For the longest time, Indian career advice has been simpler than any other task: Beta, engineering kar lo (Son, become an engineer) and Beti, teaching ya silaai theek rahega (Daughter, teaching or tailoring is good for you). Parents, relatives, and even nosy neighbours have enforced these career choices as if they were eternal laws written on a banyan tree in ancient times. But thankfully, India is waking up to the reality that success, talent, and passion have nothing to do with gender.
If a boy shows an interest in cooking, he is immediately told, “Son, kitchen is not for you. Focus on physics! But the same uncle who laughed at the boy will later stand in queue for three hours outside a restaurant owned by a renowned Chef for a Rs 2,000 meal. Likewise, if a girl says she wants to become a pilot, some distant relative will gasp, Arre, but who will take care of the family? as if she is planning to fly away and never return. It is time we acknowledge the hilarious ironies we live with.
We live in a country where women are not “supposed” to drive heavy vehicles, yet we proudly celebrate the all-female crew of an Indian Air Force fighter jet squadron. Men are not “supposed” to be makeup artists, yet Bollywood actors will not step onto a red carpet without their trusted buddy dabbing on some highlighter. And then we saw this despite the initial lack of sponsorships and opportunities compared to their male counterparts, we see our women’s cricket team persevering and changing the face of Indian cricket.
Thankfully, the tide is turning. India is seeing women take charge in tech, law enforcement, and politics, while men are making their mark in teaching, fashion, and hospitality. The younger generation no longer sees careers through a gendered lens. They know that passion and skill matter more than outdated stereotypes. Whether it is a man designing couture lehengas or a woman heading a construction site, the message is clear: Talent does not check your gender before hiring you.
From Bollywood to boardrooms, hospitals to sports arenas, India is embracing the idea that talent, hard work, and passion are the true markers of success—not gender. The growing visibility of individuals breaking stereotypes is inspiring a new generation to follow their dreams without societal limitations. This awakening is not just about career choices—it is about creating a future where everyone has the freedom to be their true selves, unburdened by outdated norms.
A great example that truly embodies this spirit is someone like Harshini Kanhekar, who stepped into a career that was long considered exclusively male and became India’s first female firefighter! It is time we accept, the future belongs to those who refuse to be boxed in by outdated labels. Success does not ask for gender—it asks for passion, resilience, and skill.
“Dream beyond stereotypes, chase what sets your soul on fire, and remember: your career is not a checkbox for society to tick. It is your story to write, and the pen is in your hands!”
Dr Benazir Patil is the Chief Executive Officer of a non-profit organization called SCHOOL that works for ensuring good health & well-being.
