“GBM carries my mother, father, and me in its name—but today, only ‘B’ remains. This is more than business; it’s my legacy, my purpose, my life“, she states. At just 19, Bishakha faced a defining choice—either step into the business her father built through years of struggle or let it shut down. There was no backup plan, no alternative. With no prior experience and an industry reluctant to accept women, she entered the manufacturing world not by choice. Clearly destiny had its own plan! What started as a responsibility soon became her passion. Today, she isn’t just running the business—she’s expanding it, creating opportunities for other women, and proving that resilience can reshape an entire industry.
Overcoming Initial Hurdles
Bishakha’s entry in manufacturing was with hesitancy. Raised in an environment where engineering and manufacturing were not conventional career choices for women, she had to challenge societal norms from the outset. Now Managing Director of GBM Manufacturing Private Limited in West Bengal and with limited access to role models in the field, her early years were marked by persistent self-doubt and external uncertainty as the company deals with power transmission products and expansion bellows.
“People often questioned my decision to enter manufacturing, assuming it was too demanding for a woman. But I believed that if we are passionate and committed, gender should never be a limitation,” Bishakha recalls.
Financial constraints and a lack of initial support added to her challenges. However, she persevered, focusing on upskilling herself and gaining hands-on experience in technical fields. Her tenacity soon paid off, earning her a place in a reputed manufacturing firm where she began making impactful contributions.
Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry
Coming from an economics background, she did not have an option to choose. She says, This is a family business. So, the entire process was that I was an only child. So, I did not have an option to choose because my father was in a position either to sell the business or I had to take it up. So, there was a migration. I was not interested in business to start with. I was more into academics and more into possibly I would have done English. And I have been given an option to really choose my career. But in those days, I think careers were not chosen. Careers were given to children.
In her initial days after the internship, she sat in a corner, studying stacks of files to understand the business. With no computers at the time, each page she turned was a step toward the expertise she would one day master.
Despite gaining a foothold in manufacturing, the journey ahead was filled with obstacles. There was a huge resistance from the higher management at that time because she was the daughter of the owner– So, there were a lot of quirky comments that, oh, she’s not going to be there for long. She’s going to get married. She’s going to go away. This is not her line of activity. This is a man’s world. She has no place. So, that was there. That was a very common kind of problem I think most women come across. I also came across, but it didn’t really matter because when you decide on doing something, you decide it. So, no one can really deter you from that path.
One of the major challenges she faced was in leadership acceptance. Many stakeholders, including clients and colleagues, initially resisted taking directions from a woman in a technical role. And being a young woman often invited unwanted attention. Early on, she noticed the tendency to flirt, the casual dismissals—but she knew it was all about how she handled herself.
Once they realized she was a tough case, the distractions faded, and everyone got busy. She made small but powerful choices—keeping her gray hair, which commanded readiness and respect, and wearing a saree on workdays as a mark of professionalism. Even after years, she knew that these subtle decisions gave her an edge in a world where she had to prove herself every day.
Bishakha faced her toughest test when her company hit a financial downturn while simultaneously investing in a massive factory on the highway. Political instability derailed the project, leading to significant losses. Rather than seeing it as a setback, Bishakha treated it as a learning curve. She discovered the true strength of her team—those who stood by her during the crisis became her core family. While some chose to leave, she realized they were never meant to be part of her journey.
She also discusses the shift of engineering graduates from core fields to IT which is often driven by media hype around its swanky offices and vibrant work culture, she says. However, the reality includes intense competition and burnout. Bishakha believes true job satisfaction comes from a workplace that fosters growth and comfort, not just a glamorous setting. “What truly matters is feeling valued and supported,” she says. She encourages hearing from the women in her organization, whose experiences prove that manufacturing offers a fulfilling and empowering career—one where women can truly thrive.
For her, this office isn’t just a workplace—it’s her temple, her first child, nurtured with love, passion, and devotion. GBM carries the essence of her family—G for her mother Geeta, B for herself Bishakha, and M for her father Montu. But today, only B remains to uphold the legacy.
If B thrives, GBM thrives. And so, she stands strong—not just to run a business, but to honor a legacy and build a future that lasts.
#AccelerateAction: Enabling Change for Women in Manufacturing
As the theme for International Women’s Day 2025 suggests, #AccelerateAction is not just about participating in change but driving it. Bishakha firmly believes that empowering women in manufacturing requires systemic shifts—starting from education and skill development to workplace inclusivity and leadership opportunities.
She actively works towards bridging the gender gap in manufacturing by mentoring young women, advocating for policy reforms, and encouraging companies to adopt more inclusive hiring practices. “We need to move beyond token representation and ensure that women are given equal opportunities to lead, innovate, and thrive in manufacturing,” she asserts.
Her vision for the future includes creating more women-friendly workplaces, increasing visibility of female role models in the industry, and fostering a culture of meritocracy where talent triumphs over gender biases.
While there is much discussion about supporting women entrepreneurs, real challenges remain—especially for smaller industrialists struggling with working capital. Accessing financial aid from institutions like SIDBI often involves excessive formalities, making it difficult to secure actual support. To truly empower women in manufacturing, policies need to be more accessible, ensuring that those actively contributing to the industry receive the recognition and financial backing they deserve.
Paving the Way Forward
Bishakha’s journey is commendable, from battling initial setbacks to establishing herself as a force in the manufacturing sector, she has not only broken barriers but is now actively working to ensure other women do not face the same struggles. When she began her career, she was the only woman in marketing, alongside a stenographer. Over time, she witnessed a remarkable transformation—one of those early hires is now an executive director.
Today, her company actively empowers women, with five female employees, three of whom hold key leadership roles. This growth reflects a strong commitment to fostering women in pivotal positions, driving change in the industry.
Bishakha’s Message to Young Women
“Success isn’t about followers—it’s about real skills and meaningful work,” says Bishakha. She urges young women to step beyond screens, explore, and create. “Manufacturing brings the joy of creation—something no social media post can match. Don’t just watch the world; go out and shape it.”
Bishakha’s story serves as an instance to the talent and tenacity that women bring to manufacturing, as Machine Maker’s #WoManufacturing campaign showcases the experiences of exceptional women in the field. Her experience demonstrates how women are influencing this industry’s future with skill and tenacity.
