Praj GenX, a subsidiary of Praj Industries, is rewriting the narrative of gender roles in industrial manufacturing with a pioneering initiative that has seen 50 women welders take their place in a traditionally male-dominated field. At its advanced manufacturing facility in Mangaluru’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the company has trained and employed women to excel in a high-skill profession, marking a significant milestone in fostering inclusivity and breaking stereotypes.
This groundbreaking journey began with a vision to tap into the untapped potential of women in welding—a profession where their representation is minimal, even in advanced economies. Partnering with Fronius, a renowned welding institute, and NITTE University, Praj GenX crafted a specialised training programme, fully funding it to equip young women between the ages of 18 and 25 with world-class skills. For many, this was a leap into the unknown, as they entered a field requiring not just technical knowledge but precision, safety consciousness, and unwavering focus. Through rigorous theoretical learning and extensive hands-on experience, they emerged not only as competent welders but as symbols of change.
The inaugural cohort of these welders was christened the ‘Rani Chennamma Batch’, a tribute to the legendary Indian freedom fighter from Karnataka. The name resonates with the courage and resilience these women embody as they step into a domain traditionally considered off-limits for them.
But the transformation did not stop at training. Praj GenX has gone above and beyond to create an environment where these women can thrive. From ergonomic workstations and advanced personal protective equipment to increased workplace surveillance and women-led security operations, every measure has been taken to ensure their comfort and safety. These initiatives underscore the company’s commitment to not just employing women but empowering them in every sense.
The work they undertake is no small feat. Praj GenX specialises in engineering and manufacturing critical equipment for the hydrocarbon sector, such as pressure vessels, distillation columns, and storage systems. Each weld must be flawless, as even the smallest imperfection can lead to catastrophic failures. This high standard demands precision and expertise, which the women of the Rani Chennamma Batch have demonstrated in abundance.
Inspired by this success, Praj GenX is already planning to expand its training initiatives to other high-skill areas such as electrical and instrumentation assemblies, further cementing its role as a trailblazer in industrial inclusivity.
For the women involved, this opportunity has been life-changing. Many of them are the first in their families to secure high-skill roles, breaking generational barriers and redefining aspirations for the younger generation. Beyond financial independence, the experience has given them confidence, dignity, and a sense of empowerment that extends far beyond the workplace.
Praj GenX’s efforts reflect a broader commitment to diversity and inclusion, values deeply embedded in its parent company, Praj Industries. Across the organisation, women hold key roles in research, engineering, and leadership, guided by a philosophy that prioritises merit above all else. The company has also implemented a gender-neutral policy for the prevention of sexual harassment (PoSH), ensuring a workplace culture founded on respect, fairness, and zero tolerance for misconduct.
As Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Founder Chairman, Praj Industries, aptly puts it, “Our women welders are not just employees—they are trailblazers, setting new benchmarks in excellence and opportunity.” Abhijit Dani, director, Praj GenX, adds, “By equipping women with world-class skills and fostering an inclusive environment, we are shaping the future of manufacturing.”
This initiative is more than a corporate milestone; it is a beacon of what can be achieved when vision and action align. Praj GenX is not just transforming lives—it is inspiring industries worldwide to reimagine inclusivity in their workforce, proving that talent and skill know no gender.
