In most families, heirlooms are material treasures, jewellery like necklaces or bracelets, sometimes even ancestral homes. But for me, the most precious inheritance isn’t something you can wear or hold. My mother passed down a legacy of education, strong willpower, and unwavering determination; a quiet, yet integral resilience carried by the women in our family. I remember my maternal grandmother, who never understood what it meant to give up. Now, I strive to pass that same heirloom on to my daughter.
On Mother’s Day, I dedicate this article to my mother, Mrs Manjari Barman: my unwavering anchor through every triumph and hardship.
She always said, “Education is your lifelong companion, it will never leave your side.” Her words shaped who I am today, and they continue to guide me through my journey in academia.
Education: My Lifelong Anchor and Compass
My journey has been far from easy. There were moments I doubted my strength to carry on. But education gave me the resilience I needed. It instilled in me confidence, patience, self-reliance, and the ability to make thoughtful decisions. It became both my anchor and my compass.
Looking back, it feels surreal to realize I’ve impacted the lives of over 20,000 students. Every day, I work to empower young minds through knowledge, skills, and meaningful opportunities. And at the heart of it all lies the true heirloom I received, and it is the one that now fuels the growth of others. To me, that is the true legacy of learning.
Women of the World: Carriers of Timeless Strength
In my 23 years of professional experience – especially the past 12 spent in senior leadership roles – I’ve had the privilege of working across several continents and with diverse cultures. I’ve met countless students and incredible women excelling in various fields, all while fulfilling roles as mothers, wives, daughters, friends, and professionals.
No matter where they come from, one common thread has always stood out: emotional strength and sheer determination. These qualities transcend borders and backgrounds. They are the true “spirits of steel.” An inner force that empowers women to scale new heights, both personally and professionally. This enduring resilience continues to inspire me every single day.
From Lessons to Leadership: Nurturing Changemakers of Tomorrow
I strive to carry forward the values shaped by my personal journey, not only to guide my daughter in making informed and empowered choices, but also to pass those values on to my students.
In my current role as Director at the University, my department is focused on aligning students with industry expectations, equipping them with both technical and non-technical skills. Our mission goes beyond employability; we aim to help students gain financial independence and additionally become active global citizens in a world full of opportunities.
With each student we prepare for the future which is filled with opportunities that today’s world of technology has to offer, I feel as though I am nurturing not mere professionals, but responsible changemakers. This, to me, is the essence of my maternal spirit: fostering strength, resilience, and purpose. In doing so, I continue the legacy of the Spirits of Steel passed down through generations in my family.
A Message to All Mothers
Mothers, you are shaping future global citizens through every conscious choice you make, whether that be instilling values of learning, empathy, or sustainability. Your strength, vision, and resilience are the true spirits of steel that builds a more informed, compassionate, and responsible world.
About the Contributor
Dr. Barman is an accomplished executive academic leader with 23 years of experience in global education, including a decade as Academic Dean of Business Schools in South Africa, where she managed five faculties across 12 campuses. Known for her strategic leadership and commitment to student empowerment, she has contributed to education across continents and played key roles in aligning institutions with global industry needs. She served as a judge at the 11th QS Reimagine Education Awards in London and has spoken at renowned international forums such as the Global Sustainable Development Congress in Bangkok, the Investment in Africa Summit in Amsterdam, and the Deans and Directors Summit in Johannesburg.
This contribution is for the Mother’s Day Initiative #builtbymothers.
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