In 1981, many industries had a policy of not employing women engineers
Published on : Sunday 08-03-2020
What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering at a time when not many women even think of it?
My father is an Engineer and was very passionate about the hard core engineering work which he did in his career. I think I was first inspired by him. After my first year of Engineering, there was a choice to take up different branches and mostly girls took up Electronics or Electrical. I was more interested in manufacturing technology and innovations. Therefore I took up Production Engineering. Incidentally, I was the first lady Production Engineer from VJTI and most probably from India as well.
Unlike steady 9-to-5 jobs, engineering career means deadlines and no fixed working hours. Was this difficult to handle?
I felt bored in my first desk job. I wanted to travel, see and understand how the industry works and how manufacturing technologies are deployed. In fact my initial travel abroad was a kind of Technology Sightseeing and not the country sightseeing.
Regarding deadlines, the business and industry has become so competitive that it cannot survive without this. I think it is a part of your life when you work in the industry.
A woman is also expected to manage the home. Was the family supportive in this?
Fortunately I had a very supportive family, particularly my in-laws. It is indeed important to have a supportive family to be successful. Also a woman has to learn to prioritise work at home and office and not feel bad about not doing some things.
Often projects demand stay away from home. How is that experience?
This could be an issue when children are small, but, with some planning within the family, I could manage.
Did you ever look back and lament you were in a different field or any opportunity missed?
Not really. I indeed like what I am doing and I think I have done more than my abilities.
During your career, have you ever felt discriminated against just for being a woman?
Since I am running my own business, this has not happened. But I believe that in my Company, the career growth is indeed dependent on the results and capabilities and not on the gender.
Is there more awareness on gender issues today than say, a decade ago?
Yes. I think there is more awareness. Industry is more open to employ women. I remember when I passed out my engineering course in 1981, many industries told me that they have a policy of not employing women engineers. However today, some of the industries are mandating certain percentage of woman employees.
In general, is there a bias against women in leadership roles?
I feel that, there are challenges in accepting women as a leader. We live in male dominated society and so unless this changes, gender equality will not happen at the workplace. If the man who works in the Company does not treat the females in his house equally, he is very less likely to do this at the workplace.
What would be your message to the youth – your children for that matter – when it comes to career choices?
Choose the career of your liking and then put in the best efforts without thinking if you are getting immediate returns. I believe that returns happen in due course.
How would you describe the essence of your life and career in just three words?
Passion, Innovation, Trustworthiness!
Mohini Kelkar graduated in Production Engineering from VJTI, Mumbai and is one of the few early Lady Production Engineers in India. After working in PMT for a couple of years, she started the business of manufacturing machines in 1984 in a garage. Her company, Grind Master, now manufactures the widest range of Metal Finishing and Deburring Machines in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility spread over 250,000 sq.ft area and employs 300 people. Grind Master is considered amongst top 4 companies in the world in these areas. With its own subsidiaries in China, France and USA, Grind Master is a Global MNC. Mohini is passionate about her work and likes to give 100%. New technologies and innovations fascinate her and she likes to meet people and network. During the course of her career, she has received several Awards and accolades, including: F.I.E Foundation National Award for outstanding contribution to the field of Machine Tools; SME of the year award in the Emerging India Award by ICICI & CNBC in 2015; CII National Innovation Award in 2017; PREMIER Outstanding Entrepreneur Award from IMTMA in 2017; and EEPC National Star Performer Award for four consecutive years – 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017.
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