Roots and Wings : Inspiring Stories of Indian Women in Engineering

by Shantha Mohan

Girls who are fascinated by technical fields

should not be afraid to enter them. Parents should encourage all children, whether girls or boys, to pursue their interests.

refresh their skills and re-enter the world of work if they are to make progress.

Women need support from their parents, their husbands, and the society to achieve their dreams and goals—the

fields. It takes grit and interest in the field to stay the course and Lalitha’s life is a beacon

‘We are all unique, like fingerprints. In my life, I had so many changes of jobs and worked in several different fields. Each person must adapt to their circumstances, keeping an eye on what their goal in life

‘In the workplace, there is a perception that some jobs are important, and others are not. But I feel that, in all organizations, every job matters. Some jobs may get recognition, while others may not. I believe that, if one gets involved in the work, even a job which may appear mundane can be made interesting by identifying ways to improve the job and deliver value.’

put their education to good use, find a good job, seek independence, and stay in the job.

somewhat jokingly that, if it came down to a choice between a husband and a job, to choose the job, reiterating the importance of job security and financial independence for women.

They remember how Sundari

regarded education as the greatest wealth and this has stayed with them for life.

Women everywhere can look at Sundari’s life story and derive inspiration to overcome obstacles in their lives.

‘Listen to your hearts and minds as to what kind of work you would like to do instead of listening to family members and friends. If you do, you will be very successful in anything you do and will enjoy your career and not feel that work is a drudgery. If you plan to be homemakers, you should get a good, basic, education. It will help you assist your children in their education.’

‘To rule with power and to make laws we women came into this world. In capabilities attainable women are no less than men. Dance to celebrate that.’

R. Sulochana: The Can-Do Chief Engineer, Civil Designs

mutual self-respect for each other, the foundation of a successful career for a married woman.

My advice, therefore, would be, to use these opportunities to sharpen your skills and follow your passion. All other things in life will automatically fall into

‘Give equal importance to your family and work.

‘Whatever the tasks, do them slowly with ease, in mindfulness, so not do any tasks with the goal of getting them over with. Resolve to each job in a relaxed way, with all your attention.’

‘Find what makes you happy, become good at it and don’t compromise too

much!’

‘Education is everything. Especially women’s education. I am what I am today because my parents educated me.’

When she decided she wanted to quit, her husband reminded her that she would never be happy with herself if she did that and she would not be a good example for her children.

feel fortunate to bring her life story as an inspiration to all girls and women to study technical fields, contribute to technological advances, and be equal partners with men in the twenty-first century.

‘Life has been an interesting journey for me. I have taken things as they came and still enjoy every day with the new experiences that come my way. I have touched many people’s lives in different walks of life. Their love keeps me going. That is the legacy of my parents. Just enjoy life! That is my advice.’

Prema says everyone

must have skills they can rely on, to stand on their own feet, and every woman must participate in the decision-making process both in the family and in the workplace.

‘Life has a way of turning around on its own when we view responsibilities as privileges and constraints as opportunities to explore.

She says the most important wealth a girl can acquire is education, leading to a successful life, and

Rajeswari’s parents had very little education. But they encouraged all their children to

Rajeswari is a great role model for girls who are the first children in their families to go to college.

The women of our society should possess

the moral courage, will-power, and the required skills to be independent, and stand on their own feet. Patience and perseverance are the hallmarks of all successful women.’

‘Accept life’s opportunities and challenges with grace and do your best.’

She also believes that the most powerful

women in the world have a strong financial management background.

Her call to action to all women who want to pursue technical education is to dream big, dream to become an entrepreneur, stand tall and be independent, and make their families and country proud.

‘When you are young, you don’t know where life will take you. Being flexible and prepared for the twists and turns can help you lead a happy and fulfilled life. Engineering education gives you the ability to think systemically—needed more and more in the increasingly complex world enabled by technology. It is something you can use whatever you choose to do in life.’ Endnote