuntala Bhagat’s journey began at a time when engineering was almost entirely a man’s world. Yet she walked into this space with a quiet certainty, driven by a deep curiosity about how buildings and bridges hold their strength. Growing up with her father, the respected structural engineer Prof. V. T. Shah, she was surrounded by drawings, models, and conversations about materials and forces. What looked technical to others felt like a natural language to her. 

Her path into civil engineering wasn’t a struggle to prove anything  she simply felt drawn to the field. And when she graduated, she became India’s first woman civil engineer, a milestone she carried with grace rather than pride. 

A Partnership Built on Trust and Ideas 

After completing her studies, Shakuntala joined her father to establish Bhagat Engineering, a practice that became a quiet powerhouse in structural design. Their partnership was grounded in mutual respect. Her father brought decades of experience; she brought a fresh, fearless mind and a willingness to explore unconventional ideas. 

Together, they created a space where innovation wasn’t just encouraged — it was expected. This father–daughter team pushed each other to refine ideas, simplify designs, and solve structural challenges that others often avoided. 

Reinventing Bridge Construction in India 

One of Shakuntala’s most pioneering contributions was in bridge engineering. She co-developed the Bhagat–Shah Bridge System, a modular and precast method that allowed bridges to be built faster, more efficiently, and more cost-effectively. 

This invention didn’t just save money it transformed how India could build in difficult terrains and rural regions. Places that once struggled with access could now receive bridges built with precision, safety, and speed. Her work carried a quiet humanitarian impact, strengthening connections between communities and improving daily life for countless people. 

Leadership Rooted in Calm and Clarity 

Shakuntala was known for her calm presence on construction sites. She wasn’t the loudest voice, but she was always the one people listened to. Her instructions were clear, her reasoning strong, and her respect for every person from senior engineers to ground-level workers was unwavering. 

Her style of leadership was gentle but firm. She believed in getting every detail right, not for perfection’s sake, but for safety and longevity. Her drawings were crisp, her calculations meticulous, and her decisions deeply thoughtful. She practiced engineering as a responsibility, not a profession. 

A Legacy That Still Inspires 

Shakuntala Bhagat passed away in 2012, but her influence continues to shape modern engineering in India. She changed what was possible for women in technical fields, not by speaking about it, but by quietly proving it through her work. 

Her bridges still stand strong, and so does the message she left behind: that brilliance doesn’t need noise, and real impact doesn’t always come from the spotlight. Sometimes it comes from someone who simply shows up every day, does the work with heart, and leaves the world stronger and safer than before. 

In the world of architecture, where blueprints often overshadow emotion, Canna Hasmukh Patel designs with both  precision and empathy. As the principal architect and interior designer at HCP Interior Design Pvt. Ltd., she has carved her identity in India’s design landscape as a professional who understands that every space has a soul  and that design, at its best, connects people to it.

A Legacy Rooted in Design

Born into a lineage of visionaries  the daughter of the late Padma Bhushan architect Hasmukh C. Patel  Canna Patel grew up surrounded by conversations about form, function, and the human experience of architecture. Yet, her path was not one of inheritance alone, but of intention.

Educated in interior architecture and design, Canna chose to translate her understanding of space beyond structures  into how people live, move, and feel within them. Over time, her approach evolved into a philosophy: architecture must serve life, not the other way around.

Where Architecture Meets Emotion

Through her firm, HCP Interior Design, Canna has led and contributed to some of India’s most significant design and architecture projects  including the interiors for the New Parliament Building, the Vice-President’s Enclave, and major civic and institutional spaces across Ahmedabad and New Delhi.

What sets her apart is the way she blends technical mastery with a deep sense of human context. Her work goes beyond creating functional interiors  it curates experiences. Whether it’s a public institution or a private space, her designs reveal a quiet dialogue between tradition and modernity, efficiency and emotion.

To Canna, design is not just about what meets the eye. It’s about how a space breathes, how it listens, and how it makes you feel when you walk into it.

Leadership with Purpose

Under her leadership, HCP Interior Design has expanded its scope from private residences to large-scale public and institutional projects. But what defines her professional success is not just the scale of her work  it’s her commitment to collaboration and mentorship.

Canna believes that design flourishes in dialogue. Her studio culture encourages young architects and designers to think critically, innovate responsibly, and create inclusively. In a field still heavily male-dominated, her leadership quietly but powerfully challenges stereotypes  showing that women can lead landmark projects not just with strength, but with sensitivity.

Designing India’s Future with Heritage at Heart

Canna’s work often reflects an Indian sensibility modernized with global relevance. Her design language values materials, light, texture, and culture  ensuring that every project tells a story of continuity, not imitation.

From civic spaces that shape national identity to workplaces that inspire productivity, her projects hold a timeless aesthetic  elegant, functional, and deeply human.

In her hands, design becomes a narrative, one that honors India’s architectural roots while embracing the future.

The Woman Behind the Designs

Beyond her achievements and awards, Canna Patel’s legacy is her ability to see people within spaces  to humanize design in an age of concrete and code. Her journey embodies what “Built By Her” stands for: women who build not just structures, but stories of strength, vision, and belonging.

Introduction

Phirosa Neterwala and Sunu Aibara are two of India’s most acclaimed interior architects and designers, celebrated for their refined aesthetics and timeless approach to design. As the co-founders of Neterwala & Aibara Interior Architects, based in Mumbai, they have spent over three decades crafting interiors that redefine modern Indian luxury. Their practice is synonymous with elegance, craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail, creating spaces that are not only beautiful but deeply personal and enduring.

Design Philosophy

At the heart of their philosophy lies a belief that design must reflect individuality. Phirosa and Sunu view every project as a unique narrative — a story that captures the client’s personality, lifestyle, and aspirations. Their work seamlessly combines modern minimalism with artistic warmth, achieving a perfect balance between form and function. Their interiors are known for their clean architectural lines, natural textures, and harmonious proportions, which together create an atmosphere of understated sophistication. For them, true luxury is found in restraint, balance, and the thoughtful layering of materials, light, and space.

The Firm – Neterwala & Aibara Interior Architects

Founded in Mumbai, Neterwala & Aibara has become a leading name in India’s design landscape. Under the leadership of Phirosa Neterwala and Sunu Aibara, the studio offers a holistic approach that includes interior architecture, spatial planning, furniture design, and art consultancy. The firm’s portfolio spans luxury residences, boutique offices, hotels, and private retreats, each project reflecting a distinctive identity and timeless charm. Their collaborative process ensures every element — from architectural layout to finishing details — is meticulously crafted and harmonized.

Inspiration & Creative Approach

Both designers draw inspiration from travel, art, architecture, and culture, which enrich their visual language and design sensibility. They often describe their creative process as intuitive yet precise — one that respects the essence of space while enhancing its character. Their designs celebrate materiality, craftsmanship, and context, resulting in interiors that feel natural, soulful, and enduring. Phirosa and Sunu’s shared vision allows them to bring together structure and emotion, creating spaces that are both visually striking and deeply livable.

Recognition & Influence

Over the years, Neterwala & Aibara has received widespread recognition from the global design community. The firm has been featured multiple times in Architectural Digest India’s AD100 list, which honors the country’s most influential architects and designers. Their work has also appeared in Elle Decor, Design Anthology, and GoodHomes, reflecting their strong design identity and cultural influence. Beyond their professional accolades, Phirosa Neterwala and Sunu Aibara are admired as trailblazers for women in Indian design, inspiring countless emerging designers with their integrity, creativity, and dedication.

Legacy & Vision

Together, Phirosa Neterwala and Sunu Aibara have built more than a design firm — they have created a legacy of elegance, thoughtfulness, and innovation. Their partnership exemplifies harmony between creativity and discipline, between artistry and architecture. Through their vision, Neterwala & Aibara Interior Architects continues to set benchmarks in design excellence, inspiring future generations to pursue design with authenticity, passion, and purpose.

Their work stands as a testament to the idea that great design is timeless — not defined by trends, but by how beautifully it connects people to the spaces they inhabit.

Introduction: A Vision Beyond the Stars

Ritu Karidhal is one of the most well-known figures in Indian space research. She is regarded as the “Rocket Woman of India” because of her innovative contribution to India’s first interplanetary expedition, the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan). She is a representation of contemporary Indian engineering brilliance due to her composed leadership, technical accuracy, and unwavering commitment. Beyond the recognition, she inspires millions of others, particularly young women who want to pursue careers in STEM.

Academic Background: A Passion Rooted in Curiosity

Ritu’s adventure started in the culturally diverse city of Lucknow, where she watched the stars and read newspaper scientific articles that stoked her interest in space. Despite having few resources and no internet at the time, she used her curiosity and willpower to pursue her goal. After earning her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Physics from Lucknow University, she went on to IISc, Bangalore, one of India’s best universities, to obtain an M.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering. She became a prominent space scientist because of her commitment to her studies.

Early Days at ISRO: The Launch of a Stellar Career

In 1997, Ritu started working for the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), where she advanced through the ranks by planning missions and building and running satellites. In addition to her technical expertise, she was renowned from the start for her capacity for teamwork and strategic thinking. She eventually became well-known in India’s space program after assisting with the launch of several satellites.

Mars Orbiter Mission: A Defining Moment

Perhaps Ritu Karidhal’s employment as Mangalyaan’s Deputy Operations Director, which started in 2013, was the most important moment in her career. Her primary task was to design and implement the autonomous system, an essential element that ensured the spaceship could make decisions alone while traveling millions of kilometers from Earth.

The Mars mission was a historic milestone, making India the first country in the world to reach Mars on its maiden attempt and the first Asian nation to do so. The project was completed at a fraction of the cost of similar missions by other countries, highlighting the ingenuity and efficiency of ISRO. Ritu’s contributions were pivotal in achieving this success.

Expanding Horizons: Chandrayaan and Beyond

Ritu assumed much more responsibility after Mangalyaan. She was appointed Mission Director of India’s second lunar mission, Chandrayaan-2, where she oversaw the integration of complicated systems and managed several teams. Despite a partial failure of the mission’s lander, the orbiter is still operating effectively and gathering useful lunar data.

The ambitious Indian human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan, is one of the upcoming projects she is participating with. Her ongoing participation in mission leadership positions demonstrates her significant contribution to ISRO’s long-term goals.

Honours and Global Recognition

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam personally awarded Ritu with the ISRO Young Scientist Award, one of several honors she has won for her services to Indian space science. Global venues like Forbes, the BBC, and TEDx have featured her work, and she continues to motivate the upcoming generation of engineers and innovators.

More Than a Scientist: A Symbol of Possibility

Beyond her scientific accomplishments, Ritu Karidhal stands for something much more significant: the belief that anything is possible if one has the will and bravery to pursue it. She demonstrates that women can lead important missions and raise families without sacrificing either by juggling a hard work and family life. She is a role model for young Indians, particularly ladies who want to enter traditionally male-dominated areas, because of her modesty and brilliant intelligence.

Conclusion: The Sky is Not the Limit

The story of Ritu Karidhal is about more than just space flight; it’s about ambition, tenacity, and breaking down limits. Her journey, which began as a young girl stargazing in Lucknow and ended with her heading India’s most ambitious space missions, exemplifies the strength of knowledge-driven goals. As India prepares for its upcoming space missions, Ritu remains at the forefront, demonstrating that the sky is only the beginning and not the limit.