There is no denying the fact that a woman is an epitome of hard work and sheer love. But, despite their adaptability, do you realize the unique challenges face by working mums to meet the demands of the juggling domestic responsibilities alongside work obligations? It is this balancing act of a mother who keeps pace with her ever-shifting role, makes her identity.
In a nation like India, where most of the women strive to maintain the income stream of the family along with satisfying her mother’s need to be with the children and support them, there are several examples of women who have attained numerous accolades for their commendable and incomparable dedication towards work and motherly love.
Mother’s Zone brings to you some information about successful mothers who have fulfilled their realistic expectation of managing their career and meeting familial obligations as well, whom we will call ‘The Top 10 Super Achiever Indian Mums’ in no particular order.
1. Tessy Thomas
Also called as the Missile Woman and Agni Putri, Tessy Thomas is the Project Director for Agni-IV missile in Defence Research and Development Organization. She is also the first woman scientist to head a missile project in India.
Tessy Thomas
Now, if you’re thinking that the words ahead will describe her achievements that almost everyone in the world knows, then you must actually go ahead and read because it’s not so.
The achievements of Tessy in the male dominated world of the country’s secretive missile development programme are known by almost everyone. However, what you must also know and what is commendable is her triumph when she was torn between her loyalties to the missile programme and her responsibilities toward her child. She supported her son Tejas in every sphere whenever he was in need of motherly help. She is role model for every mother who strives juggling between work and family.
Tessy, a woman, who perfectly fits the Indian description of ‘homely,’ stands out to be an honoured mother who has her feet planted in both worlds successfully.
2. Chanda Kochhar
Born on 17 November, 1961, Chanda Kochhar is the Managing Director and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ICICI Bank. Well, almost everyone knows it. So why not to let’s look at her achievements from a different perspective of being a mother-a perspective, which is often being overlooked.
Undoubte
dly, Chanda is an inspiring lady who has played a significant role in nation building. However, unlike every other mum who has been struggling to maintain a balance between the evolution as a mother, a home maker, a nation-builder and a dedicated professional, she stands successful. Her daughter Aarti Kochhar, a spontaneous, articulate young lady says,
“I don’t recollect a single morning of my life when my mother has not waked us up for school, no matter where she was. We didn’t know what alarm clocks were! She always attended to my health, when needed, and was present at our Parent Teacher Meetings.”
Chanda always continued to manage her children’s routines and lives. She also supervised what is happening at home and never discussed her work or problems at home. She beautifully conjoins the conventional act of being a mother at home and professional at work.
3. Indra Nooyi
Indra Krishnamurthy Nooyi, the current Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo, is one of the prime examples of Super Achiever Indian Mums. Being consistently ranked among the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, she got the 13th rank in the list of Forbes World’s 100 most powerful women in 2014.
Indra Nooyi
Have you ever wonder how to maintain a balance between your professional and personal life? Here’s what will inspire you with ways to achieve it. Indra, the one of the most successful and influential Indian mum never forget the lesson taught by her mother to ensure a striking balance between work and the responsibilities of a mum. So, what the lesson was? Well, the answer lies ahead.
“Look, when you pull into the garage, leave the crown there. Don’t walk in with it, because you are first a wife and a mother. And if the family needs something, you go and get that. This is your primary role in life.”
Now, do these lines emphasize the importance of being a mother and overcoming the challenges a mum has to face? Certainly, it does! So, the lesson always motivated Indra to stand by her daughters and support them in every aspect. Her daughter would call to ask for permission to play Nintendo. And even in between the occupied schedule she never overlooked her duty as a mum and would ask-
“Have you finished your homework? Have you had your snack? OK, you can play Nintendo for half an hour”.
Forbes identified this super achiever mum and ranked her at the 3rd spot amongst the ‘World’s Powerful Mums’ list.
4. Preetha Reddy
Motivated by her father, Dr Prathap C. Reddy, a renowned name in the corporatized healthcare sector of India, Preetha Reddy officially joined Apollo Hospitals in 1989 as the Joint Managing Director. After just a period of five years, she became the Managing Director of the Apollo Hospitals Group.
Now, when we talk about such a successful lady, who is known worldwide for her achievements in healthcare industry that is par excellence, the lesser illuminated part that many a time the writers ignore is the fact that she is a proud and successful mother as well. A lady who has been married off while still in college, the idol of many Indian women, Preetha Reddy played the role of a full time mum to her two son, till 1989.
Today, almost everyone knows about her achievements in the healthcare industry, however, what people might not know about is the support that she gave to her children and family. She always stood as a firm pillar for her sons who could lay her upon whenever they needed her. She is a mum who offered excellence and support to the family and her profession as well, both uncompromised.
A proud mother of two sons, Preetha Reddy is truly a source of inspiration for many Indian women who wish to go beyond the conventional boundaries and prove their mettle to the world at large.
5. Kiran Bedi
The first woman officer in the Indian Police Service, Kiran Bedi is a renowned Indian social activist and a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. Known as one of the gutsiest women in the nation, Kiran is an icon of heroism.
Kiran Bedi
Being one of the police officers who have put in all their efforts in serving the society, Kiran was never behind in serving her child as a mother. She did every bit that was required to help her daughter Saina to grow into a better woman who can make a difference. She had to go out on night patrols at odd hours to tackle violent agitations and strikes. But, even in such situation, she ensured that she call her child to ask for her well-being and let her know that she herself is also safe.
Kiran once said her daughter to let her granddaughter know that she had fought for the nation so that her granddaughter breathes in a corruption-free world. Perhaps, this is one of the best gifts that only a mother can give to her child!
She completed her schooling from the Sacred Heart Convent School, Amritsar. She did her graduation in the English language from the Government College for Women, Amritsar and earned a Master’s degree in Political Science from Punjab University, Chandigarh. She also attained a Bachelor’s degree in Laws from the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, and obtained a Ph.D. in Social Sciences from the Department of Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi.
6. Shobhaa De
Often known as India’s Jackie Collins, Shobhaa De is a renowned Indian columnist and novelist who have proved it that a woman can make it even if she selects the less travelled path. She did her schooling from Queen Mary School, Mumbai, and graduated from the St. Xavier’s College of Mumbai with a degree in psychology.
Shobhaa De
This smart and sharp mother of six never spares anyone as a social commentator with her incisive writing. This highly individualistic writer, whose writing at times seems to be bold and provocative, stands unequalled in proficiency and panache.
However, despite moving ahead in the less travelled path, Shobhaa never overlooked her duty and responsibilities as a mother. In an interview she said. “Know your priorities. Manage your time well. Focus on family – and to hell with the rest!”
Shobhaa as a mother has taught her children to realize their dreams and live fearlessly. She believes, no matter you’re a man or a woman, you must have a dream as without it, you’re just a sheep. She says being a mother and a columnist who attacks the socialites is quite difficult; however, fulfilling your motherly responsibilities should be your priority.
De made to our list of 10 Super Achiever Indian Mums owing to her undying love for her children. Some of the notable works of Shobhaa De include Starry Nights, Socialite Evenings, Sultry Days, Second Thoughts, Surviving Men, Spouse, and the rest.
7. Sharmila Tagore
Sharmila Tagore is one of the most popular Indian film actresses. She has won several National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards for her amazing screen performances. She also led the Indian Film Censor Board from October, 2004 till March, 2011.
sharmila-tagore
Sharmila, a Padma Bhushan recipient, successfully portrays her other strong aspect, i.e., motherhood. Being a mother, according to her, is all about setting your priorities and dividing your time carefully based on the priorities.
She says, “Once Saif was born, I started doing fewer films. I think it’s important to be a hands-on mother. It is worth putting your work on hold for a few months. To keep awake and change their nappies.”
Though a successful actress, who is better known as the screen Goddess, she thinks the motherly duty should be your priority no matter how important position you hold in your professional life.
Sharmila tells to all young mums, “You’ll get to know your child well and begin to understand his or her temperament in those very first few months of their lives.” She also tells that if you want to do or achieve something, you must find the time for it.
Chosen as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, in December, 2005, Sharmila is of the view that if you can manage both your family and work without compromising, it’s good and commendable enough.
8. Rohini Nilekani
Rohini Nilekani is a former journalist and the wife of former Infosys CEO and former chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Popular across the entire nation for being an activist in corporate circles, Rohini is actively involved with numerous non-profit organizations in Bangalore.
Rohini Nilekani
Working for the rights of all comes easy for Rohini, who believes in making a difference. Not to forget, this woman of substance in the haste of her role in supporting health, education and access to water for all never ignored or stayed back in delivering extended support to her family and children.
As a mother who is blessed with a daughter and a son, Rohini survived magnificently the busts and booms after their birth, taking high risks. Her biggest challenge was in early years when she alone has to bring up the two children while her husband Nandan has to dedicate his entire time in setting up Infosys. However, the lady overcome her challenge and successfully brought up her children amidst the pressures from both business and domestic aspects.
Rohini successfully managed her professional and personal life and brought up her children in an incredible manner, not giving them a chance to complain!
9. Swati Piramal
The Vice Chairperson of Piramal Enterprises Ltd (formerly known as Piramal Healthcare), Swati Piramal, is one of India’s leading scientists and industrialists. She has made several contributions in innovations in new medicines and public health services which have improved the lives of millions across the world.
Swati Piramal
Serving as the Director of Strategic Alliances & Communications at Piramal Enterprises Ltd., Piramal Healthcare Limited and SRL Diagnostics Private Limited, she has a happy family with two kids.
Maintaining a balance between the family and work is all about management and who else then Swati can say this better! She began working flexi time after having kids and says, “For me, family comes first. I make sure everyone knows that.”
It is true that many a time work and family lock in. The simple logic according to Swati during such time is that you can’t be at both the places at the same time. So, select the one that is your first priority and for her it has always been her children and family.
10. Mary Kom
A five time World Amateur Boxing champion, and the one and only woman boxer to won a medal in each of the six world championships; Mary Kom is known as “Magnificent Mary”.
Mary Kom
She has also been ranked as No. 4 AIBA World Women’s Ranking Flyweight category.
Mary Kom, the name which brings a sense of fighter and undying gumption with it, is a perfect paradigm of that flexible woman who plays the satisfying role of both a compassionate mother and a sturdy boxer.
Now, here is something that will be enough to portray the potency of a mother. The woman boxer, a mother of two, came back from a two-year sabbatical after the birth of her twins to clinch her fourth successive world championship gold in Ningbo City, China in 2008, a feat that prompted AIBA to describe her as ‘Magnificent Mary’.
She stands as a lady who is successfully playing both the roles of a mother and a boxer. With her strong will power, she is someone who is neither physically affected, nor mentally exhausted.
Mary Kom, being the mother of three sons and still fighting the challenges outside the ring as much as the opponents in it, makes her achievements much more remarkable.
Remember, when all else fail; it is your mum whom you can fall upon! You need to maintain a striking equilibrium between your role as a mother and a professional to ensure justice to both.
As a busy working mum, you’ll always be pressed for time, a setting your priorities and managing your time accordingly are the keys. Remember, “At every step, it is your effort, if you just wait for things to happen, they won’t.”
