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I felt as much at home in Pune as I did in my hometown. The place changed my life in so many

ways. As directed, I went to Telco’s Pimpri office for the interview. There were six people
on the panel and I realized then
that this was serious business.

“This is the girl who wrote to

JRD,” I heard somebody whisper
as soon as I entered the room. By

then I knew for sure that I would
not get the job. The realization

put an end to all fears from my
mind, so I was rather cool during
the interview.

Even before the interview
started I presumed that the panel was biased, so I told them rather impolitely, “I hope this is
only a technical interview.”

They were taken aback by my rudeness, and even today, when I think of it I feel ashamed of
my attitude. The panel asked me some technical questions and I answered all of them.

Then an elderly gentleman with an affectionate voice said, “Do you know why we said lady
candidates need not apply? The reason is that we have never employed ladies on the shop

floor. And this is a factory. When it comes to academics, you are a first ranker throughout.
We appreciate that but people like you should work in research laboratories.”

I was a young girl from a small town and my world was limited. I did not understand the

ways of large corporate houses and their difficulties. I said, “ But you must start somewhere,
otherwise no woman will ever be able to work in your factories.”

Finally, after a long interview, I was told that I had been successful. After joining Telco

I realized who JRD was; the uncrowned king of Indian Industry. I was transferred to
Bombay.

One day, I was in the chairman’s office on the first floor of Bombay House when suddenly
JRD walked in. It was the first time I saw “Appro JRD.”

‘Appro’ means ‘our’ in Gujarati. This was how JRD was affectionately addressed by people

there.

I felt very nervous on seeing him. I remembered the postcard I sent to him. But our chairman
introduced me nicely.

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