Initially, his family was concerned about his career choices, including the health risks associated with welding. “They were worried about skin problems and eye irritation. At first, I had black spots on my skin and eye discomfort, but with proper medication and safety measures, I managed to get through it. No job is easy and once I got used to the process, these problems disappeared,” she explained. She added that her family also accepted her choice as they were firm on her decision to become a welder in the manufacturing section of the company.

Speaking about her victory in the competition, Kannagi said she underwent extensive training in different welding categories at the company. To win, the weld must be aesthetically impeccable, with no visible cracks. It must properly penetrate the two materials welded together for strength and be free of porosity (small holes or gas pockets).

As many as three women from her company, including Kannagi, participated in the national competition in Chennai and all of them were selected. Nationally, Kannagi was the clear winner. “I’m proud of my welding. There was good penetration and there was no porosity. Winning made me happy and I hope more women break barriers and enter male-dominated professions in the years to come. They will discover that women too can achieve in male-dominated fields and realize that they are on par with men,” Kannagi said.

(Edited by Meghna Murali)