We had the pleasure of sitting down with our Head of the Department of Mathematics, to gain insight into her inspiring journey, experiences in leadership, and the lessons she wishes to pass on to the next generation. Her perspectives on academic growth and personal development provide a valuable roadmap for aspiring leaders. Throughout our conversation, she emphasized the importance of resilience, collaboration, and continuous learning in achieving success. Her commitment to fostering a supportive environment for both students and faculty stands as a true testament to her leadership.
1. What inspired you to pursue your career in academia?
“My greatest inspiration was my father, who was a teacher himself. Watching him dedicate his life to education planted the seed of teaching in me from a young age. I always wanted to follow his footsteps and become a teacher. My friends also played a vital role—they encouraged me when l presented seminars, also they motivated me and helped me discover my passion for teaching. My inspiration was my English professor.”
2. What are some misconceptions people have about women in leadership roles?
“One of the most common misconceptions is that women are not suitable for leadership roles. Female leaders are often unfairly perceived as strict, dominating, biased, or inclined to overrule others. A prevailing societal notion also suggests that women do not support other women. These stereotypes continue to pose challenges, yet many of us strive every day to break these barriers and redefine leadership on our own terms.”
3. How do you think women’s participation in leadership roles has evolved over the years?
“When I began my career, I was the sole female staff member in the department. When I later joined Valliammai Engineering College, there were only two female faculty members in the Mathematics department. Today, in our department, 10 are women. The landscape has changed significantly over the years, and it’s encouraging to see more women stepping into leadership roles.”
4. What message would you like to share with young women on this occasion?
“My message to young women is simple yet powerful: Don’t settle for less. Set your goals high. Life may be challenging, and balancing personal and professional responsibilities can be tough, but never give up on your career. Always have self-respect and confidence. Strive to be independent—it’s the foundation of true empowerment.”
5. If you weren’t in your current profession, what would you be doing?
“If I had pursued my master’s in different disciplines, I would likely be working in the software industry today. I had many opportunities to go down that path, and even my daughter once told me I could have had a bright career as a software professional. But I chose academia because I had a dream—to teach and make a difference in the lives of students. And I’m glad I followed that dream.”
Our Maths HoD’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, purpose, and passion. From being the only woman in the room to leading a department filled with accomplished female faculty, her story reflects the steady progress of women in academia and leadership. Her words of wisdom serve as a guiding light for young women striving to carve their own paths. We thank her for sharing her journey and for continuously inspiring students and colleagues alike with her dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to education.
