The Sky is her Home!
She is a ‘bindas’ girl in a true sense. She loves to live her life on the edge and does whatever it takes to achieve her dreams. Her stint in the corporate world and her love for flying has taken her places. Currently working with the Bajaj Finance (Learning and Development), Samiksha Bedekar over the years had managed to understand the happenings of the corporate realm quite well. In a tête-à-tête with Corporate Citizen, Samiksha spoke her heart out about the radiant journey she took to achieve the impossible, a few guidelines for the freshers and much more
"My mantra in life is pretty simple-I will either find a way or make one. The rewards of never giving up are impeccable. Even when my application of being a pilot got rejected, I never lost hope"
A great gentleman once said - “A dream is not what you see in your sleep. A dream is something that doesn’t let you sleep”. Walking on the same path, Samiksha was hesitant to blink her eyes even once, as her reverie of becoming a commercial pilot got the best out of her. The passion, the ambition and her resolve were very pure, it was something that was engraved on her mind, heart and soul.
Right before her school was about to end, Samiksha knew what her calling was – touching the sky! She picked her stream accordingly and was excited to fly across oceans, mountains and to be a part of people’s journey. Studying Commercial Flying as a Flight Cadet at the National Flying Training Institute meant inching one step closer to her dream.
However, there was a major hiccup which couldn’t let her achieve the ‘Captain’ tag. “I always dreamt of becoming a commercial pilot. And after gathering enough know-how of this field, I wished to serve the Indian Air Force. This dream literally did not let me sleep. In fact, even thinking about it gave me goosebumps.” Further adding, “As I couldn’t clear the Class-1 Medical Test, I wasn’t able to fulfill my vision. However, I did everything in my capacity-wrote to senior officials, did plenty of research, but it was heading to a point of no return.”
Samiksha, at the President’s House in Sri Lankawith former President, Mahinda Rajapaksa
during the SAARC summit
The perks of being persistent
After her hopes of becoming a commercial pilot were shattered, Samiksha had a backup plan. She decided to complete her BA in English Literature, Political Science and Sociology from Nagpur’s Lady Amritbai Daga College. Even then, the idea of flying an aircraft never left her thought. And when you want something really bad, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. “While giving a speech at a college function, an official present there was struck by my persona. She saw a spark in my eye and instantly asked me to join the National Cadet Corps (NCC). To which I obliged,” she said.
That indeed was the kairotic moment of her life. Later, little did she know that acing the NCC wing courses will give her the second chance of making her dream come true. “My mantra in life is pretty simple-I will either find a way or make one. The rewards of never giving up are impeccable. Even when my application of being a pilot got rejected, I never lost hope. And look where it took me. It gave me the chance of flying the best training aircraft of our country,” she smiled. Further adding, “When the seeds of your dreams are planted in your mind make sure to water them well and nurture it with your hard work and determination. It’s all about how bad you want it. Only then you can come closer to your goal!”
Over the years, Samiksha, an NCC Air wing Cadet, has brought several laurels to our country. In October 2012, she represented India at the Youth Exchange Programme as a Cadet Warrant Officer NCC air wing at the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit in Sri Lanka. Talking about the feat, she said, “I cannot express my feeling in words when I got the chance to represent my country in Sri Lanka. It was a matter of pride. We were expected to present ourselves in a certain way-poised and dapper. My heart was filled with emotions when we were asked to sit with the senior officials of their country.”
In July 2012, Samiksha also represented Maharashtra at the Air Force Attachment camp held at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal. In January 2012, she flew the Indian flag high when she got a chance to be a part of the Republic Day Camp.
Samiksha in her Combatuniform with the Ceremonial
Ranks CSUO
(Cadet Senior Under Officer)
College life
All through her educational life, Samiksha had made sure to shine bright as an earnest learner. Her greatest learning process began at a renowned management college, where she perused her PGDM in Personnel Management and Human Resource Development. “This was my real chance to explore college life. I took part in several extra circular activities, made numerous friends, attended every lecture and learnt a great deal about the corporate world. In short, I am what I am today because of this college,” she said.
As the placement season approached, Samiksha was sure of which stream she wanted to work in. “Learning and Development was my preferred choice. But I also had an open mind, I was willing to work in any department as long as I got the opportunity of learning and acquiring knowledge,” added Samiksha.
Talking about the preparations she did for the placement season, she informed, “Staying up-to-date with the current happening was a must. And with the advent of technology, it made my learning process easy. Before every interview, I did an in-depth analysis of the company. Also, during the interview, I made sure to strike a good conversation with the interviewer and enlightened them about my passions and goals,” she informed.
"It’s been quite a gratifying experience to be part of the HR world. It’s always a give and take relationship. I have gotten the chance to meet such vibrant personalities who helped me edify my corporate knowledge. It has taught me the art of patience, hard work and diligence"
Samiksha with her schoolfriends
Samiksha spending somequality time with her family
Stint in the corporate world
Her affection towards this field began when she interned with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India Private Limited. Her first major breakthrough came when she got placed as an Assistant Manager (Corporate HR) with Raymond Ltd, Mumbai. Later she shifted to Livspace.com where she was joined as a Manager - HRBP. Informing about the experience so far, she said, “It’s been quite a gratifying experience to be part of the HR world. It’s always a give and take relationship. I have gotten the chance to meet such vibrant personalities who helped me edify my corporate knowledge. It has taught me the art of patience, hard work and diligence.”
Being grounded
Samiksha had managed to excel in many things in life. Be it at work or the youth wing of Armed forces or honing any hobbies in life-she has to ace it. Her hobbies include painting, paragliding, rifle firing and sketching. “Flying will always remain my first love. No matter how high I have flown the aircrafts, I will put my goals and ambition above it and my feet grounded. My roots inspire me. It aids me in being sincere and grateful,” she signed off.
Advice for the freshers:
- The company has already gone through your resume, so during the interview enlighten the assessor about the things that are not penned in your CV. As per me, a personal interview should be like a storytelling session.
- Do a thorough research about the company that you are applying for. It portrays your seriousness and most importantly you will understand the functioning of the company and its place in the market.
- Don’t limit your learnings. Always keep acquiring knowledge of new concepts and current trends.
- Keep a check on your attitude. Be a good listener.
- Once you enter the corporate world try to explore all the departments. Don’t be complacent!
- Of course, there will be times when things won’t work in your favor. Those are your testing times, never give up on your dreams. Hang in there and you will get back with a bang.