The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Climbing the ladder of success

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Aug 27, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Climbing the ladder of success

She believes that nationalised banks can match or offer better services than private banks.

It is less than a fortnight since V. Kalyani became Syndicate Bank's General Manager (Chennai Region) but she has taken to her new responsibility with ease. She has 34 years of experience in operation and administration and is a natural leader. Ms. Kalyani speaks to Kannal Achuthan on what it means for a woman officer to lead a group of banking staff.

V. Kalyani is a woman of few words. With a brief nod, she acknowledges the congratulations offered for becoming Syndicate Bank's first woman general manager and quickly asks, "So, how can I help you?"

This professionalism is only one of Ms. Kalyani's many attributes that helped her reach where she is today.

Hard work, sincerity and organisation skills are some of her other qualities.

The banker heads 80 branches in the Chennai region, which spans from Hosur to Dharmapuri. Apart from meeting the bank's general targets, Ms. Kalyani plans to improve linkages with self-help groups in rural branches and customer services.

Her association with Syndicate Bank began in 1972 when she joined as probationary officer. She went on to hold several important positions in its branches in Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.

She was also Regional Manager in Mysore, Ernakulam and Chennai regions and believes that nationalised banks can match or offer better services than private banks any day.

"I think affection and affinity for your institution is very important," says Ms. Kalyani.

She regrets that youngsters are quick to jump jobs today, as this would not help them build a relationship with an organisation and its people.

Her years of experience have helped her strike a good rapport with staff and facilitate a team-building process. A believer in transparency in governance, she says, "I discuss any plans or developments with colleagues."

Ms. Kalyani does not think that being a woman posed difficulties in her career path. Her family and office team were forthcoming with their support, she says. In fact, she met her husband Ananthanarayanan in Syndicate Bank!

"There were a few times when I had to prioritise office work over family. I once overheard one of my daughters telling someone, "See, even when I am sick, mother cannot take leave," says the banker.

The daughters are now grown up, with the younger sibling taking up finance management just like her parents.

All of Ms. Kalyani's organisational skills would have to be employed now that she has more responsibilities. But her inbuilt sense of time and urge to achieve are sure to assist her reach newer heights.

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