Dr. Mridula Chakraborty MBE

Dr. Mridula Chakraborty MBE : Pioneering Technocrat, Compassionate Leader, and Champion of the Indian Diaspora

Mridula Chakraborty’s journey from the serene hills of Mukteshwar, India, to the forefront of British innovation is a powerful story of resilience, excellence, and community service. Born in Uttar Pradesh and raised in a close-knit, value-driven family, Mridula was inspired early on by her grandfather, a civil engineer, and her father, a biochemist who contributed to vaccine development in a British-established lab—now India’s largest vaccine manufacturing site.

By the age of nine, she had set her sights on becoming an engineer. With the unwavering support of her family, she earned a BSc in Science, a BEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, an MSc in Systems Engineering, a PhD in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, and professional certifications in PRINCE2 and ISO27001.

Mridula made history as the UK’s first female robotics engineer, leading groundbreaking work at the National Engineering Laboratory. Her team developed the world’s first industrial robot capable of continuous path welding for car manufacturing—an achievement recognised by a personal visit from Prince Charles.

Her impact reaches beyond engineering. As a Principal Engineer in Business Innovation, she advised the UK’s Department of Trade and Industry, the Cabinet Office under Tony Blair, and the Scottish Parliament. Her work on the Digital Britain strategy, including initiatives like “UK Online for Business” and “IT for All”, significantly advanced digital inclusion across the UK.

Mridula has received numerous accolades, including an MBE during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee for her charitable work with the Asian community in Scotland, the Hind Rattan Award from the Government of India, and recognition by the House of Lords as a global technocrat.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led food distribution efforts, supported isolated students, and coordinated vital medical aid to India. She continues to serve vulnerable groups through charities such as Hemat Gryffe and Scottish Love in Action, and promotes culture through the Desi Bravehearts dance group.

Now based in Glasgow, Mridula balances her roles as engineer, mentor, mother, and community leader. She is the General Secretary of the Association of Indian Organisations, Chair of the Tagore Centre in Glasgow, and a founding member of the Bengali Cultural Association.

With over 40 years in the UK, Mridula remains a proud Indian citizen and an active cultural ambassador. She is admired for combining technical expertise with humanitarian service, standing as a role model for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), the Indian diaspora, and leaders worldwide.

Her story is not just one of personal success—it’s a beacon of purpose-driven leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to community.