Ayesha Kuttay | Banker, HDFC Bank

Part 2

In 2013, she became the first Woman to be announced as a ‘Cluster Head’ not only for the HDFC Bank (where she works) but in the entire State of Jammu & Kashmir. A student of Presentation Convent, Srinagar till 8th standard, Ayesha did her 12th standard from Queen Mary’s Girl School, Delhi. She graduated with Political Science honors from Hindu College, Delhi before joining the Delhi Law Faculty for a couple of months before opting out for Post Graduation Diploma In Management from Amity Business School.

Ayesha was selected by HDFC Bank in a campus recruitment drive and she was posted at the Bank’s Connaught Place branch. No wonder, she loves Delhi and it feels like her second home.

Excerpts from the interaction with Rajesh Prothi, www.TheCherryTree.in

If you had not joined a Bank, what career you would have opted for?
I would definitely wanted to be in the marketing of these high fashion brands like Ralph Lauren, Estee Lauder, or in the media industry as I was definitely vain when I was younger.

Do you idolize any women of Kashmiri Origin or anyone else?
Yes, my bhua Dr Bilquees. She is not only a great doctor but she is a philanthropist. She helps all those in need. I have never seen her turn away a needy person. Also, I think Indira Gandhi was quite a fierce lady.

What is your message for the Kashmiri youth (women)?
I think it’s imperative for all women to get an education and be informed, those who are lucky enough to be able to choose and do what they want, then we must thank God for it, but nevertheless, the important part is to be educated enough so that they can stand up for themselves and earn a living and be able to judge what is right and wrong.

Today’s women in the 21st century should not shy away from unique career options available now and not only run after the standard doctor and teacher professions. Today smart, intelligent Kashmiri women should go in for more radical careers like adventure sports, or any a writer, a painter an entrepreneur.

So my advice is to follow your heart and be happy in whatever you do.