It's HER Saga: The Inspiring Legacy of Dr. Pragya!!

Pooja Narang, the founder of Its HER Saga and the New Advisory Board Member of Pharma Now, in conversation with Dr.Pragya Yadav M.Sc., Ph.D, FAMS, FNAASc, FIVS, MNASc. Director in Charge, National Institute of One Health, Scientist 'F' and Group Leader, Maximum Containment Laboratory, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute Of Virology - India

There are days when you meet people who leave a lasting memory, and then there are people who change something within you, inspiring you to become a better person. My conversation with Dr. Pragya was the latter. It made me reflect deeply on how selfless one can be for their country and for people for whom duty and commitment always come first.

Her unwavering dedication reminded me of a verse from the Bhagavad Gita:

"Karmanye vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana"

("You have the right to perform your duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.")

This shloka beautifully encapsulates Dr. Pragya’s journey—where the act of serving, of giving to her nation, of dedicating herself to science was always above any personal reward. Through her incredible accomplishments, she continues to show that with perseverance, selflessness, and faith in the work you do, the outcomes will take care of themselves.

Her infectious smile and undeniable energy add a unique charm to her presence.

Pooja: Heartiest congratulations, Dr. Pragya, on being awarded the “Rashtriya Yuva Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award”—the most prestigious science honour in the country! Can you tell us what went through your mind when you first heard the news? And how did you celebrate that special moment?

Dr. Pragya: Thank you so much! It honestly felt like a dream come true. Every scientist hopes for recognition like this, but when it actually happens, it feels surreal. To be honest, I wasn’t even planning to apply for the award! At the time, I was delivering a session on Science Day at CSIR-CIMAP in Lucknow—my hometown. The nomination timeline was tight, and I applied on the last day. I was travelling, so I didn't give it much thought after applying.

Then, on August 8th, when I came home from lab and was in the kitchen, my husband told me I had an email from Dr. Ajay Sood sir, Principal Scientific advisor. The minute I opened it and saw that I had won, we were overjoyed! It was such an overwhelming feeling, and I immediately informed my colleagues in ICMR-NIV, senior officials and officials of ICMR, former secretory and DG, and Dr. Balram Bhargava, Secretory and DG, Dr. Rajeev Bahl, Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, Dr. Nivedita Gupta, Dr. DT Mourya and my parents to share the news.

Pooja: And when the news broke, how did people respond? What was that moment like for you?

Dr. Pragya: Oh, it was simply overwhelming! As soon as the news got out, my phone was flooded with congratulatory messages—it felt like a wave of joy crashing over me! It wasn’t just about my achievement; it felt like a monumental moment for the entire ICMR-NIV and ICMR team, who had poured their hearts and souls into our work during the pandemic. Each message was a reminder of the collective effort and the late nights we all spent in the lab. It made me realize how much we all had invested in this journey together, and I was truly grateful for the support we had from everyone.

Pooja: And where did you celebrate this significant milestone? Did you have a grand party to mark the occasion?

Dr. Pragya: (laughs) Well, to be completely honest, we didn’t have a big celebration as I had anticipated! The day after the announcement, we gathered for a simple tea party—nothing fancy, just a cozy get-together with my close colleagues and friends of the NIV family. I had a travel commitment to Geneva right around that time so we couldn’t organize anything elaborate. But even that small gathering felt special, filled with laughter and heartfelt conversations, which made it all the more memorable.

Pooja: Can you share your experience of receiving the award at Rashtrapati Bhavan? What did that moment mean to you?

Dr. Pragya: Oh, that moment will forever be etched in my heart! As I stepped into Rashtrapati Bhavan, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude wash over me. There I was, surrounded by some truly remarkable individuals, including five other incredible women awardees. It felt empowering to share that space with them, and all of us were united in our passion for science and our commitment to making a difference. When I met the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu and she personally said, “Congratulations,” it felt like the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. It was a surreal, once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will cherish forever, not just as a personal achievement but as a recognition of the collective efforts of my entire team and all the women in science who inspire me every day.

The Darbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan was filled that day with so many distinguished top experts and 33 awardees of the Country. Distinguished delegates, including Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of Science and Technology and Minister of Earth Sciences, Dr. Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor, Secretory and DG of CSIR, DST, DBT and Dr. Bahl from ICMR in a row along with the ISRO, Chairman and former DBT Secretory and DG, Dr. Renu Swaroop, Directors from different organizations and family members of awardees celebrating the science first time in the history of the country from different science subject together in one award ceremony [From Chandryaan-3 to Vaccine journey and many scientific success stories] showcasing the interest in current leadership to promote the science and researchers.

Pooja: Reflecting on those early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, what was it like for you and your dedicated team at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) as you navigated the challenges of identifying the virus and developing vaccines?

Dr. Pragya: Those days were incredibly intense and filled with uncertainty for all of us. The world was grappling with a crisis, and we felt the weight of that responsibility heavily on our shoulders. Initially, we were working in the dark; the viral sequences weren’t yet available, so we focused on establishing coronavirus-specific RT-PCR assay. It was during this chaotic time that I had the privilege of collaborating closely with my colleague, Dr. Varsha Potdar. Together, we developed diagnostic protocols that would be crucial for identifying the virus in patients. The air was thick with urgency, yet our determination to contribute meaningfully was unwavering.

The moment we finally obtained the sequence, it was monumental, as the first three cases travelled from Wuhan, China, to India. I vividly remember the adrenaline rush as our team gathered in the lab to discuss our next steps. I suggested that we immediately sequence the virus, and everyone rallied together with a shared sense of purpose. We worked through the night, fueled by tea and our collective commitment. By 6:00 AM the next morning, we had accomplished what felt like an insurmountable task: the first confirmed case of novel coronavirus and, till evening, the full sequence of the virus!

It was a night of sleepless dedication, with no one leaving the lab until we had completed our work. I can’t express how grateful I am for the support and guidance from Dr. Priya Abraham, Dr. Ganga Khedkar, Dr. Nivedita Gupta and Dr. Bhargava, who were with us every step of the way, encouraging us and ensuring we had the resources we needed. It was a true testament to teamwork and resilience during an unprecedented time, and the experience deepened my appreciation for the collective efforts of everyone in our field.

Pooja: What was the outcome of that pivotal night in the lab?

Dr. Pragya: As dawn broke, we celebrated a significant milestone: we had confirmed the first novel Coronavirus sequence of the virus. It was a moment of triumph amidst the chaos, and I immediately reached out to the Director of NIV to share the exciting news. We called for a meeting with ICMR leadership and the NIV team, where we gathered to strategize our next steps in a collaborative spirit. The sense of urgency was palpable; we knew we had to act swiftly.

One of the most daunting challenges we faced was the need to prepare a few laboratories across India for COVID-19 testing. Given the travel restrictions imposed during the lockdown, we had to think outside the box. We organized online training sessions and knowledge transfers to ensure that everyone was equipped with the necessary skills and information to conduct the tests effectively. It was a collective effort, and we were amazed by how VRDL network of scientists and technicians came together to rise to the occasion. Despite the obstacles, the determination and resilience of our team shone through, allowing us to make significant strides in the fight against the pandemic.

Pooja: In a recent movie, we saw scientists going out to capture monkeys for virus research. Was that real or fiction?

Dr. Pragya: (laughs) Believe it or not, that was real! During the pandemic, we encountered significant challenges in sourcing appropriate animal models for our research. We explored various options and ultimately determined that we needed young, healthy monkeys to study the virus effectively.

However, the reality was much more complicated than we anticipated. Many animal handlers had returned to their villages due to the lockdown, making it incredibly difficult to find the right specimens. It felt like an arduous scavenger hunt during a time of great uncertainty.

In this desperate situation, we rallied a dedicated team to work closely with local authorities and animal catchers. It was inspiring to witness how everyone came together to help us—forest officers, police personnel, and even the local community stepped in to support our efforts. They went above and beyond, providing assistance, guidance, and even guest houses for our team as we navigated this complex task.

After a tremendous amount of hard work and collaboration, we finally succeeded in bringing the monkeys to our labs. It was a relief and a testament to the power of teamwork during such challenging times. That experience underscored the lengths we had to go to in order to continue our vital research and contribute to the fight against COVID-19.

Pooja: Throughout your journey, you must have faced many challenges as a woman in a demanding field. What advice would you give to young women scientists who aspire to follow in your footsteps?

Dr. Pragya: My advice to young women scientists is to believe in themselves and their work. Science does not discriminate, and your passion and commitment will speak louder than any societal barrier. It’s important to seek mentors, build strong networks, and never be afraid to ask questions or challenge the status quo.

Another piece of advice is to be resilient. The journey can be difficult, especially for women balancing family especially motherhood and professional life. But with the right mindset, patience, and determination, it is possible to achieve great success. I have been fortunate to have mentors, especially Dr. DT Mourya, PhD guide, and former NIV Directors, who have guided me and provided unwavering support. I encourage young women to find role models and allies in their field.

Pooja: How did your family cope during this intense time, especially considering you were exposed to the virus almost daily?

Dr. Pragya: My family truly became my anchor during this turbulent period. With the demands of my work, especially being in the thick of the pandemic, I was incredibly grateful to have my parents, my father-in-law, a retired naval officer, and my mother-in-law by my side. They stepped in with unwavering support, taking care of my children and keeping our household running smoothly, which allowed me to focus on my responsibilities at work.

Even before the official lockdown was announced, I had to make the difficult decision to keep my kids indoors, which was not easy—especially since it was right after Holi, when they were bursting with energy and excitement to play with friends. I could sense their frustration, but I was genuinely worried about their safety. I knew that the risk of them contracting the virus was a reality we had to face. Thankfully, over time, they began to understand the gravity of the situation and the reasons behind my decisions.

Coming from an Army background, my family is ingrained with a sense of duty and sacrifice, so they rallied around me with compassion and strength. However, I have to admit, my younger son had a particularly tough time coping with everything. With both my husband and I working long hours, he found it challenging to keep up with his studies and responsibilities. One night, while I was buried in work at the lab, he called me in tears, worried that he would fail his exams. Hearing his voice filled with anxiety made my heart sink; it was the first time I truly felt the weight of guilt as a mother. I wished I could be there to reassure him and help him navigate his worries.

That moment reminded me of the delicate balance we were all trying to maintain and the emotional toll it was taking on our family. It also reinforced the importance of open communication and support within our family unit as we all faced this unprecedented crisis together. In the end, we emerged stronger, learning to lean on one another in ways we never had before, which made our bond even more profound.

Pooja: It sounds like an incredibly difficult balance between your professional and personal responsibilities. How did you manage to stay motivated through it all?

Dr. Pragya: It was tough, but what kept us going was the belief that we were doing something for the greater good—something that would save lives. The entire team shared that sense of purpose (Dr. Varsha Potdar, Dr. Anita Shete, Dr. S. Mohandas, Dr. Deepak Patil, Dr. Rima Sahay, Dr. Gajanan Sapkal, and many such dedicated researchers of NIV). We received support from the administration and leadership at NIV and ICMR headquarters and the government of India, which made a big difference, though there were stressful moments.

The pandemic was a test of resilience for all of us. What mattered most was the sense of duty we felt toward our country and our communities. That belief in the impact of our work is what fueled us through the long, sleepless nights.

Pooja: What message would you like to give to the next generation of scientists?

Dr. Pragya: Stay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay resilient. Science is a field that demands patience, but the rewards are immeasurable. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. And remember, your work has the potential to change lives, so never underestimate the value of your contributions.