INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL

My dad, a mechanical engineer at Mother Dairy, always emphasized, “Work is Worship.” I witnessed my parents’ hard work and sincerity, instilling a strong work ethic in me. At home, we weren’t into ritualistic worship; my parents were easygoing. However, as I grew up, I became interested in rituals, superstitions, and other such things in my search for God. Please shed some light on your early education and jobs. I grew up in Delhi and went to Air Force Bal Bharati School. Later, I studied B. Com at Delhi University. I started working even before finishing my studies. Back in school, I gave tuition to contribute to my family’s finances. When I was in 12th grade, I taught commerce and Business Studies to 11th graders. I began working at Dover Technology Company, a Fortune 500 company, right after my final exams for graduation. Despite not knowing how to use a computer initially, I made a promise to learn and work hard, which I fulfilled. This job taught me a lot about dealing with people, working on computers, using Microsoft Excel, Tally, and various aspects of finance and corporate work. Being the youngest in the organization, everyone took care of me like a kid. I even spent extra time on Saturdays to learn more about computers. Because I was paid on a daily basis, I had to stay at the office even after everyone else had gone home. I utilized that time to learn about Microsoft Excel and computers. Everyone at work trusted me so much that I would calculate my own salary, and the boss would sign the cheque without checking. It was a big responsibility not to break that trust. I was very careful, but I made a mistake one month and wrote my salary cheque for less money. When I gave it to my mother, she noticed. I couldn’t admit my mistake at the office because I was embarrassed of my mistake. So, I had to accept the lower amount that month as a penalty for my error. Tell us something about Dr Rajat Malhotra, your husband. After working for five years post-college, I married Rajat Malhotra in 2001, whom I consider a blessing from God. His support has been crucial in everything I’ve achieved. I joined American Express after marriage and worked there for 14 years. Despite being inclined towards spirituality, I pursued a Diploma in Business Administration and IFRS during my job. Later, I pursued my passion for religion by earning a Master’s in Religious Studies from Punjabi University, Patiala, followed by a Ph.D. from the Department of Guru Granth Sahib Studies at the same university.