In the late 1970s, a dynamic young lady in her 20s was deeply upset & disillusioned. Born in a typical Indian middle class family, she had aspired to become a Doctor, but when she was unable to clear the medical entrance exams, she chose to pursue a degree in
Zoology. Later, she again tried applying for medical schools abroad, but when she couldn't get a scholarship, she decided to pursue masters degree in fermentation science at an Australia University.
That course was the turning point of her life, because it not only changed her attitude towards microbial sciences, but also helped her develop so much passion in the field of brewing and fermentation, that she actually went on to top the Australian University with a
Gold Medal. Soon after her return to India, she started applying for jobs at various companies, but the kind of responses she received shattered all her dreams.
Every company, despite acknowledging her qualifications and skills, rejected her, because back then in India, the
Every company, despite acknowledging her qualifications and skills, rejected her, because back then in India, the
fermentation jobs were mostly limited to "hard-drink" companies which were male-dominated industries. For her qualifications, the only role suitable was that of a "Master Brewer", which was usually the top job in any brewery, and the companies felt that giving such
coveted jobs to women would hurt the ego of the men working under her and demoralize the entire workforce.
Due to a series of such job rejections, the young lady felt immensely helpless and disillusioned. After a lot of introspection, one fine day, she said to herself "
Due to a series of such job rejections, the young lady felt immensely helpless and disillusioned. After a lot of introspection, one fine day, she said to herself "
So what if the brewing companies don't want to hire me? I will start my own company to not only compete against the brewing industry, but also use my microbial science knowledge to develop affordable medicines as well". That's how she started a brewing & microbial
company focused on healthcare, in the garage of her rented house in the 1970s,( 1978 to be exact) which is now among the top 5 Biotech companies in the world!
That young lady's name was Kiran Mazumdar (Shaw) of Biocon.
That young lady's name was Kiran Mazumdar (Shaw) of Biocon.
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