Dr Nalinee Suryawanshi’s story is an inspiring tale of rising from a humble village in Maharashtra to leading the production process at Swiss NeWater India in the manufacturing and chemical engineering sectors. Despite financial challenges and societal norms, she excelled academically, becoming the first in her family to achieve distinction in 12th grade. Her journey involved balancing various jobs and participating in the National Cadet Corps to fund her education. Her dedication and passion for petrochemical engineering led her to pursue a PhD, setting an example for women who aspire to make it big despite societal, cultural, and economic odds.
Manufacturing has long been perceived as a male-dominated sector, with women often underrepresented in its ranks. This historical trend has been challenged in recent years, as more women break barriers and emerge as leaders in this field. The presence of women in manufacturing not only diversifies the workforce but also brings unique perspectives and skills to the table. Embarking on a journey, taking challenges head on, and emerging victorious at all stages requires not just skill but also immense courage and resilience. Dr Nalinee Suryawanshi’s story is a shining example of such a journey. Her path from a small village in Maharashtra, India, to becoming a leader in the manufacturing sector portrays how one can turn their life around with self-belief, determination, and perseverance.
Dr Suryawanshi is the Head of Production and Global Chief Technology Officer at Swiss NeWater India Private Limited, the subsidiary of Forbes Marshall. In her roles, she oversees the production processes and spearheads technological advancements within the company. Swiss NeWater India is dedicated to creating environmentally friendly and sustainable products, specifically focusing on the cleaning and sanitization sector. Under her leadership, the company is not only committed to manufacturing high-quality, eco-friendly products but also to innovating and improving their technologies to remain at the forefront of the green and sustainable movement in their industry. Her expertise and guidance are crucial in driving the company’s mission to provide ecological solutions while maintaining excellence in their production line.
Rooted in Simplicity: The Village Prodigy
Born into a family where farming was the mainstay, Nalinee’s early life was framed by the simplicity of rural living. Her father, a school clerk, and her mother, a housewife, were part of a joint family that managed life’s necessities with modest means. This backdrop, though financially constraining, was rich in values and community spirit, shaping Nalinee’s early worldview.
Nalinee’s academic journey was marked by firsts. She broke the mold in her family by completing her 12th-grade education in science, not just passing but excelling with distinction. This achievement made her entire village proud, highlighting her potential and setting the stage for her future pursuits. Recognizing her talents, her father became a driving force, encouraging her to venture beyond the traditional roles expected of women in her community.
Stepping Stones: Overcoming Barriers
Choosing petrochemical engineering, Nalinee ventured into a field rarely trodden by women from her background. This decision was met with a mix of skepticism and resistance, both from her broader community and within her own family. Yet, Nalinee’s resolve was steadfast. She was determined to pave her own path, undeterred by the societal expectations that often limit women’s choices.
During her engineering studies, financial challenges were a constant companion. To support herself, Nalinee took on various roles within her hostel, learning not just to manage finances but also honing essential life skills. She became a hostel secretary and mess secretary, roles that not only helped her financially but also instilled in her a sense of independence and resourcefulness.
The NCC Chapter: Discipline and Self-Reliance
In her pursuit of financial independence and personal growth, Nalinee joined the National Cadet Corps (NCC). This decision was not just about embracing discipline; it was a strategic move to earn a stipend to support her educational and maintenance expenses. “Another reason I joined the NCC was that in the NCC, if you join, you get some money at the end of the month. That was also a motivation, as I was aware that my family might not be able to provide financial support. So, I had to find ways to get the money”, she said. The NCC experience was transformative, instilling in her a rigorous work ethic and a structured approach to life.
The NCC also became a platform for Nalinee to develop her emotional strength. Being far from her family and facing initial emotional disconnect, she found solace and strength in the disciplined environment of the NCC. This phase of her life was crucial in building her resilience, teaching her to navigate challenges with a focused and positive mindset.
Academic Triumphs and Professional Ascents
After completing her engineering degree, Nalinee briefly entered the IT sector and worked in Cognizant for some time. However, her passion for petrochemical engineering soon called her back, leading her to resign and embark on a PhD journey. She directly enrolled in a PhD program with a fellowship, a rare and commendable feat that marked the beginning of her significant contributions to research and development.
Her academic and professional journey has been adorned with numerous accolades, reflecting her expertise and innovation in the field. From winning the SERB-IGCW 2017 award to securing the first place in the ACS APICC oral competition, Nalinee’s achievements speak of her exceptional talent and hard work. In 2019, as the research student of CSIR – National Chemical Laboratory (CSIRNCL), Pune, she also became the recepient of SRISTI – Gandhian Young Technological Innovation (GYTI) from the then Vice President of India.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
When Nalinee joined the manufacturing sector, she faced a new set of challenges. This industry was mostly run by men, and for someone like her, adjusting and making a mark required patience and a lot of hard work. She had to prove herself, showing that she was just as capable and knowledgeable as anyone else in this field. This wasn’t easy, especially in an environment where women leaders were rare. These early days in her career were not just about doing her job; they were about showing her strength, dedication, and ability to handle tough situations.
Nalinee tackled these challenges with calmness and determination. She knew that getting upset or giving up wouldn’t help. So, she focused on her work, letting her skills and knowledge speak for themselves. This wasn’t a quick process; it took time and effort to gradually gain the trust and respect she deserved. By consistently doing good work and staying composed, even when things got tough, she started to change the way people saw her. This period in her career was really important. Her steady commitment to her work and her goals, even with the everyday ups and downs of her job, played a big part in her becoming successful and well-respected in the manufacturing sector. Her journey shows how sticking to your goals and working hard can lead to success and recognition in any field.
Breaking Stereotypes
Dr Suryawanshi’s journey is not only about personal triumph but also about inspiring other women. She advocates for women’s participation in manufacturing, emphasizing the need for courage and skill development. Her own story is a powerful example of how women can successfully navigate and excel in androcentric fields. In her advice to aspiring young women, Nalinee emphasizes the importance of not setting limitations for oneself and seizing every opportunity to learn and grow. Her experiences serve as a guide for other women, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with courage and determination.
In her own words, “If girls truly have the courage and the skill set, which I believe many do, as they are increasingly venturing into the field of engineering these days. However, post-engineering, there’s a tendency to lean towards design or desk jobs, rather than embracing roles in production. Courage, in my view, is a keyword here. If girls are comfortable and bold enough to step into these roles, they are most certainly welcome and needed. It’s about having the courage to break the stereotype and enter spaces, which were less traveled by women in the past.”
Dr Nalinee Suryawanshi’s life is a narrative of courage, dedication, and resilience. Her transition from a small village to assuming a leadership position in the manufacturing sector is a powerful reminder that with determination and hard work, women can excel in any field they choose. Her story serves as an inspiration for many, proving that barriers are meant to be broken and that every challenge is an opportunity to rise and shine.
