Hello Madam...BHELCOME TO INDIA!

Picture this, a 20 something girl who has recently graduated from a prestigious university in the US decides to move back to her home country and seek a job in advertising. So she sets up an interview with the country's leading media house and with her briefcase in hand and dressed to the nines in a black business suit, lands at her prospective employer's office. Exciting isnt it? Well after a 2 hour wait in a hot waiting area with no fans (this is Mumbai in May) and no one to offer her a glass of water, her hopes are already on the verge of shattering. Yet, she sticks around, as her father told her, "things are different in India". Finally the call comes!

A security gaurd (read chowkidaar) asks her to squeeze her way through the small gap he has left between himself and the door into the office of one of the senior partner's office. She is now ready to show how professional she is, share her dreams and ideas and what she wants to do with her life. She has spent the last two days practicing all the right things to be said. So in she walks and is greeted with a smirk by Mr. P. The great man doesnt think it necessary to get up from his revolving chair and has his feet perched up on a side table (finally he lets them drop). He asks her to take a seat. The ambitious girl hands him her resume and pulls out her portfolio that she worked so hard on during her years in college studying advertising and business.

Well..what does he do? Throws it back on the table and mouths, "ye sab India mein nahin chalta hai...yahan hindi bolna aana chahiye...tum to hindi bol hi nahin sakti" (Translated: All this doesnt work in India, here you need to speak in Hindi and you dont seem to know the language). the girl is shocked yet composes herself and answers, "Sir, main bahut achchi hindi bol sakti hoon, lekin usse Media Planning ka kya connection hai?" (Sir, I can converse in very good Hindi but what does it have to do with the profile of a Media Planner?). To this he replies (finally in English), " You may have what it takes but I cant see you being able to adjust considering you have lived in the US for 5 years now. India wont be your cup of tea. Why dont you move back? I am sure you dad can finance that too!

Ladies and gentleman...my first interview in 21st Century India!!

Its been almost 6 years since that crazy afternoon and yet I cant forget it. I remember walking out of that office in anger, sadness and despair. If people were going to hold my education against me, what chance did I have on making it in my own country? But make it I did! I owe that one bad interview alot. It taught me that not only should I expect to meet all kinds of people but also be prepared to be judged against (at times) because of my gender.

In these 6 years, I have gone through some interesting situations where my gender, age, ethnicity, education, family background have been used against me...to my dissappointment and suprise (isnt this where INDIA SHINING was a mantra?). There have been times where very educated and senior professionals have come up with the lamest of excuses as to why I am not 'ready' to take on more responsibilities or why I wouldnt 'fit' a role. All these instances have, instead of breaking my spirit, made me more confident and resilient!

I write this entry to thank my detractors! I can imagine what women in the work force must feel...here I am with only 6 years of work experience...I cant imagine what the rest of you have been through...HATS OFF TO ALL YOU INDEPENDENT LADIES...You have my best wishes always!