A place of my own

MANAGEMENT had never been on my mind when I was a student. I was always confused about what I wanted to do with my life and career. The atmosphere in which I was born and brought up was totally different, where it was considered taboo for women to step out of the house and work. I always had some dreams about my future. Right from my childhood, something in me kept telling me that I had to do something in my life. I didn't want to settle down within the four walls of the house and certainly didn't want to be relegated to the kitchen! As I always enjoyed interacting with people and studying human relationships, I made up my mind and chose a career in personnel management. I got a job soon after my post graduation. I faced a lot of opposition from my parents as they were against me working and I didn't receive much encouragement from them. Marriage proved to be a turning point and I now have a very supportive husband who encourages me to be my own person.

Towards the completion of my project, I had a job in hand, in a public limited company. Since there were many other new entrants who joined at the same time, a friendly and cheerful atmosphere prevailed, similar to what I had experienced during my collegiate years. My first job proved to be an eye opener, for, though I enjoyed my work, alternatively I also faced a lot of problems.

As a woman, it was difficult to work in an organisation where women are not encouraged. I took it up as a challenge and the experience here was priceless. The work was challenging and pushed me to the limits of my capability. Private firms demand hard work and a woman in not exempted from this. I tried to manage my office hours as efficiently as possible to avoid staying back late. It's not always possible to do so as sometimes the work is so demanding that I am not in a position to spend time with my family.

I recall an incident that happened a few years ago. It had been a hectic morning and there hardly seemed to be any time for any thing. Just as I was getting ready to leave for work, I received a call from my mother- in-law, inviting me for a special Diwali lunch. Things could hardly get any better, considering that I had an important meeting with a client at the same time! Still, I was sure that I could somehow juggle the two appointments.

I was greeted by a beaming boss, who handed over to me yet another responsibility. Important foreign delegates had arrived and I was asked to conduct a seminar on behalf of my company during the later half of the day. There was no way I could back out of it. Soon, I was immersed in the presentation and totally forgot all about my in laws who were waiting for me. Needless to say, when I got home finally (late in the night), I was greeted with a ``glorious demonstration of unceasing fireworks!''

Despite many worrying moments, working in an area like Human Resources or Personnel Management has always been my interest. I had dreamt of making my career in this field, and today I am proud to have achieved it. Having achieved my goal, now I have begun to feel that family is more important and should be given due importance. No profession is indispensable in a woman's life, but as a wife or mother she is indeed indispensable!

I had to struggle but I'm glad that today discrimination between men and women is practically non-existent. There is now a sea change in the attitudes of parents and most of them believe in giving their daughters equal freedom in living life on their own terms.

Apart from my job, my other interests include music. I am a great lover of Carnatic vocal. I used to play the veena in my college days. Even today, whenever I get time I do practice it. When I am tired after work, I like playing the veena to unwind. This gives me much relief and great happiness.

There are many more dreams that I wish would come true, yet I'm happy that I have been able to achieve the most important of them all- freedom! Despite constant struggle, I can now truly ascribe to the saying that I have come of age!

MALLIKA NAIR