Even though Assam is recognized as one of the origins of tea, this beverage crop was first commercialized by Brits. Since it’s a tough work to manage a tea estate, only men were appointed as managers. But now we have got Manju Baruah, 43, as the first lady manager at Hilika tea estate in Tinsukia district belongs to Apeejay Tea. She was appointed since August 2018.

According to https://www.telegraphindia.com/ she drives a Maruti to visit different divisions in the estate, considers talent to be gender-neutral, She thinks that the industry needs people who love tea and does self-analysis for a better future.

Her husband is a telecommunication professional and they have got an 11-year-old daughter. This courageous lady joined the company as a trainee welfare officer in 2000 when it had taken a unique decision to hire women to the post. She initiates at 6am and ends at 3.30pm. She then plans for the coming day.

“Since it is a labour-intensive industry, it is equally challenging for both male and female workers,” Baruah said, adding that women heading tea gardens was an aberration in the traditional management structure.

She admitted that she has faced tough situations at different estates tackling the male workers. “If I am fair, right and just to my workers, I need not be afraid,” she said.

“I am an outgoing girl. I was very engaged with workers and my talent, sincerity and hard work helped me get this far,” Baruah said. She forwards her gratitude to the company for adopting a forward-looking approach with no discrimination. The estate has employed around 2,500 workers.

Karan Paul, chairman of Apeejay Surrendra Group and Apeejay Tea, told, “Baruah is a committed and sincere professional. She has shown through her performance that she can handle the demands of a garden manager successfully. This achievement is absolutely her own. I will be happy if her achievement encourages other talented and qualified women professionals to join the industry at leaderships positions. The tea industry, indeed, is dominated by men but there are tremendously talented women at field and factory levels.”

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Original Post: https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/north-east/apeejay-tea-appoints-first-woman-tea-manager-in-assam/cid/1678203