Dr. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw Biocon Interview

The video features Dr. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw in an interview with Prof. Jay Misra. Dr. Shaw discusses her upbringing in Bangalore, highlighting a happy and comfortable childhood with supportive parents. She shares her educational journey, including attending Bishop Cotton Girls School and Bangalore University. Dr. Shaw also talks about her career path, which wasn't always straightforward. She initially aimed for medical college but didn't get in, leading her to pursue a degree in biology. Her father influenced her to consider brewing as a career, seeing it as a practical application of her biological knowledge. After qualifying as a brewmaster in Australia, she faced challenges finding a job in India because the industry was not ready for a woman brewmaster. This led to a chance encounter that prompted her to start Biocon, calling herself an "accidental entrepreneur." She offers advice to young people, emphasizing the importance of being open to opportunities and not feeling pressured to have a clear path from the start. Dr. Shaw stresses the need for a spirit of inquiry, encouraging young people to ask questions, be inquisitive, and challenge the status quo, which she believes is crucial for fostering innovation in India's academic system.