P V Rajalakshmi: Asia's First Woman Graduate In Tool And Die Making

When P V Rajalakshmi from Kerala graduated from the tool and die-making class in 1982, little did she anticipate that she was scripting history and breaking new grounds. The graduate from Thalassery's Nettur Technical Training Foundation (NTTF) became the first woman in the entire continent to earn this degree. It was no easy feat for Rajalakshmi in a male-dominated field, yet, she demonstrated resilience and drive to pursue her passion.

Who Is P V Rajalakshmi?

Rajalakshmi joined NTTF in 1978 as the only woman in her class of 30 after clearing an all-India competitive exam and interview. The course required intensive physical labour and technical precision but that was no roadblock for her as she saw the challenge more as an opportunity.

Four years later, Rajalakshmi became one of the 18 students who completed the challenging program. After graduation, she worked in Bengaluru in a tool room in a production centre. Showcasing unparalleled skill, she quickly gained the respect and admiration of her peers. 

In 1987, Rajalakshmi founded Triumvirate Engineers and Tooling Associates near Electronic City, Bengaluru. Her outstanding work even gained recognition from the Ministry of External Affairs, which reportedly featured her in the 1993 documentary, 'Beyond The Barriers'.

In 1996, Rajalakshmi also won the Foundation of International Education's National Award for her contributions to technology and society. She has worked in and earned laurels across India and even Malaysia. In 2018, she and her husband founded Mantra Leistung in Bengaluru.

Rajalakshmi's work has brought a significant shift in the technology and manufacturing landscape. She has also worked at her alma mater NTTF in Thalassery, where, according to Matrubhumi, she has recently been invited to a felicitation ceremony for the institute's 65th anniversary.