Where sparks fly and dreams are welded

The saying that the hand adorned with bangles cannot wield fire is passe. With protective goggles on, women are marching ahead, doing physically demanding jobs.

- Meghna Murali

Factories across Tamil Nadu are hiring more women into the world of welding, a field long considered a man's domain.

Kannagi Rajendiran, a 23-year-old from Jeyamkondan in Ariyalur, is one such woman breaking barriers. She has been working as a welder at Schwing Stetter India for nearly four years and has won the award for Best Pipe Welder (Women) in the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) 6G competition organised by the Indian Institute of Welding. This competition tests welders' skills on a stationary pipe positioned at a 45-degree angle, requiring them to weld around the pipe in different positions. Mastery in this competition demonstrates advanced technique and versatility as the 6G position is one of the most difficult.