Engineer, writer and now a banker (relationship manager) with a multinational bank, life has come full circle for Monica who is now wise to life’s unknown plans. Her open attitude and acceptance of these plans and the inspiration and value system she derived from her grandfather are making her stronger by the day
Destiny, the hidden power believed to control life’s events made Monica Rai, an engineering graduate from Jabalpur, change track and plunge into the management stream. Today she is with HDFC Bank Ltd. as relationship manager, retail branch banking. “Yes, this is my destiny and today I am happy,” said Monica who passed out of one of the renowned management colleges. Monica has a liking for writing. She is the editor-in-chief and writer for the Facebook page ‘Humans of SBS’, started by one of her faculty.
She always wanted to be the best in the business, and she went about it with sheer hard work and determination. She particularly remembers the grind during the campus placement. "For many, their dream is getting into the best company with the best package. For me, I feel it is the happiness from the success one derives as one goes up the ladder. It is not just money which can make a person,” says Monica.
There were many who taught her in school and college, but it was her grandfather who taught her the values of life. The eldest in the family, she enjoyed her childhood most importantly because of her grandparents. “My grandfather Dr Vijay Shankar Rai was a renowned philosopher, educationist, lawyer, author of many books and was conferred with many prestigious awards like Darshan Shree award, besides many others.” Her grandfather was her inspiration. “He was the person who gave me the strong foundation of a value system in my childhood to stand tall in the world. They say, ‘you become your conversations’, and may be that is why my conversations with my grandfather since my childhood, from politics to philosophy to physics to law to learning the tricks of the trade to life philosophy and practicality has made me who I am today.”
"I was always confident about my placement. I knew I had a bigger canvas to paint. Having completed my PGDM-Marketing, it was time to explore the unexplored and work with great discipline to reach the top"
Monica posing with a friendAn outstanding student in her class, Monica was the teachers’ favourite all through her schooldays, not because of sycophancy but because of excellence. “My school was a perfect place, conducive to a learning environment with its emphasis on strong basics. I enjoyed the science fairs where one gets fulfilment seeing projects which stimulate thinking. I was fortunate enough to have great teachers who motivated me and pushed my limits in every field of discipline.” That has helped her move forward and carve her own destiny in the field, which, she says, “has been joyful as well as astonishing.”
Once an engineer, always an engineer. The mental grooming that engineering colleges bring about sharpens one’s ability to comprehend things analytically, and she feels that mathematics is core to anything and everything. She did miss Engineering college, but found that postgraduating from a management college gave her a multidimensional approach to everything —not just technical skills, brain-storming, even overall personality development.
Interacting with former President the late Dr A. P. J. Abdul KalamMonica made it in her first attempt with HDFC Bank Ltd., the first company to visit the campus for summer internship. She appeared for the process which included a written test, followed by an interview round and got selected. HDFC Bank has a policy of offering pre-placement offers to students who outperform in their summer internship. During this period, one gets to work with complete dedication, determination and discipline with an opportunity to showcase professional and behavioural excellence at all levels. The first experience is always special, and so it was for her. “I am grateful to Kiran Bhatt, Branch Manager, HDFC Bank, Pune, for her constant support and encouragement throughout my summer internship,” says Monica. She is of the opinion that it was the brightest opportunity one could ask for, as a fresher. “Getting into one of the best banks in the country and being associated with the most valuable brand as per BrandZ consistently for two years (2016,2017) in a row is no joke. I was always confident about my placement. I knew I had a bigger canvas to paint. Having completed my PGDM-Marketing, it was time to explore the unexplored and work with great discipline to reach the top.”
Being patient is the key to success, says Monica.“ There are times when one is bound to lose patience and that is when the downfall starts, so never lose your cool.”
Monica with family“My grandfather will always be a constant source of inspiration and courage for me throughout my life. My mother has been a beacon of encouragement for all my trails, and she keeps on mentioning that I am the train engine for my younger siblings. My direction will decide their trails too, so choose your direction well, is her advice.” Teachers all through her school and college have played an important role in Monica’s life. “And I guess that is how success finds its way with all the love and support in life.”
“That was when I got the news that I secured 6th position in the district merit list in my class VIII board examination. I was surrounded by journalists from different news channels asking me questions. I had never encountered anything like that before. Later she finished in the top eight at the district level in her Xth exams.
However, the most precious memory that still lingers in her thoughts is that of having a 20-minute-long discussion with Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, popularly known as the ‘Missile Man of India’. “My grandfather and I were invited to meet him on his visit to Jabalpur. My grandfather gifted him books authored by himself. And we entered into a discussion about the book and the world around. That discussion was something that I carry with me throughout life.”
Monica being felicitated at an eventFor me, life is all about values and principles that you believe in and stand for. They can never get you wrong and will always ensure prosperity in life. A person is as good as his value system.
By Joe Williams
