Yamini
Krishnan #YaminiKrishnan #InspiringIndians #AtoZChallenge
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| Yamini Krishnan |
In
this entire series of the AtoZChallenge 2017 and the theme I selected as
Inspiring Indian Woman, probably, this post is the most difficult one to write
for me. You may wonder why? Just because this woman is not
only a HR leader in India, but also happens to be my elder sister, friend from
birth, mentor, guide, philosopher and above all, my god mother. To
write a story without taking personal bias and at the same time, tell the
world, the things hitherto unknown of an amazing woman is not an easy task.
Born
in Eluru of West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, she was the eldest of 3
daughters to her parents. Very active in school activities and
academics. She learnt Bharatanatyam for few years before she got
keen in music and continue her singing spree even today.
The
year she was born, also saw the release of the famous yesteryears movie Bobby
and she was fondly called so at home. Earlier named as Yamini Venkata
Lakshmi, she later on after marriage went on to become famous as Yamini
Krishnan.
Very
intelligent and obedient child and loved being a big sister to her younger
sisters in guiding them and always being there. She enjoyed singing and
learnt her initial music from our grandmother who raised us. She loved
food except for Brinjal and curd to which she had a deep aversion. Right
from young age, she was very fascinated to have people around her, especially
her friends. She associated with everyone around, but had very few in her
inner circle.
Life
was fair to her as a child. Raised by an absolutely loving and pious
father, god-fearing and noble, and a mother who was very disciplining and
strong willed. A fairy god-mother (grandmother) who loved her, pampered
her and cared/ raised her with stories of freedom movement, mythology and moral
values.
Life
can be equally cruel at times. With all hopes she moved from Eluru
to Chennai city for her high secondary education. As she was few
days away from the much dreaded final year exams, life threw at her the rudest
shock we can face…losing her father to a massive heart attack. She was
just 17 and was not yet ready to face life. Yet to understand how to
handle adversities. Overnight life became uncertain.
Our
mother took the courage to get back to work and routine for the sake of her
daughters. Yamini went ahead boldly with her exams with a brim
face. The road ahead was not easy. Her dad’s dream of her to be an
engineer faded away with him. She took B.Sc Mathematics in Meenakshi
College and started to bring back her life along with that of her
sisters.
We
loved watching cricket, tennis and also do all the household
chores. From a very comfortable life to a life of modest means
threw the reality of life. From the comfort of servants at home, we had
to manage life with its limited means.
Having
three daughters and a whole lot of responsibility suddenly on her single
shoulders, my mother was worried. The first proposal for marriage was the
solace for her and she agreed to get Yamini get married at the tender age of 18
just as she completed her first year of college. Her husband Krishnan is
an amazing person, a wonderful human being and a very understanding
spouse. He encouraged her to continue her studies and supported to start
her own career. He was at that time at his modest beginnings of his own
career.
Behind
every successful woman, also there is a man. Shyful, ever smiling, soft
spoken marketing man Krishnan took the brightest decisions all through his life
starting from being married to a country fruit like Yamini. He stood by
her to complete her education and managed both home and studies. He
taught her to drive, not just life but her craziness of cars. The
transformation began with the transition of S.Y.V.Lakshmi to Yamini Krishnan,
the twilight star.
Krishnan
changed the way she looked, the way she carried herself, and groomed her to
what she is today. He helped her socializing, sophistication and
showcasing a class of empowerment. He taught her to make decisions both
strong and bold. Pushed her to experiment with her limitations and
beyond. A teen who discontinued her studies for her marriage,
re-emerged as an aspiring career woman.
She
travelled extensively all over India with Krishnan. Step by step, the
career grew along with them. After 5 years of marriage and couple
of degrees and diploma’s to her credit, she was blessed with a loving son Ajay
who stood by her supporting and loving throughout her journey. He became
her life. Collectively they had to make loads of sacrifices and adjustments.
They did it all with smiles.
Yamini
did not look back from there. She went ahead to pursue higher studies and
ended up in IIM Calcutta where she mastered her Management degree. Her
leadership is well received and respected. She inspired many young women
to fight all odds and keep moving ahead with the goals of life.
Despite
the demanding challenges at work, she loved being the creative person she
is. Crazy about long drives, creative and happy to paint her own diyas
for Diwali, go on Garba dancing during Dussera, making her regular visits to
temple, being there for friends and family at all times of joy and needs.
Not many know that she writes amazing poetry and loves blogging at her blog
‘maddening silences’
Amidst
all this, they both make time to travel and enjoy the beauty of this world in
its raw and real form by taking vacations round the globe.
Yamini
and Krishnan encourage each other to climbing the Corporate Ladder. Today
Krishnan is Head of Retail Sales in Pidilite Industries and Yamini is enjoying
her career as Director - HR, South Asia at QuintilesIMS. She has
extensive experience handling entire gamut of HR functions. Handled end to end
responsibilities of Talent Acquisition, HR Operations, Business HR functions,
Corporate Social Responsibility, Employer Branding activities. She
was identified as one of the Top 16 HR leaders in India for the year 2016.
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| Yamini & C.G.Krishnan |
This
is a story of grit and determination, hard work and perseverance, converting
adversities and opportunities. I can only end this note by saying
that I am very proud of Yamini and thank God for making her my
sister.
References
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaminikrishnan/
1 comment:
Fantastic post. Salute to the amazing couple yamini and krishnan. Each Role models in their own way as well as a family
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