Her philosophy of life is simple Give first, take later.

A calm disposition and steady gait undermines her steely determination and drive. She is a live wire, faces challenges easily and does not buckle under pressure. She finds it difficult to say ‘No’. The buck stops with her.

For those who havent guessed yet, meet, Kamal Waman, 37. One of the oldest members of C-DAC.

You would normally spot her ushering guests, instructing staff or interfacing with members. The manner is always mild yet assertive. The message comes across in no uncertain terms. Kamal’s role as a Facilitation Executive, may be a support function, but one that carries tremendous responsibility. Needless to say, her shoulders carry this responsibility with ease.

Kamal began her career in C-DAC as a Member Support Staff in the Purchase Department, which she joined in 1989, She completed her Graduation and Post Graduation in Arts, even as she went about her responsibilities in C-DAC. Reminiscing about the earlier days in her career, she comments ‘I needed to liase with member within C-DAC and local and international vendors. The responsibility was tremendous and involved the painstaking procedure of inviting quotations, comparing them, preparing the necessary documents, right down to ensuring that the material was received and payments made in time”.

Her hard work in the Purchase department earned her a promotion in 1997 and a transfer to administration as Executive - Facilitation. Kamal now handles the transport, tours and travels, dispatches, house keeping, security, guest house, accommodation, canteen, reception and many other activities, which ensure that the organisation runs smoothly. Kamal finds a greater challenge in Facilitation, and considers it as ‘relationship‘ management.

According to Kamal, Communication is the key to success in her work. “I need to communicate constantly, without taking any situation for granted, and maintain a rapport with people at all levels in the organisation. I cannot afford to remain laid back otherwise the results are not, as rewarding. In this kind of a job, members expectations are very high and most times we need to be prepared for last minute jobs too”.

If there is one thing she has learnt over the years, it is to be a good listener, even to criticism, if need be and yet remain courteous. “The task becomes more challenging since, I have to depend on various people to get each thing done. A little bit of a compromise and it gets reflected in the quality of work immediately”.

The best approach therefore according to her is to keep interacting with people and to remain alert. She believes that if she is the binding force in any activity, then every part of the activity must be performed in sync, or the chain will fall apart.

“Facilitation is nothing but delegation of the right job to the right person at the right time. Delegating is therefore an art.” she adds.

The desire to strive for perfection is her motivation. “Although I cannot deliver 100%at all times, I make sure that I find an opportunity for improvement with each task I take up” she confides.

And what does she think of C-DAC? ‘ I do see dreams for C-DAC. I would like to see C-DAC as one of the premier institutes in the world.’ she smiles.