Women's Day 2025: Celebrating Real Progress

Every year, March 8th rolls around with the familiar fanfare of flowers pink color. While these gestures are well-intended, they often miss the mark in addressing the real issues women face daily. Women's Day should be more than a token celebration; it should be a catalyst for meaningful change.

Women deserve fair pay, equal opportunities, and a society that values them beyond stereotypes. The focus should be on creating environments that empower women and policies that support their growth and success. As Serena Williams aptly puts it, "Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on."

Women's Day should be an opportunity to educate both men and women on the challenges women face in today's world. It's about recognising the barriers to equality and working collectively to dismantle them. This includes addressing issues like gender pay gaps, lack of representation in leadership roles, and societal expectations that limit women's potential.

Consider the story of Malala Yousafzai, who, despite facing immense adversity, has become a global advocate for girls' education. Her journey exemplifies the power of education and the importance of supporting women in their pursuit of knowledge and empowerment.

It's important to acknowledge that sometimes the barriers women face come from within their own gender. There are instances where women may not support each other or may struggle to accept another woman as a leader. This internalised bias can be a significant hurdle. Encouraging women to uplift and support one another is crucial for collective progress. Kasia Gospoś reminds us, "Amazing things happen when women help other women."

We have seen inspiring examples of women supporting women. For instance, the collaboration between Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the founder of Biocon, and Sudha Murthy, the chairperson of Infosys Foundation, has led to numerous initiatives that empower women in science and technology1. Their partnership highlights the importance of women lifting each other up.

Another challenge is the pressure some women feel to conform to traditional male leadership styles. In their efforts to be taken seriously, they might adopt behaviours that don't align with their true selves. Authenticity is key; successful women leaders often shine because they embrace their unique qualities and lead with their genuine selves. It's the "womenness" in them, their individual charm and spark that drives their success.

Take the example of Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, who led with empathy and authenticity, earning global admiration for her leadership. Her approach demonstrates that true leadership comes from being oneself and valuing one's unique strengths. As Indra Nooyi says, "The glass ceiling will go away when women help other women break through that ceiling".

Consider the powerful partnership between Oprah Winfrey and Ava DuVernay. Oprah used her platform to amplify Ava’s storytelling, and together, they’ve reshaped the landscape for Black women in Hollywood. Similarly, Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling's collaboration on "Legally Blonde 3" showcases how women can support each other in creative industries.

The story of Mary Kom, the boxing champion, and her coach, Chhote Lal Yadav, is a testament to the power of mentorship and support. Mary Kom's success is not just her own but also a result of the unwavering support she received from her coach and her community. The support should not be considered as a support from a man, but a support from another human being. We all need support and can support another. 

Books like "The Second Sex" by Simone de Beauvoir and "Becoming" by Michelle Obama provide profound insights into the female experience and the importance of authenticity and support among women. "When Women Lead" by Julia Boorstin highlights the stories of over 60 female CEOs, emphasising how women-founded companies thrive through unique leadership styles.

"Seeing Like a Feminist" by Nivedita Menon is a must-read. It provides a comprehensive understanding of feminism in India and discusses various issues that women face in the country. Another notable book is "Why Loiter?" by Shilpa Phadke, Sameera Khan, and Shilpa Ranade, which explores women's right to public spaces in urban India.

Ahilaadevi Thirunavu, an Enterprise Architect for Satellite Communications and a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff  at Wipro, has been a strong advocate for women in technology. In her blog post on Medium, she discusses the importance of creating inclusive environments that support women in tech. Her insights highlight the need for mentorship, equal opportunities, and breaking down barriers that women face in the industry.

The celebration of Women's Day should extend beyond March 8th. It should be a year-round commitment to driving change through actions and policies that promote equal partnership and opportunities. This means advocating for workplace equality, supporting women in STEM fields, and ensuring that women have access to education and healthcare.

Let's move beyond one-day celebrations and focus on actions that create lasting impact. This Women's Day, let's commit to making real progress by supporting initiatives that empower women and promote equality. Together, we can build a society where women are valued for their contributions and have the opportunities they deserve.

Happy Women's Day! Let's celebrate by driving change and making a difference.

What are your thoughts on how Women's Day should be celebrated? Share your ideas in the comments!

The Nullarbor Train Line

 The Nullarbor train line is more than just a mode of transport; it’s an iconic journey that encapsulates the rugged essence of Australia. This major railway route, part of the Trans-Australian Railway, is an engineering marvel connecting the bustling city of Perth in Western Australia with the culturally rich city of Adelaide in South Australia.

The most extraordinary aspect of this journey is its passage through the Nullarbor Plain. Derived from the Latin words "nullus" (meaning "no") and "arbor" (meaning "tree"), the Nullarbor Plain is indeed a "treeless" expanse. Stretching as far as the eye can see, it is one of the largest single limestone rock regions on Earth. The vast, arid landscape is a testament to the awe-inspiring natural beauty that Australia is renowned for.

Spanning approximately 2,700 kilometers (1,700 miles), the Nullarbor train line boasts many impressive features, including a stretch of 478 kilometers (297 miles) that is completely straight. This makes it one of the longest straight railway tracks in the world. Imagine a route so unwaveringly linear, it rivals the distance from Kasaragod to Pathanamthitta!

As the train glides through the endless plains, passengers are treated to panoramic views of vast skies and stark, beautiful landscapes. The journey, though long and isolated, offers a unique opportunity to experience the solitude and grandeur of the Australian outback. It also provides glimpses of remote small towns, offering a peek into the lives of those who inhabit these distant regions.

This is the longest Straight Railway Track: The Nullarbor train line includes a stretch of 478 kilometers (297 miles) of completely straight track, making it one of the longest straight railway tracks in the world.

The Trans-Australian Railway, which includes the Nullarbor train line, was completed in 1917. It was a significant engineering achievement that connected Western Australia with the eastern states at that time. The railway line is the only rail freight corridor between Western Australia and the eastern states, making it economically and strategically important. Along the Nullarbor Plain, there are several railway ghost towns that were once established to facilitate the maintenance of the line. These towns had small settlements with basic amenities and were named after early Australian Prime Ministers. The Nullarbor Plain is known for its lack of surface water. In normal times, it was common for all reservoirs to be exhausted, and underground supplies were necessary. This made the maintenance of the railway line particularly challenging.

Historically, the Nullarbor Plain was seasonally occupied by Indigenous Australian people, including the Mirning clans and Yinyila people. The area was traditionally called Oondiri, meaning "the waterless". The first Europeans known to have sighted and mapped the Nullarbor coast were Captain François Thijssen and Councillor of the Indies, Pieter Nuyts, in 1626–1627. Edward John Eyre became the first European to successfully cross the Nullarbor from east to west in 1841.

Traveling the Nullarbor train line is more than just getting from one place to another; it is a journey through time and space, offering a rare chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with the raw, unspoiled wilderness. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or an adventure seeker, the Nullarbor train line promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. This is one of the travels I wish to experience once.

The Divine Sacrifice of Goddess Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari Devi

It is great to know about different culture and the stories behind it. I was recently introduced to Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari Devi by a friend Nagesh Shivaprasad. I felt the urge in writing it down.  India is a land rich in history and spirituality, home to countless temples that tell tales of devotion and sacrifice. Among these sacred sites, the Sri Kanyaka Parameswari temple in Penugonda, Andhra Pradesh, holds a special place. Revered as the "Kasi of Vysyas," this temple is dedicated to Goddess Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari Devi, whose story is one of profound devotion and selfless sacrifice.

During the mid-tenth century, Penugonda was ruled by Kusuma Sresti, a period often remembered as a golden era. Kusuma Sresti and his wife, Kusumamba, were devout followers of Sri Nagareswara and were considered an ideal couple. Despite their happiness, they were troubled by their lack of children. After performing a putrakameshti yagam, they were blessed by Goddess Sarvani with twins, a boy named Virupaksha and a girl named Vasavamba.

From a young age, Virupaksha exhibited the qualities of a great leader, while Vasavi showed a deep interest in art, music, and devotion to God. As she grew, her parents noticed her detachment from material desires and her thirst for divine knowledge. Under the guidance of Sri Baskaracharya, the community's spiritual guide, Vasavi mastered the fine arts and philosophy, while Virupaksha trained in the Vedas and martial arts.

One day, King Vishnu Vardhana, on an expedition to expand his empire, visited Penugonda. Enchanted by Vasavi's beauty, he decided to marry her and sent his ministers to propose the union. Kusuma Sresti, caught between duty and fear, explained the Vysya community's marriage customs. The ministers insisted that the king's desire must be fulfilled. Kusuma Sresti consulted the Vysya elders, who decided to prioritize Vasavi's wishes. Vasavi expressed her desire to remain a virgin and devote her life to spiritual pursuits.

When the king heard of her refusal, he was enraged and sent his army to capture Vasavi. A fierce battle ensued, and the Vysyas, using their strategic skills, defeated the king's forces. To prevent further bloodshed, Vasavi decided to enter the Homagundam (sacrificial fire). She declared, "I will be the first to enter the fire, and others may follow. This noble act will honor our peace-loving community."

On the banks of the Godavari, 103 Agnikundas were prepared. Vasavi, followed by couples from 102 Gothras, entered the holy fire. As she did, the fire turned into a cool breeze, and Agni Deva (the fire god) appeared, unable to withstand her divine presence. Vasavi assured him, "I will cool myself so you can transport us to Kailash." She then performed Agni Pravesam, leading her followers to Kailash.

King Vishnu Vardhana, tormented by guilt, realized the sorrow he had caused. On his way to Penugonda, he learned of Vasavi's sacrifice and understood the gravity of his actions. His mind troubled, he foresaw his end. Penugonda, once a garden of peace, was plunged into mourning. The younger generation, grieving their lost parents, found solace in the words of Sri Baskaracharya, who reminded them of their elders' noble sacrifice.

After Vishnu Vardhana's death, his son, Prince Rajaraja Narendra, visited Penugonda with peace-loving citizens. Vasavi was worshipped as Kanyakaparameswari, and the first temple dedicated to her was built in Penugonda. Her legacy of peace and devotion continues to inspire generations.

The story of Goddess Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari Devi is a testament to the power of devotion and self-sacrifice. Her unwavering commitment to her principles and her community's well-being has left an indelible mark on history. As we remember her, we are reminded of the values of peace, devotion, and selflessness that she embodied.

Sameer Mahapatra - A friend I lost at work

After leaving HCL eServe, I completed my MCA and began the challenging journey of job hunting in Bangalore. Despite my experience, finding a job proved difficult. I applied to LogicaCMG, a UK-based company known as the "yellow company" in Europe, using my recent postgraduation as a fresh graduate. In October 2005, I was select

ed. Among many graduates in our batch, we received training in various technologies. I was part of UniCORN, a group of 30 people trained in Unix, C, and Oracle, with most of us moving into Telecom projects. There were also  Microsoft batches and  Java batches, one of which was called ANTS. The three-month training period was filled with learning and fun, and we forged strong friendships.

Our HR manager, Sameer Khanna, played a crucial role in making our training effective. Alongside the then CEO Rahul Patwardhan and Christina from HR, they ensured we received the best possible training. Sameer Khanna was loved but was a strict one and often treated like a principal in the college.

One day, while standing in the corridor, a batchmate greeted someone behind me with "Hello Sameer." Expecting Sameer Khanna, I turned around and saw a charming, teddy bear-like boy with a warm smile. He introduced himself as Sameer Mahapatra from Orissa. Our friendship blossomed from that moment, and he always greeted me with a warm hug. His constant smile and warm personality made him endearing. He liked me for no apparent reason and always found time to spend with me, sharing funny stories and laughing heartily.

Out of the 130 people in all the batches, Sameer and I were among the few who stayed with the company while others moved on. Despite occasional onsite assignments or the COVID work-from-home period, we met almost daily in the office, sharing small chats and warm wishes. Each meeting felt like a refreshing new beginning, and we always hugged each other. He often talked about his family, wife, child, and sister. I vividly remember his joy during his sister's marriage. Every time we met, we introduced our colleagues to each other with high regards for each other. He was one such person with no expectation on the relationship.

Last week, we went to pick up some cold-pressed pineapple juice. Another day, he asked me to check a dent in the petrol tank of his Enfield Bullet. I took a small ride in the parking lot to ensure the vehicle was fine. He wanted to ride my Bullet, but I had left my keys at my desk. On a day when I was feeling down, he encouraged me to stay happy and continue my exercise routine, which I had stopped. He shared a story from his youth about skipping an entrance exam to watch a movie because he wasn't interested in the exam.

Normally, we parted at the reception, with me heading to my seat on the first floor and him to the ground floor. Last friday, I felt the urge to spend more time with him and went along with him to his seat. He showed me his spot, G077, a hot seat that could be booked and used by any one. He talked about the flexibility of our new office policy, allowing us to come in only two days a week post-COVID. We joked about finding seat 007, which turned out to be a media room. We smiled at each other, saying someone should sit there. He told me that I should should be the one who is sitting there with a large laugh. 

Yesterday, a colleague, Biswajit called me on Teams with devastating news: Sameer had passed away. He had felt throat pain, vomited, and started feeling unwell at home. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he passed away on the way. I couldn't think of anything else for the rest of the day. I walked to seat G077, where he had shown me last, and saw someone else sitting there, engrossed in her work.

My dear mottabhai, I loved you from the moment I met you and will continue to do so in your absence. I have lost your warmth forever and someone who truly loved me unconditionally. Your love will always remain in my heart.

Making Innovation Affordable: The Power of Prototyping and Intermediate Productization

 Bringing a new, innovative product to market often appears costly due to the significant investment required in effort, security, patents, resources, and time. Achieving profitability typically hinges on mass production, but if the product fails to succeed, it can lead to substantial losses. One way to mitigate this risk is through intermediate productization and monetizing prototypes.

The Concept of Intermediate Productization is what we need to consider. To make research affordable and prototypes profitable, we can look at practices evident in many Chinese products. While the ultimate goal might be to create something substantial, prototypes are often used to develop smaller items, and the underlying ideas are sold to various other products. This approach not only monetizes research and prototypes but also makes R&D more affordable and sometimes profitable.

Chinese Toy Market: The Chinese toy market leverages half-completed research to produce mass-market items. These products can range from communication devices and lighting to lightweight gadgets. The initial aim might be to develop an engineering robot or software for a large application, but the prototypes are customized and repurposed for entertainment and toys. This strategy not only monetizes research and prototypes but also makes R&D more affordable and sometimes profitable.

F-16 Flight Simulation Software: An example that comes to mind is the F-16 flight simulation software, initially developed for pilot training. It was later transformed into a game, which was purchased by people worldwide, making the overall solution more affordable and reducing training costs for real pilots.

Consumer Electronics: Many consumer electronics companies release beta versions of their software or hardware to a limited audience. This not only helps in gathering real-time feedback but also generates revenue that can be reinvested into further development. For instance, companies like Apple and Google often release beta versions of their operating systems to developers and enthusiasts, who provide valuable feedback while also paying for early access.

Automotive Industry: In the automotive industry, manufacturers often release concept cars and limited-edition models to gauge consumer interest and gather feedback. These prototypes are sometimes sold at a premium, helping to offset the costs of research and development. Tesla, for example, has used this approach with its Roadster and Cybertruck models, generating significant pre-order revenue that supports further development.

As a result, the final product is often less expensive compared to competitors. Additionally, early test results from prototypes released in different forms provide real-time feedback on usability. This strategy is universally applicable and should be adopted more widely.

New entrepreneurs and the service industry should consider these concepts to make their services more affordable for clients. By leveraging intermediate productization and monetizing prototypes, businesses can make research and development more sustainable and profitable. This approach not only reduces the financial risk associated with innovation but also accelerates the time-to-market for new products.

The Return to Office: A New Chapter Begins

After five long years of working from home, the day has finally arrived. Our team members are returning to the office, and for many, it's a mix of excitement and apprehension. The pandemic forced us into a remote work environment, and while it had its challenges, it also brought about a new way of working that many of us grew accustomed to.

For some of our team members, this is their first time working in the office for an extended period. They joined us during the pandemic and have only known the virtual workspace. The thought of commuting, dressing up for work, and interacting with colleagues face-to-face is both thrilling and daunting. They are eager to experience the office culture, build stronger relationships, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with working in the same physical space.

There are many positives to returning to the office. The energy and buzz of a busy workplace can be incredibly motivating. Spontaneous brainstorming sessions, quick catch-ups over coffee, and the ability to collaborate in real-time are just a few of the benefits. The office environment fosters creativity and innovation, and the sense of community is something that can't be replicated virtually.

Networking is another significant benefit. Being in the office allows for more organic interactions, which can lead to new opportunities, mentorship, and professional growth. Building a strong network within the company can open doors to new projects and career advancements.

For those who have missed the structure and routine of office life, the return is a welcome change. The clear separation between work and home life can help improve work-life balance, and the opportunity to socialize with colleagues can boost morale and mental well-being.

However, the return to the office is not without its challenges. The daily commute is a significant adjustment for many. The time spent traveling to and from work can be exhausting and takes away from personal time. For those who have enjoyed the flexibility of remote work, the rigid office hours may feel restrictive.

There are also concerns about the transition itself. Adapting to a new routine, navigating office politics, and finding a balance between in-person and virtual meetings can be overwhelming. The hybrid work model, while offering flexibility, requires careful coordination to ensure that everyone remains connected and productive.

Additionally, some team members may face challenges related to childcare, eldercare, or other personal responsibilities that were easier to manage while working from home. It's important to recognize these difficulties and provide support where possible.

As we embark on this new chapter, it's important to acknowledge the mixed feelings and experiences of our team members. The return to the office is a significant change, and it will take time for everyone to adjust. Open communication, empathy, and support will be crucial during this transition.

We are excited to welcome everyone back and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we will navigate the challenges and celebrate the successes. The office may look different, and our ways of working may have evolved, but our commitment to each other and our goals remains the same.