Hi All,
A few days ago, I read a very interesting real-life experience of a famous personality from Bangalore. I was truly enthralled and touched by the narrative, prompting me to share it with all of you here.
Have Passion!
It was probably April 1974. Bangalore was warming up, and the gulmohars were blooming at the IISc campus. I was the only girl in my postgraduate department, staying at the ladies' hostel while other girls pursued research in various Science departments.
I was eager to go abroad to finish a doctorate in computer science. Although I had scholarships from US universities, I had not considered taking a job in India.
One day, on my way back to the hostel from our lecture hall complex, I noticed an advertisement on the notice board. It was a standard job requirement notice from the famous automobile company Telco (now Tata Motors), stating their need for young, bright engineers with excellent academic backgrounds, etc. At the bottom, there was a small line: 'Lady Candidates need not apply.'
Upon reading this, I was deeply upset as it was my first encounter with gender discrimination in life. Despite not being keen on the job, I saw it as a challenge. Having excelled academically, better than most of my male peers, I soon realized that academic excellence alone is not sufficient for success.
After reading the notice, I stormed back to my room, deciding to inform the topmost person at Telco about the injustice. However, there was a dilemma - I didn't know who headed Telco. Assuming it was one of the Tatas, I addressed a postcard to JRD Tata and expressed my concerns about the discrimination based on gender.
Less than 10 days later, I received a telegram asking me to appear for an interview at Telco's Pune facility, all expenses covered by the company. Surprised by the opportunity, I collected contributions from hostel mates to purchase Pune saris for them. Looking back, the reasons for my trip seem amusing now, but back then, they were convincing enough.
Upon arriving in Pune, I fell in love with the city and felt as much at home there as I did in Hubli, my hometown. The experience transformed my life in numerous ways. Following instructions, I attended the interview at Telco's Pimpri office, where a panel of six conducted the interview, indicating the seriousness of the situation.
Before the interview commenced, someone whispered, 'This is the girl who wrote to JRD,' as I entered the room. Realizing the panel's bias, I bluntly stated, 'I hope this is only a technical interview,' which startled them. Although I regret my impoliteness, I managed to answer all their technical questions.
An elderly gentleman among the panel members explained to me why they mentioned that lady candidates need not apply. He emphasized that they had never employed women on the shop floor due to the factory environment, suggesting that individuals like me should work in research laboratories.
Coming from a small-town background in Hubli, this reality was new to me. Despite my limited exposure to the ways of large corporate entities, I challenged their perspective by highlighting the importance of starting somewhere to pave the way for women in factory roles.
After a lengthy interview, I was informed of my success, marking a pivotal moment in my life. This unforeseen turn of events led me to take up a job in Pune, where I met my husband, a shy young man from Karnataka, and we eventually got married.
Only after joining Telco did I realize the significance of JRD Tata, the uncrowned king of Indian industry. Although initially intimidated, I eventually crossed paths with him in Bombay, where his presence left a lasting impression on me.
JRD's humility and respect for individuals, regardless of their status, were evident during our encounters. His encouraging words and advice resonated with me, influencing my mindset and actions in subsequent years.
The legacy of JRD Tata continues to inspire me, reinforcing my admiration and respect for the House of Tata. His values of simplicity, generosity, kindness, and employee welfare have left an indelible mark on me, guiding my personal and professional journey.
Regards,
Jeanne
"BE NICE TO PEOPLE ON YOUR WAY UP, FOR YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOU WILL MEET ON YOUR WAY DOWN" :)
[Article sourced from: Lasting Legacies (Tata Review- Special Commemorative Issue 2004), brought out by the House of Tatas to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of JRD Tata on July 29, 2004.]
A few days ago, I read a very interesting real-life experience of a famous personality from Bangalore. I was truly enthralled and touched by the narrative, prompting me to share it with all of you here.
Have Passion!
It was probably April 1974. Bangalore was warming up, and the gulmohars were blooming at the IISc campus. I was the only girl in my postgraduate department, staying at the ladies' hostel while other girls pursued research in various Science departments.
I was eager to go abroad to finish a doctorate in computer science. Although I had scholarships from US universities, I had not considered taking a job in India.
One day, on my way back to the hostel from our lecture hall complex, I noticed an advertisement on the notice board. It was a standard job requirement notice from the famous automobile company Telco (now Tata Motors), stating their need for young, bright engineers with excellent academic backgrounds, etc. At the bottom, there was a small line: 'Lady Candidates need not apply.'
Upon reading this, I was deeply upset as it was my first encounter with gender discrimination in life. Despite not being keen on the job, I saw it as a challenge. Having excelled academically, better than most of my male peers, I soon realized that academic excellence alone is not sufficient for success.
After reading the notice, I stormed back to my room, deciding to inform the topmost person at Telco about the injustice. However, there was a dilemma - I didn't know who headed Telco. Assuming it was one of the Tatas, I addressed a postcard to JRD Tata and expressed my concerns about the discrimination based on gender.
Less than 10 days later, I received a telegram asking me to appear for an interview at Telco's Pune facility, all expenses covered by the company. Surprised by the opportunity, I collected contributions from hostel mates to purchase Pune saris for them. Looking back, the reasons for my trip seem amusing now, but back then, they were convincing enough.
Upon arriving in Pune, I fell in love with the city and felt as much at home there as I did in Hubli, my hometown. The experience transformed my life in numerous ways. Following instructions, I attended the interview at Telco's Pimpri office, where a panel of six conducted the interview, indicating the seriousness of the situation.
Before the interview commenced, someone whispered, 'This is the girl who wrote to JRD,' as I entered the room. Realizing the panel's bias, I bluntly stated, 'I hope this is only a technical interview,' which startled them. Although I regret my impoliteness, I managed to answer all their technical questions.
An elderly gentleman among the panel members explained to me why they mentioned that lady candidates need not apply. He emphasized that they had never employed women on the shop floor due to the factory environment, suggesting that individuals like me should work in research laboratories.
Coming from a small-town background in Hubli, this reality was new to me. Despite my limited exposure to the ways of large corporate entities, I challenged their perspective by highlighting the importance of starting somewhere to pave the way for women in factory roles.
After a lengthy interview, I was informed of my success, marking a pivotal moment in my life. This unforeseen turn of events led me to take up a job in Pune, where I met my husband, a shy young man from Karnataka, and we eventually got married.
Only after joining Telco did I realize the significance of JRD Tata, the uncrowned king of Indian industry. Although initially intimidated, I eventually crossed paths with him in Bombay, where his presence left a lasting impression on me.
JRD's humility and respect for individuals, regardless of their status, were evident during our encounters. His encouraging words and advice resonated with me, influencing my mindset and actions in subsequent years.
The legacy of JRD Tata continues to inspire me, reinforcing my admiration and respect for the House of Tata. His values of simplicity, generosity, kindness, and employee welfare have left an indelible mark on me, guiding my personal and professional journey.
Regards,
Jeanne
"BE NICE TO PEOPLE ON YOUR WAY UP, FOR YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOU WILL MEET ON YOUR WAY DOWN" :)
[Article sourced from: Lasting Legacies (Tata Review- Special Commemorative Issue 2004), brought out by the House of Tatas to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of JRD Tata on July 29, 2004.]