The Indian Steel Association (ISA) today conferred its ‘Wings of
Steel’ award to Jindal Stainless’ first woman overhead crane operator, Ms Minu
Mohanta under the ‘Gender and
Diversity’ category. Steel Secretary, Mr Nagendra Nath Sinha, presented her the
award for “perseverance and steely resolve” in overcoming challenging
circumstances and for being an inspiration for many. She was born to a mason father, married at the age of 14 and widowed at
25.
She was also conferred the Jury's Special Award for showing
determination and resilience in the face of adversity at the 4th edition of the ISA‘s Steel Conclave held in New
Delhi.
Ms Mohanta, started working as a stone
crusher in a quarry for six years before joining Jindal Stainless — India’s largest stainless steel
manufacturer — as part of its
housekeeping team for the steel melting shop in 2011. Driven by her
inquisitiveness and a desire to learn machine operation, she quickly adapted to
managing engine-powered cleaning vehicles.
She took inspiration from her supervisor and
fellow women colleague sand expressed her interest in tackling one of the most
demanding plant operations, the management of overhead cranes within the plant,
which was traditionally dominated by men. Remarkably, she
mastered the skill of operating overhead cranes in just one month and dedicated
the subsequent months to perfecting it, shattering gender stereotypes.
On receiving the award, Ms Mohanta said, “This is a big day for me…. I just want
to say that there is no alternative for women but to be brave. I am thankful
for the opportunity I have been given at Jindal Stainless and I am committed to
creating an army of women who choose courage over fear.”
Managing Director, Jindal Stainless, Mr
Abhyuday Jindal, said, “It fills me with immense pride that
ISA has identified the resilience and courage that Minu exhibits. Hers is a
story of enormous strength and unparalleled dedication towards her work. At
Jindal Stainless, we aim to encourage more women to sign up for such
challenging tasks, defy conventional norms and serve as shining example of
inspiration for others.”
Ms Mohanta has a daughter and a son in their
20s and married. Currently, she lives with her in-laws and son. She provides
training to other women at the plant and encourages them to opt for jobs that
have traditionally been male-dominated.
The ISA has emerged as a platform for Indian iron and steel industry that facilitates issues, concerns and challenges common to its members with government and other stakeholders within and outside India.
