She works as an Associate Professor at The National Law University, Delhi. The field of law is daunting in itself; you have to constantly be on top of your game due to the ever changing dynamics in order to be successful.
Ritu Gupta, tells her story and a little about her journey up this slope today,
What does it take to be a successful Professor?
According to me, to be a successful Professor, the very first thing is to have sound knowledge of the subject that one teaches. One has to continuously update that knowledge with the latest developments in that subject. The field of law is not only technical but dynamic. Be it scams, corruption, rape, murder, copyright issues, nursery admission guidelines, FDI, construction issues, live-in, domestic violence or workplace sexual harassment; law touches the personal as well as professional lives of the individuals on almost every sensitive issue. So, every law professor not only teaches the subject but contributes their own bit towards the growth of law. In addition, the teacher must be able to communicate effectively with the students at their level. It is very important to ensure that the interest of the students in the subject is kept alive which is possible only if they are able to get something more in the classroom beyond the available texts and materials. The teacher should also be able to connect the theoretical concepts to day to day life.
To ensure that my students are ready to join legal profession, we at the University, train them rigorously with various pedagogical techniques. That includes classroom lectures, research, Mooting& Client Counselling Competitions, Seminars, Conferences, Debates, Theatre, Cultural activities and many others.
How and why did you enter this field?
I had won many debate, essay writing and personality competitions in school and college. I chose law as a career. After completing my LL.B. from Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law, Delhi University law graduation, I did practice law for some time, learnt the intricacies of the professional life and honed my arguing skills. I developed a keen desire to study law further. Therefore, I did LL.M. and Ph.D. At this stage, I got an opportunity to take few classes and interact with law students. This was the turning point of my life. I realized that I wanted to contribute my humble bit to law teaching. I feel that teaching a subject with full commitment and dedication is the best way to learn a subject.
It gives me a great deal of satisfaction when I see many of them practicing as advocates or attorneys with corporate firms, working as Judges in various States, studying at the best Universities across the World or pursuing a teaching profession.
Do you see a marked difference between young aspiring women and men in the college? Please elaborate?
The situation is quite different from the days when I used to be a law student. That time also we had lot of young women professors and young girls pursuing law. These days that number has increased many folds and the male female ratio on the campus is usually equal (students as well as teachers) even more females than males at times.
What advice would you give aspiring women entrepreneurs?
I am happy to see young women entrepreneurs joining responsible positions and taking up tough fields as their career choices like engineering, law, banking, and finance. I would advise them to face the challenges bravely and patiently.
The women are equally blessed as men. Rather they have inherent powers to pull themselves during stress. Pursuing education is the first step towards enlightenment and empowerment. One should be independent, self reliant, think beyond the taboos or prejudices and choose the best for themselves. At the same time, they should bring up the children in the best possible way with values. At times, one has to take a back seat in the profession as compared to their male counterpart. But that is not the end. Nothing can deter you from achieving your goal if your determination is solid. Also, taking right decisions at right time is very important. One has to prioritize the responsibilities and put in the best efforts.
What are the biggest challenges a working woman faces?
Maintaining a fine balance between the family and career aspirations is the most daunting task. Facing all sorts of work place discriminations, fear of travelling alone or having children alone at home at times don’t let her focus on the works at hand. Health issues also pose many work related hazards to her. The husbands and in-laws should be supportive towards her career.
How do you balance your work and home front?
God has been very kind to me on all fronts. I have always been a confident and independent girl. The credit goes to the upbringing of my parents who never discriminated between my brothers and me. The love and support of my husband and in-laws was another factor that helped me during pregnancy and when my children were small. Now having a teenage daughter and younger son has got its own issues but they act as my biggest stress buster.
You have to train your children not only to respect their mother but to respect her profession and appreciate her achievements. At times, I have to even ignore my family due to my professional commitments but then I compensate by spending quality time on weekends with them. We sing and go for outings just like any other family.
A strong working mother can pass on the same attributes to the children. I don’t have to tell them to follow anything. They learn by seeing the parents especially the mother. While I was writing the book ‘Sexual Harassment at Work Place’, I explained the concept to them in the best possible manner as per their age. Now my teenage daughter helps her friends in the school if they face any problem since she is quite aware of her rights. I take all precautions to make my son to respect not only her mom or sister but to respect womanhood though he is only 11 years.
Rest is in the hands of Almighty since I believe in God firmly (though may not do the daily prayers). Your hard work, patience, determination and intellect fetch the desired results at the right time. Don’t hurry for anything. Give life its due and don’t expect over night results. All working women face similar challenges. Discuss it with your friends and colleagues. Sort out the difficulties and look for solutions rather than giving up. Accept losses, defeats and keep on moving with your head high. An empowered woman can empower the children, family, society and the nation. Don’t stop just because you are a woman. Feel doubly powered.