Arati Gupta, a meteorologist from Nalanda, Bihar, has made history by becoming the first woman from both Bihar and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to step foot in Antarctica. Her selection for India’s 45th scientific expedition to the southernmost continent marks not only a personal achievement but also a significant milestone for women in Indian science.

Arati Gupta’s Journey: From Nalanda to Antarctica

Arati Gupta’s journey began in Biharsharif, the district headquarters of Nalanda. As a young recruit at the Patna office of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), she first read about Antarctic expeditions in an internal IMD magazine. At the time, the stories of those expeditions felt far removed from her reality. However, years later, that distant world of ice and snow became her own.

Gupta is now part of the 45th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica, a team comprising 52 members, including scientists, technical experts, logistics personnel, and medical staff. This expedition focuses on research areas such as climate change, atmospheric science, biology, and astronomy. Gupta, as a meteorologist, is contributing to the global understanding of environmental changes, with a particular focus on the effects of climate change.

Achieving the Dream: Rigorous Selection Process

Gupta’s journey to Antarctica wasn’t an easy one. Gaining selection for an Antarctic mission is one of the most challenging processes within Indian scientific service. Candidates are required to undergo multiple stages of screening, beginning with strict physical and psychological evaluations at AIIMS, New Delhi. Gupta highlighted the importance of the mental tests, which are just as significant as the physical challenges. Candidates must be prepared for nearly a year of isolation in one of the most extreme environments on Earth, far from family and society.

Once the initial evaluations are passed, candidates undergo a month-long training program at the Indo-Tibetan Border Police’s Mountaineering and Skiing Institute in Auli. Here, they are trained in survival techniques for enduring extreme cold, navigating snow-covered terrain, and dealing with high altitudes. The final stage of the selection process involves specialized departmental training, where candidates learn how to operate scientific equipment and handle emergencies in polar conditions.

Life in Antarctica: Challenging and Isolated

Gupta is well aware of the harsh realities of life in Antarctica, especially during the winter months. “Life in Antarctica during winter is extremely difficult,” she shared. “There is intense cold, long periods of darkness, limited resources, and almost complete isolation. Patience, discipline, and teamwork are essential.” The continent is the coldest, driest, and windiest place on Earth, with temperatures varying from near-zero in the summer to a chilling -89°C in winter. Nearly 98% of Antarctica’s surface is covered by ice sheets, some as thick as 2.5 kilometers.

There is no indigenous population in Antarctica, and the continent is governed by the Antarctic Treaty of 1959, which reserves it solely for peaceful scientific research. Military activity is strictly prohibited, and international expeditions are crucial for ongoing research that helps enhance global understanding of environmental and climate changes.

A Personal Achievement and a Message for Other Women

For Gupta, her journey to Antarctica holds a significance that goes beyond scientific contribution. “Stepping into this challenging field as a woman is not just a personal achievement,” she said. “It is a message to other women that no dream is impossible.” Gupta’s journey from Biharsharif to Antarctica is not just about breaking barriers in science but also about encouraging other young women to dream big and challenge societal boundaries.

She credits her family, her husband, the IMD, and her own perseverance for making this moment possible. Her determination, she says, was the key to overcoming the obstacles that stood in her way. Now, with her feet firmly planted on Antarctica’s icy terrain, Gupta is focused on fulfilling her responsibilities in the expedition with dedication. She hopes her story will inspire others, especially women, to pursue unconventional careers and explore opportunities that once seemed out of reach.

The Significance of Her Work in Antarctica

Gupta’s work as a meteorologist is vital to understanding the environmental challenges faced by the planet. India’s Antarctic expeditions focus on various research fields that are crucial to addressing global environmental issues. The research carried out in Antarctica provides valuable insights into climate change, the Earth’s atmosphere, and the impact of environmental shifts on biological systems. Gupta’s contributions in this regard are not only important for India but also for the broader global scientific community.

Her presence in the Antarctic expedition further highlights the growing role of women in scientific fields that have traditionally been male-dominated. As a female scientist from a small town in Bihar, Gupta’s success reflects the changing dynamics in Indian science and the increasing participation of women in cutting-edge research.

Inspiring Future Generations of Scientists

Gupta’s remarkable journey serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for young women across India, particularly those from small towns and rural areas. Her success challenges the conventional boundaries that have often limited the aspirations of women in science and other fields. She encourages young girls to believe in themselves and to strive for excellence, regardless of the challenges they may face.

“It is not gender that matters,” Gupta said, “but determination and capability.” This powerful message underscores the importance of perseverance and self-belief. Gupta’s achievement is proof that with the right attitude and hard work, dreams that seem distant or unattainable can be realized.

Arati Gupta’s journey from Biharsharif to Antarctica is an inspiring story of perseverance, ambition, and breaking barriers. As the first woman from Bihar and the India Meteorological Department to reach Antarctica, she is not just contributing to scientific research but also setting an example for future generations of women scientists. Her dedication to her work and her commitment to inspiring young women to dream big make her journey a significant moment in the history of Indian science.

Gupta’s story is a reminder that no dream is too big, and with determination, any goal is achievable. As she continues her work in Antarctica, she hopes to leave a lasting impact on both the scientific community and the young women who will follow in her footsteps.