Priyanka Rajkakati, an accomplished aerospace engineer, is on the verge of an extraordinary adventure. Hailing from Assam and currently residing in Paris, she is all set to explore the remote, icy expanse of Antarctica, a journey that she believes will be a transformative experience.
Despite her cosmopolitan upbringing in Delhi and her current life in Paris, Priyanka maintains a deep connection to her Assamese heritage. Her mission is to become the first Assamese woman to set foot on Antarctica while proudly bearing Assam’s cultural symbol, the gamosa.
What makes Priyanka’s Antarctic expedition even more significant is her strong ties to Assam, as her sponsors for this once-in-a-lifetime journey are none other than Assam Tourism and the Government of Assam.
As part of the Homeward Bound program, Priyanka will join a diverse group of over 80 women scientists with backgrounds in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) from 18 different countries. Together, they will spend 19 nights in Antarctica, navigating the perilous Drake’s Passage, known for its towering waves that can reach up to 60 feet. Their landings will be near the Southern Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Currently, Priyanka serves as the Head of Special Projects at vorteX-io, a company dedicated to creating flood warning systems.
Women like Priyanka serve as inspiring figures for the young women of Assam and the Northeast as a whole, demonstrating that their potential and capabilities can lead them to extraordinary heights and uncharted territories.
