Career Calling

I graduated from SNDT Women's University, Mumbai, in 1980 with a food and nutrition major. In 1981, I completed my post-graduation in dietetics from Mumbai's Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition.

After working for hospitals such as Nair, ESIS and Nanavati, I joined Hinduja Hospital in 1986 as senior dietician and was later promoted to chief dietician.

I was responsible for setting up the entire department along with my chief dietician. Sixteen years later, in January 2002, I resigned to actively conduct diet and nutrition related talks for various Rotary and Lions' clubs.

Not to mention my association with corporates such as ICICI Bank, Indian Oil, Marico, Wockhardt and Novartis to name a few.

I co-founded, in December 2005, Health Education And Lifestyle Management (HEAL) - a diet and nutrition related, holistic solutions company that offers workshops, display exhibitions, prepares educational material, handles recruitment etc.

'Juggler' Act

Unlike most women even today who give up their career after marriage, I worked even after marriage.

My husband and in-laws were supportive; the financial help made a difference. We lived with my husband's mother and two elder sisters.

Naturally, I had to do the balancing act between home and work without neglecting either. I saw to it that all my duties were done to the fullest.

This included the daily household chores and entertaining guests to taking care of the family during special times such as sickness and marriage.

In a city like Mumbai, where one spends a major part in travelling to work, it helped that I stayed only four buildings away from the hospital!

It helped that we had a full-time maid and that my mother-in-law did the small jobs around the house. Juggling work and home has not been difficult at all. It is only of late that I feel the work is increasing.

I also travel frequently, which is why the time given to self and home is less at times.

Since I am an early riser, I finish all my household work by 8 am maximum and this includes cooking for the day too!

A housewife's job is never ending - from purchasing everyday items to keeping the house neat and tidy. It helps if you finish all tasks for the day.

My mother-in-law is now 78 years old and enjoys good health, which is again a blessing I guess. She is a very warm person and always helps the family and people around in whatever way she can.