A job shouldn’t be only a source of income
Published on : Tuesday 02-03-2021
Lakshmi Lalita Mohan, Head and Representative – Germany, CII.
What was the inspiration to study and pursue a career in Law?
I chose to study law as it is a fascinating and broad subject. Studying law enabled me to better understand human behaviour, the industry and our society. The saying ‘knowledge is power’ definitely applies to the subject of law; it helped me to develop demonstrable critical thinking and decision making skills for my work. With a law degree, you can be successful in any related field or profession like politics, management, journalism, international relations, as long as you can combine intellectual strength and a practical approach to every situation.
Often projects demand stay away from home. How is that experience?
At its core, work travel for me means enriching my own life: I always aim to expand my horizons by discovering something beyond my day to day life from which I can learn. I love learning new languages, meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures. For me a project away from home is a personal enrichment and truly exciting.
How did the Covid pandemic affect your working routine and what are the learnings?
Despite breakneck medical advancements, the pandemic has shown how vulnerable human beings are. This virus does not differentiate between humans and continues to shake the entire world with country after country announcing lockdowns and closing borders to prevent its transmission. More than 2,000 years ago, the ancient Indian wisdom embraced a worldview that gave equal value to all living creatures. This essential vision of ancient India revered nature and accentuated the need for the amicable co-existence of all living creatures. It’s time to live after these ancient principles now more than ever. Perhaps the most obvious impact of Covid-19 on the labour force is the dramatic increase in employees working remotely. I am able to connect to the whole world virtually, meetings, events, conferences are all happening virtually now. Other than offering flexibility, remote working can play a big role in resolving some modern-day ills. I truly believe that it can bring down the planet’s collective carbon footprints. Further, in megacities with heavy traffic congestion and pollution, it can help clean up the air and the roads. While I do look forward to travel and personal interactions, I realise that a lot of our work can be done virtually too.
What would be your message to those seeking career guidance?
A job shouldn’t be only a source of income. The career you choose for yourself should make you feel good emotionally which will give you motivation to meet your goals, and when you do then the sense of accomplishment is outstanding. Being content, you will radiate that success wherever you do. It is very important to follow your dreams and do the work you were born to do. As Confucius said, ‘choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.’
It is said if you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate a family, generation (nation). Your views?
Indian culture and heritage has always represented the feminine as the most powerful energy of life. This is to show that singularly, the masculine aspect is in vain unless it is invigorated by the feminine aspect. Educating women is definitely a magic multiplier in the development equation. It is very important to invest in women and girls because the benefits flow not only to them but everyone around them, their families, children, the entire community and the next generations.
Would you like to share information about your other achievements?
I was born in India and at the age of 7 years, my father was posted to UNIDO in Zürich, Switzerland, where I started school. Thereafter, we moved to Germany where I completed my ‘Abitur’. I pursued German Law in Germany. I feel extremely fortunate that I could imbibe the best of both worlds – India and Europe. As they say, learning never stops, so, to keep in touch with passion which is law, I am currently doing my part-time Masters in Law (LL.M) in Corporate Security and Compliance along with my work.
I am a Member of the India Business Forum Executive Committee an initiative by the Consulate General of India in Frankfurt, and since September 2018, Ambassador of the Indo-German GINSEP program – a joint initiative by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Government of Germany and Deutsche Startups Association.
Throughout my life, I have had several role models. There are many individuals that I looked up to for many different qualities that they represent such as Mahatma Gandhi, Dhirubhai Ambani, Ratan Tata, Gayatri Devi and Audrey Hepburn. My mother who has always been so loving and giving, and my father who is my living inspiration.
My father who always told me that we all come with a unique purpose when we are born. He has been my map and compass that guides me to that sought after destination of being able to fulfil my true potential. It is a life-long journey. Working for the Confederation of Indian Industry, I have found the work I love and also love the work I do.
What are the three words that best capture the essential you?
Loyal. Empathetic. Optimistic.
Lakshmi Lalita Mohan works as Head of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Germany and Europe. She is engaged in building strategic partnerships and maintaining relationships with all stakeholders, for CII on behalf of Indian industry in Germany and EU. This includes relationships with counterpart organisations and associations within Germany and across the EU. In her work with the CII, Lakshmi is engaged in promotion of industrial cooperation and bilateral relations – trade, foreign direct investments, joint ventures and technical collaborations between India and Germany. Primarily, promoting India as a destination for trade and investments.