With most roles becoming gender neutral today, women can reach the top of their profession if they exercise tactical caution in the transition from college to the competitive world outside, K.Vijay Kumar, Director General, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), told new graduates of Seethalakshmi Ramaswami College.
Presenting the certificates to 935 graduates at the 37 graduation ceremony of the college, Mr.Vijay Kumar said, “Women have catapulted from cookhouse to the cockpit and the turf has extended. Today women are almost on an equal footing with men in most professions.” Stereotyping women cannot work anymore and men who claim that women cannot match their abilities are in deep trouble. Even those who choose to stay as homemakers can bring in value addition to their families.
Citing instances from his domain, the chief of the world's largest paramilitary organisation said warfare would have been invested with a totally new perspective if it were entrusted in the hands of women.
Fifteen years ago eyebrows were raised at women's entry into boxing as the pertinent question was, ‘How can a woman fight like a man?' Women's role in warfare has advanced from sewing uniforms of soldiers and tending to the injured in World War I to holding portfolios as top naval officers and air force commanders today.
Dwelling on his Tiruchi connection, the St.Joseph's College alumnus said the city was instrumental to his foundation as it was here he had taken to his studies seriously after being almost rusticated from a college in Coimbatore. Claiming he was not particularly brilliant or cerebrally endowed, he said it was hard work that had propelled him.
Commending mentors behind success of students, he urged graduates to reach loftier heights as graduation was not the end of the road. Kanaga Bashyam, principal, Seethalakshmi Ramaswami College, administered the oath to graduates. Citing Mr.Vijay Kumar as an example, she remarked that honour and success do not come instantaneously but are hard fought.
