The President Mrs Pratibha Devisingh Patil has commended the contribution of Dr. Tessy Thomas as part of the team of scientists that were involved in the test launch of the Agni-5 Missile. According to the Rashtrapati Bhawan communique, the President has written to the women scientist in which Mrs Patil recalled her interaction with Dr. Tessy Thomas at Rashtrapati Bhawan on issues such as empowerment of women.

Mrs Patil in her letter has also said that the work of Dr. Thomas in the Agni programme would hopefully inspire more women in choosing careeers in science.