Kiran Mazumdar Shaw is an entrepreneur who has tasted success in a field traditionally not associated with women. A Postgraduate in Malting and Brewing from Ballarat College, Melbourne University, Australia she followed her father's footsteps into the masculine domain of brewing and was the first Expert Brew Master of India.

Not one to rest on her laurels, Kiran explored the new field of biotechnology and set up Biocon India to work with enzymes. After training from the parent company in Ireland, she set up her Rs.75 crore manufacturing unit in Bangalore, India. "My career was originally in brewing. The science of fermentation accidentally kindled my interest in enzyme technology. I began with two products vital to the brewing industry. This kindled an interest in other aspects of biotechnology and motivated me to establish this business," says Kiran.

Enzymes are living organisms that are used to control and restore eco systems that have been abused by man. Biotechnology is used in the treatment of effluent and industrial waste, in the field of medicine where it has proved to be a magical catalyst. The food industry, paper and pulp manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and textile industries employ biotechnology in their processes. The spoon of curd that starts the process of turning milk into curd, the yeast in the bread or the ground urad dal in the rice batter of the idli making process are but the everyday manifestations of enzyme technology.

Kiran Mazumdar explains the process in a simple way. "When you make apple juice at home it is hazy. When it is commercially sold, manufacturers remove the chemical peptin by hydrolising it with acids so it becomes clear".

Kiran is a multifaceted woman- she is a member of the Board of Trustees of Karnataka Chitrakala Parishad, Chairman of All India Art Exhibition, Member CII, Member Advisory Committee and the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce .

'I have never had to compromise or set aside my principles whether it was dealing with government, banks or international organisations. I've never stooped to corruption as I have handled matters directly with the concerned officials," says Kiran as she describes her business ethics.

Equal opportunity to all, hard work and a driving force to achieve dreams and goals combined with a sense of commitment to society mark her as an extraordinary woman. Combining technology and a woman's sensitivity, she is a role model for many women.

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