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Reena Aggarwal (’74 MMS)
Interview by Pushkala Venkatarman (’95 MMS)
 Do
tell us a little about your life at Pilani. What are some of your best
memories, your friends? Who are the people who influenced you a great
deal? What courses did you like etc.?
My experience at BITS was just absolutely wonderful both academically
and socially. I was involved in lots of activities – plays
– Hindi and English, Student Union and Meera Bhawan dining.
I believe BITS had its first strike when I was in the Student Union; it
was quite an event (very peaceful). We were very few girls, it
was impossible to go from Meera Bhawan to our classes without the guys
whistling at you from the balconies of the boys hostels. We had
this Chowkidar of Meera
Bhawan who was a “big” man with huge moustache and when
someone came to meet you he would scream loudly so that the whole world
could hear “Reena bhainji apko koi meilen aiya hey”. Just like any hostel food, we complained, but I loved the Sunday morning dosas.
I can’t forget the cold coffee at “Kapur jis” in CP,
cutlets at Volga. The temple was such a landmark, just a real
peaceful place. The friendships were amazing. Last year I
tried to get in touch with about 10-12 girls from our times and we all
exchanged a lot of emails.
What are some philosophies of yours that have propelled your success at work and research?
I try to be pretty disciplined about my work. I absolutely love
what I do. The combination of teaching and research is
perfect. In academia you are always in an environment surrounded
with young people and we as educators have the opportunity to influence
their life. I got into finance because I really liked the finance
class that I took with J K Mittal whom we fondly called Jackie.
I actually went to do EEE but in the 3rd year decided to switch to
MMS. I have never regretted it. I think you have to be
passionate about what you do. Only then you will enjoy it and be
successful.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing BITS today?
BITS has already established itself in India. I believe that for
any reputed institution whether in India or in the US the next
challenge is globalization. How do we reach outside the bounds of
our own country? BITS has started taking steps with the Dubai
campus and some IIMs are doing the same thing. The trick is to
expand while maintaining your brand.
What can BITSians do better/start doing to compete with the world’s best?
BITSians are extremely talented. I believe we have to network
better. Again, I think BITS needs to get out its reputation more
in the global marketplace. Under the directorship of Dr. Maheshwari and
people like Dean Nattu a lot is happening. I have had an
opportunity to meet Dr. Maheshwari a number of times and he has a very
good vision for BITS.
What role do you see the alumni playing in making BITS a world-class institution?
BITS alums are doing extremely well and have a lot to contribute.
In the last 3-4 years BITSAA and Sandpaper have really helped to bring
the BITS community together. These activities are extremely
important to keep the alums engaged. I personally feel that BITS
contributed a huge amount to my success and I know many others feel
that way. We are ready to give back as mentors, as recruiters,
whatever we can do.
Have you been back to Pilani since? How was the visit personally and professionally?
I am absolutely embarrassed to say that I have not. Last year I
was definitely planning to go the 25th union but last minute I could
not go.
What do you read to stay in touch with technology, business other fields that interest you?
In the last year I have read – Flat World, Travels of a T-Shirt,
Tipping Point, Blink, Life of Pi among other books…, regularly
read the Wall Street Journal, Business Week in addition to academic
journals.
What career/personal advice would you give the student community?
Get involved in activities outside the classroom. Be a positive contributor to your organization/your company.
What is a typical day for you? How do you stay on top of things?
There is no typical day in academia. I take teaching very
seriously; I believe I have only missed 2 classes in almost 20 years of
teaching. I generally try to get back home at a decent time but
then I go to the office over the weekends on a regular basis. I
travel a lot but try to keep my trips as short as possible.
Why there are not as many women in academics as men from Pilani?
This is a global challenge. In the US, there is the tenure system
(publish or perish) and I have just seen a lot of women start in
academia but then the demands of family and work become too much and
they decide to drop out.
What would help BITSian women enter the field of academics in greater numbers?
BITS has many more women now so that helps. I would encourage
women to have role models and mentors and chat with them to see how
they managed the work family balance.
Your opinion about the Larry Summers' issues and its subsequent controversy.
Obviously, a lot of research has shown that his remarks don’t
have any basis. I think the challenge is to make the workplace
more women-friendly and provide some flexibility.
Have you mentored any students in particular?
I mentor students all the time. They call me to ask for advice on which
business school to join, how to start a career with investment banks
anything! I just love talking to young minds and Indian kids are so
smart that it’s a pleasure to guide them. I would be very
interested in the BITSian Mentor program.
Have you ever been prejudiced against because you were a woman?
On the contrary! I never felt uncomfortable on account of being a woman. I used the fact that I was a woman to my advantage.
Any advice on how women can maintain a work life balance?
It is important they try not to do everything by themselves and that
they use all the help they can. There are only so many hours in a day
and they should use their support system. In my case my mother and the
housekeeper helped me to the hilt. I also try to work weekend mornings
so that I can take a few weekdays off if need be.
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