What science means to the women scientists at Aditya Birla Group

This year, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science marks seven years since its inception. The day is celebrated to inspire and encourage participation of girls and women in science and technology.  It doesn't merely recognise their role as beneficiaries but views them as agents of change and progress. It is a critical means to achieve gender equality and empowerment of girls and women.

Passion drives me to think out of the box and fuels my creativity.

Ms. Esha Sharma

Senior Scientist, Aditya Birla Science and Technology Company Pvt. Ltd

At the Aditya Birla Group, our women scientists are a force to reckon with. From product development to process modification, getting their hands dirty in mines to handling delicate fibre, and setting up experiments in labs to testing their hypothesis on the shop floor, they have been instrumental in developing many key products for various Group companies.

We spoke to a few of these scientists to understand what sparked their interest in science and what science means to them.

Science – a passion

Science gives you a reason behind everything we see, it talks common sense.

Ms. Kalyani Kumari

Assistant Manager, Aditya Birla Power Composites Limited

Building a career in science needs an inherent sense of curiosity, the ability to ask the right questions and seek creative solutions, a readiness to accept failure repeatedly and the dogged willingness to show up no matter what.

Esha Sharma, Senior Scientist, Aditya Birla Science and Technology Centre Pvt. Ltd., says that she always wanted to be associated with science. She is a creative person and has always liked to tweak or modify existing processes to make something new and different. Her area of research is fibre and textiles, and she is passionate about it.

Kalyani Kumari, Assistant Manager, Aditya Birla Power Composites Ltd., says she was always interested in science.

 Science – an excitement

We started developing a geopolymer-based green cement back in 2010. It is only now that green cement is being used in the industry.

Ms. Aarti Varma

Senior Scientist, Aditya Birla Science and Technology Centre Pvt. Ltd 

 Every day is a new day when working in a research lab. There's no such thing as routine, and there are new learnings at every step of the way. Aarti Varma, Senior Scientist, Aditya Birla Science and Technology Centre Pvt. Ltd. explains that science has allowed her to work in various fields and futuristic projects.

Roopali Samant, Senior Scientist, Aditya Birla Science and Technology Centre Ltd., who is a veteran in geology and an expert in microscopy with over 22 years of experience says that microscopy makes every sample interesting and looking at it under the microscope is a different kind of excitement.

Seeing the happiness on the scientist's face as they observe their carefully created sample through the microscope brings me a lot of excitement and happiness.

Ms. Roopali Samant

Senior Scientist, Aditya Birla Science and Technology Centre Pvt. Ltd 

 Anuradha Mitra, Senior Scientist, Aditya Birla Science and Technology Centre Pvt. Ltd. Talks about a time when she was formulating a component of a cosmetic product.

Science has no limits and research brings many opportunities to work on diverse projects. For Chandrakala Kari, Domain Leader, Bauxite & Alumina, Aditya Birla Science & Technology Ltd., a chemical engineer by qualification, working on a project next to a mine in a restricted zone was new. Her excitement knew no bounds when she was assigned her task of recovering precious metals suchas gold and silver from the samples!

Advice from the scientists

When asked about her advice to young women in science, Roopali says that unless one is passionate about it, they shouldn't pursue the field.  Aarti is of a similar opinion. She says, "Science is full of challenges, and unless you have a strong desire to pursue it, do not choose the field."

Anuradha says, "Research needs creative thinking. Don't let biases cloud your observations and think out of the box while arriving at a solution."

Adding about fewer women in STEM roles, Isha advises young women to not get bogged by the small number of women in the field. "Women scientists need extra mental strength to overcome biases. One should be determined to succeed and keep going."

The process was closely guarded by the competition. Cracking that code was a big learning curve and a thrilling experience.

Dr. Anuradha Mitra

Senior Scientist, Aditya Birla Science and Technology Centre Pvt. Ltd

At the Aditya Birla Group, we believe that all roles are skill-oriented and not gender oriented. Equity and equality are ingrained in our culture. There's a conscious effort to break stereotypes and include more women in leadership and STEM roles.

We work towards making the environment more conducive to women through policies and building appropriate infrastructure to make work-life more rewarding and satisfying for them.