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Evolving as a society and discarding outdated gender norms will enable women to be truly empowered’ says Ms. Vishala Ramswami, MD, Loyal Textiles

Posted on: 23/Mar/2019 11:51:47 AM
Chennai, March 22, 2019: At the recently held 11th  Successful Women in Management (SWIM) Conference by Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, Chief Guest Ms. Vishala Ramaswami , MD- Loyal Textiles, CEO - P.Orr & Sons, while delivering the Key note address on the theme ‘Women Empowerment is definitely a reality today. But is it enough? said, “ I believe that for women to be truly empowered in Corporate India we require two developments - (i) Economists & corporate world recognize and value the labor that women perform outside of work and (ii) We evolve as a society and discard outdated gender norms.” She further added, “We need to understand that the question is not how do we get more Indian women to work and it is instead how we better help women balance the double burden – domestic and professional work in a manner that is beneficial for both the company and the employee. Once we recognize and value women’s labor outside of work, instead of dismissing it, we can become more empathetic to the multiple demands on Indian women and find ways to make the workplace more welcoming for them.” 

Ms. Vishala also shared three important lessons that she has witnessed in her career so far - 

“First - It is crucial to have a larger vision that guides you and make you put your company’s interest first before your own personal gain. Balance sheet is of course critical for any individual or an organization. Without sound cash flow and profitable business model, it is impossible to sustain and grow. Not suggesting that financial success is not a very important goal, but pursuit of wealth will not make you feel fulfill. 

For me, my drive comes from the ability that the textile industry has to transform developing economies and create largescale livelihoods at the bottom of the pyramid. The textile industry is the largest employer after agricultural sector, not just in India, but many developing countries across the world. What makes it the most important for employment generation is that it is the most labor intensive industry. Today, automation is reducing jobs including Manufacturing, but human labor remains as essential as ever for textile, as the jobs go to poor women and their family.

Second - It is critical to never stop learning, adapting in order to survive today’s business environment.  It is essential to remain a lifelong student and to realize that your learning will not stop once you graduate from this institute. To succeed in the corporate world, intellectual curiosity and the ability to keep improving and innovating are essential. 

Third - No virtue defines an entrepreneur more than courage and resilience. It is important for very management student to realize that your professional life will not be always smooth sailing, there will be moments of crisis, stress and uncertainty. Do not fear this moments, as these will teach you greatest life moments, and inculcate in you strength and determination to succeed in long run.” 

The 11th Annual SWIM conference of Great Lakes also had the privilege to host Smt. S. Madhumathi, I.A.S., Commissioner, Civil Supplies & Consumer Protection Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, and Ms. Sherlin Seth, Actress, Femina Miss India Tamil Nadu 2017 as the Chief gueuests. 

Smt. S. Madhumathi, I.A.S., Commissioner, Civil Supplies & Consumer Protection Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, spoke about her professional journey, shared few incidents from her life where she handled several crisis with ease and support from her colleagues. She further advised the students and said, “At times, whatever we study or whatever we are trained to or learn, it doesn’t come handy and that’s when we have to use our common sense and presence of mind to take certain decisions. In our day to day life, be it professional or personal, we may also have Self-doubts – whether a certain decision being made is right or wrong. Let me tell you, from my experience, if your heart says its right, and it would do betterment for the general good of people around you, then go for it.” 

“We have to look at three point approach in life that is Kama (desire to work), Karma (result that emerges from the work you deliver) and Kaushalya (the satisfaction that comes after finishing the good work you have done). My advice is do not get driven by Kama alone, be it professional or personal, only when you attain Kaushalya, you will get backed by Dharma (Righteousness) that will give goodness and prosperity in life” added Smt. Madhumati. 

Ms Sherlin Seth, Actress, Femina Miss India Tamil Nadu 2017 thanked the team at Great Lakes for inviting her to the event amongst inspiring women achievers. Ms Sherlin also shared her journey to the modelling field, and how challenging it was to participate and win the Femina Miss India title. She stressed on working hard in whatever task we take up and highlighted how realizing one’s own identity, uniqueness and building on it, on a day to day basis will lead to success. 

Dr Bala V Balachandran, Founder, Dean & Chairman, Great Lakes Institute of Management, addressed the gathering over video call. He said, “Women, in general, are all incredibly successful and inspiring. Be it any role they play – Mother, Wife, Colleague, they outdo themselves and teach us life lessons, and push us to challenge in our own power. GL  SWIM aims to bring these anecdotes in light and highlight the developments and way forward methods to encourage women empowerment in the society.” 

This was followed by a special mention on GL Run 2019, an annual marathon hosted every year to promote fitness. This year, GL Run was organized in association with ‘We Can Care’ organization to raise cancer awareness. More than 350+ students registered and participated in the marathon. Dr Vaidy Jayaraman handed over the cheque, collected over registration, to the We Can Care team present during the SWIM Conference.

For the first time, the conference introduced ‘Young Leader Award for Women Student in Campus’ where top three women students, based on their academics and other contribution in the campus, were asked to deliver a talk on the lessons they have learnt from MBA program, their plans and idea(s) to help betterment of the society and economy. Sai Medha from the one year MBA program (PGPM Class of 2019) bagged the first place followed by Priya Prasad from the same batch (PGPM 2019) and Nitika Khanna from two year MBA program (PGDM Class of 2019). Overall, the SWIM 2019 concluded with vote of thanks by Dr. Rajeshwari, Sr. Associate Prorofessor – Marketing, Mentor – SWIM Conferencee, and prize distribution to the students.