Dr. Shantha Mohan’s “Roots and Wings” Chronicles Pioneering Indian Women Engineers
In a world where gender disparity in engineering persists, Dr. Shantha Mohan’s 2018 book, Roots and Wings: Inspiring Stories of Indian Women in Engineering, offers a refreshing narrative by spotlighting the trailblazing women who broke barriers in India’s engineering sector. Despite societal challenges, these women soared high, carving niches for themselves in a male-dominated field.
Reflecting on the historical context, when the very notion of working women, especially in engineering, seemed improbable, Dr. Mohan’s book is a testament to the resilience and determination of 29 women who defied norms and pursued their engineering dreams. All of these pioneering women graduated from the College of Engineering, Guindy (CEG) in Chennai, the oldest engineering college in India, between 1943 and 1971.
One notable figure in this inspiring collection is A Lalitha, celebrated as India’s first woman engineer. Another trailblazer, Mallika Chellappa, made significant contributions as a researcher in India’s prestigious defense development labs. These stories, and many others in the book, provide a window into the lives and careers of women who balanced work and family while making significant professional strides.
Dr. Shantha Mohan, a renowned expert in software engineering and operations management, brings these stories to life in her first literary endeavor. She emphasizes the multifaceted achievements of these women, highlighting their courage, perseverance, innovation, and community leadership. “Overcoming several obstacles to their careers, these women managed to find a good balance between family and work. A few were, and are, also great community leaders. Their lives are models of courage, initiative, perseverance, innovation, entrepreneurship, resilience, and flexibility,” shares Dr. Mohan in an interview with The Better India.
Roots and Wings is not just a book for women or girls; it is a source of inspiration for anyone aiming to break new ground and overcome challenges. The stories encapsulated in this book serve as a powerful reminder that with determination and passion, it is possible to achieve one’s goals, irrespective of gender.
The book also supports a noble cause: all royalties from its sales are directed to the Rotary Club Madras East (RCME) to support girls’ education in India.
Among the pioneers is Rajyalakshmi Reddy, India’s first female telecommunications engineer and the only girl in her batch at CEG. After graduating, she joined Indian Telephone Industries in Bangalore and later moved to All India Radio (AIR) in Delhi as a sound engineer, working with notable personalities like Jawaharlal Nehru and Lata Mangeshkar. In the 1970s, she became the principal of Kamala Nehru Polytechnic for Women in Hyderabad, where she introduced diverse courses to empower female students. After a significant career, she rejoined AIR, retiring as an Assistant Station Engineer in 1981. Rajyalakshmi Reddy’s career is a shining example of creating pathways for future generations of women.
Dr. Mohan’s Roots and Wings is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of pioneering women in India. The book not only celebrates their achievements but also inspires others to dream big and persevere in the face of challenges.
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