The ‘firsts’ have contributed to history and have always remained significant. The struggle and dedication to achieve something find a new definition if you are the first to achieve it. When talking about being a trendsetter, we cannot miss out on this Dynamic leader who is not only the first lady production engineer of VJTI but also an awe-inspiring leader.
Mohini Kelkar, being the first production engineer from VJIT indeed is an achievement but is also a manifestation of her aspirations and willpower that she must have had back then. Interestingly, when a majority of people lose that zest eventually, she still continues to have the same spirit which has resulted in the success of Grind Master.
She showed exemplary determination, passion and courage way back in 1984 which resulted in the formation of Grind Master. The company was practically started from a garage by Milind and Mohini Kelkar. The gradual expansion of the company within the country and the establishment of its branches in China and France speak for the splendid journey that Grind Master has had until today. Grind Master holds a worth of 100 crores, with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, foreign tie-up and acquisitions delivering prowess of Indian manufacturing to the globe.
Being a woman could never stop her from achieving what she aimed for rather it gave her the required nudge to summit the success. A strong take, optimistic approach and arduous mind were always at work to meet the success. She is a truly inspirational figure for each and everyone who loves innovating and pushing the boundaries of technology way ahead.
With the ideology that Women are self-sufficient and do not seek the help of society to grow and flourish, Mohini Kelkar believes that a strong-headed woman can never be stopped from achieving what she aspires for.
The disparity existing in our society could be eliminated through the right upbringing, she feels. Her ideologies and values reflect in her son, Sameer Kelkar, who is not only a gold medallist from IIT Bombay but also supports Grind Master as the CEO of the company.
Humble Beginning
What started from an SSI unit in Aurangabad to a 100 crore company with four state-of-the-art manufacturing units spread across the globe today. Grind Master was started in 1984 by Milind and Mohini Kelkar, a technocrat couple with the objective of developing and manufacturing special purpose machines.
Grind Master is a pioneer and leader in special purpose machines for NANOFINISH, Metal Finishing, Deburring and solutions including Robotic automation and Abrasives. We provide total solutions for surface finishing requirements. With over 4000 machines across 6 continents, serving a wide range of industries, we bring a world of experience, of over 30 years in machine technology and process knowledge.
Challenges set fire to
Mohini passed out from VJTI in 1981 as a first lady Production Engineer. She worked for a couple of years and found that there are constraints. Her husband always wanted to have his own industry and she immediately agreed to join hands and started Grind Master together in a very small way. They both had creative instincts and so opted for developing machines and technology that did not exist in India before. The manufacturing world poses many challenges and demands innovations at all times. Therefore it is always interesting to work in this industry.
Grind Master competes with the best in the world. We constantly strive to exceed customer expectations with innovative and trustworthy solutions created with passion and expertise. Grind Master received the Star Performer Award from EEPC, in 2 consecutive years for the highest export of Machine Tools. They are also honoured with CII Innovation Award in 2017.
75% of Grind Master exports are to China, where Grind Master competes with German and Japanese machine builders on technology. Grind Master is the only established Indian supplier to global automotive companies such as SGM, SGMW, Great Wall and DPCA for Machinery.
Imbibing Gender Equality
As per Mohini Kelkar, one can easily see a big difference over the past 20 years. There has been a rise in first-generation women entrepreneurs who have taken up the business opportunities as it gives flexibility and freedom in working for them. There are several cases of daughters joining their fathers’ business and taking charge. As industries matured, the participation of women entrepreneurs increased.
Very often, women executives are not taken seriously in the beginning. But, as the meeting or presentation progresses, such a bias dilutes. Mohini does not think that they have lost any business due to gender disparity, shares Mrs Kelkar.
Since inception, they have never rejected any application of a candidate on the basis of gender or caste. Grind Master adopts “Respectful Workplace Policy” in an effort to create a culture of respect and to ensure compliance with the sexual harassment of women at the workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (SHWWA, 2013). Grind Master extends its provisions to all employees and encompasses other forms of harassment as well.
For budding women engineers
As per the views of Mohini Kelkar, this is a complex issue that has a lot of bearing on our social upbringing and culture. Women are often not given the right to make even household money spending decisions. Women are also afraid of making wrong decisions and facing rejection from family and society. I feel that as India is marching towards development, the Indian economy will grow and with that financial independence will come for women folks.
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