Que: How has been your journey so far, being a woman, in the renewable energy industry?

Ans: I started my carrier with banking in 2008 and then established Kor Energy India Pvt Ltd in the year 2013. Initially, we started with the small domestic installations for captive use or self consumption, and after some time we also started doing marketing via various platforms such as digital, telemarketing and by publishing advertisements and articles in reputed news paper with the help of limited resources. Since beginning, we planned each and everything to target end customer. Also, we started this venture with our own, very limited resources, so both working capital and resources were limited and we have to make sure that every single penny should be utilised properly.
Earlier, People did not give such Positive response on the clean energy and was also less aware about green energy. But now the things have changed and people want to give their contribution towards the nature and society. Also, they are becoming more aware about benefits of putting up solar in Residential as well as Commercial establishments.

Que: Is the availability of right kind of skilled manpower in the Indian renewables industry a challenge? What more could be done to tap this as an opportunity for India?

Ans: No not at all, right kind of skilled manpower is available easily. There are many simple short courses are available that are too free of cost from the government institution at many places. There are many private bodies that are taking initiative to provide right trainings that too, on very nominal charges. So there are many skilled manpower available and we can hire them for our project execution.
There are many institutions providing skilled training like National Institute of Solar Energy, Oorja trainings and Delhi Institute of Solar Energy and Technology etc. But, I think, government should come up with supportive policies and smooth system for net metering. State policies to favour net metering for industrial as well as commercial buildings.

Que: What is your message for other women on joining the renewable energy industry in terms of scope and opportunities in the sector? What skill sets they require?

Ans: I believe Women have Undefined and unlimited Calibre. They have the ability to adapt and extremely good management skills.
Nowadays, women are Electrical Engineers, Civil Engineers and into Designing Profession also. So they could be into solar system designing, good Project Manager or Project Head to execute project timely within costs. Women could be the owner of the company and run her organisation also like me.

Que: How important is the role of family in maintaining a balance between office work and family life for a working woman?

Ans: I believe women are actually better than men .They undergo several physical and emotional changes in life and play several roles as daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, mother etc. I did not ever ask for any type of concession or waiver at work and exhorted women to “Be Professional”.
I am actually blessed to have good supportive family, colleagues and friends, especially, my Son who always motivates me to do my best. That’s why I am doing best.

Que: Where did you see Indian renewable energy industry’s road towards ‘AatmNirbhar’ in next five years?

Ans: Now is the time to focus on domestic manufacturing which would help conserve substantial foreign exchange and create atleast 3 to 4 lakh jobs in next five years.
About 63 per cent of cell manufacturing capacity and 43 per cent of module manufacturing facilities in India are located at SEZs. Government should support local manufacturing and came up with supportive plans for SMEs as well, so they would get a chance in manufacturing and would be able to export as well as cater to domestic market. Hence, achieve economies of scale.

Que: What will be your suggestions for women taking a mid-career break and want to return to work?

Ans: There are certain roles and responsibility which nature has option other than Female. But, biologically, God has chosen us (Females) to give birth to child and during this period I guess every woman has to take mid-career break during pregnancy. I believe this is a natural process so there is no harm in taking small break for family planning.
As an individual, I also took a break for 2 years, infact, and then I joined back new company as a Professional. This is quite obvious and important too. I think women are borne best managers and they can manage any situation depending upon their priorities. Now, organisations have certain leave policies for women as well and they can plan accordingly.