As I step into my 26th year with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), I find myself reflecting on a journey filled with learning, growth, and deep gratitude. Looking back, it is not just the years that stand out, but the people, opportunities, and moments that shaped my professional and personal life.
I joined CII in 2000 and became part of your office in May 2001. At that time, life was going through a difficult transition. I was navigating a separation and raising two young children as a single mother. Balancing work, home, and my own emotional struggles felt overwhelming, and I often wondered how I would manage it all.
During those early years, your patience and understanding meant a great deal to me. You allowed me the space to learn and grow at my own pace, recognising the personal challenges I was facing. The exposure I received while working in different areas and the encouragement you consistently extended became turning points in my journey. The faith you placed in me inspired me to give my best in every responsibility entrusted to me.
One moment that remains etched in my memory was when you asked me to accompany you for a meeting with the former Trade Minister of Australia at the Australian High Commission. As a junior member of the team, it was an immense honour and a moment of great pride.
What touched me equally was the warmth you showed toward my sons whenever they visited the office. These gestures made the workplace feel more human and supportive during a challenging phase of my life.
Over time, I also found myself learning from your small yet meaningful habits. Each time I handed you a document and you responded with a simple “Thank you,” it reinforced the importance of respect and courtesy in professional interactions. Your concern for people was evident in many such moments. I recall an instance during a meeting with representatives from Haldia Petrochemicals when you noticed one of their team members waiting at the reception. You asked me to arrange sandwiches for him. The gentleman was tired and hungry, and he was deeply grateful. That moment taught me how small acts of kindness can leave lasting impressions.
Of course, there were times when I was reprimanded for mistakes. Yet, after expressing your displeasure, you would later ask about my family, easing the tension and reminding me that mistakes were simply part of the learning process.
As I reflect on this journey, several memorable experiences stand out.
My first major event was the Quality Summit in Bengaluru, where I accompanied the Chief Guest, a Japanese Deming Prize winner. When he discovered that I knew some Japanese, I recited a few lines of Japanese poetry. He was delighted and, in a gesture of courtesy, even opened the car door for me when we reached the venue—much to the surprise of my senior colleague waiting to receive him. It was a priceless moment.
Another milestone was my first overseas trip in 2011 to attend an International Women’s Day conference at the Opera House in Sydney. The visit became even more memorable when I had the chance to stay with two Australian women farmers I had earlier met in Delhi. One of them, Cathy McGowan, later made history by becoming a Member of Parliament in Australia—a remarkable achievement in a traditionally male-dominated space.
Working with the Africa Desk for over a decade has been another enriching chapter. It involved organising multiple India–Africa Conclaves, training programmes for African Chambers of Commerce supported by the Ministry of External Affairs, and regional conclaves across Africa. These engagements built strong networks and lasting professional relationships.
One particularly meaningful moment occurred when the Prime Minister of Uganda attended the India–Africa Conclave in 2016. When I mentioned that his son had once participated in our training programme, he expressed his gratitude to CII and later remembered me during a subsequent visit.
Another proud moment came during my visit to Uganda ahead of the India–East Africa Regional Conclave in 2017. The Indian High Commission hosted a dinner with the local Indian business community and issued invitations for an interaction with me as a representative of CII. Having once lived in the background as a diplomat’s spouse, it felt empowering to represent the organisation in my own professional capacity. It was a moment when life seemed to come full circle.
Looking back, my most meaningful years at CII were those spent working under your guidance. The organisation has shaped me into the person—and most importantly, the woman—I have become today.
I am now a confident individual who embraces challenges with resilience. CII and your mentorship will forever remain an indelible part of my journey, and for that, I remain deeply grateful.
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