Women power: A doctor turned IAS officer

It was during her MBBS internship at Osmania Medical College that she interacted with a lot of patients from disadvantaged backgrounds. They faced a lot of problems that were not related just to their health, and she pledged to work for a broader cause.

“Issues that people faced were not solitary, and I could understand that any comprehensive solution had to be multi-sectored; administration seemed to be the best option to effect this change,” says Dr. Christina Z. Chongthu, IAS, MD, Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.

While the presence of male colleagues never posed a challenge for Christina, she believes there is a better scope of working together in the future.

“In my experience, male and female officers can work cohesively, with clarity, towards a common goal. It is not about domination, but mutual respect and understanding individual personalities,” she says.

So, what sort of obstacles did she face? “In the career front, overcoming mindsets has been a constant hurdle from the beginning. Hailing from the North-east, initial presumptions in the work-place about language barriers, work comprehension and cultures were prevalent, especially in rural postings. Also finding a balanced working equation with elected representatives and civil organisations has been a gradual learning process,” she says.

Dr. Christina Z. Chongthu

“However, I have noticed propagated stereotypes about working women which are regressive. These mindsets need to be changed for equality at work,” adds Christina.

Working as Sub-collector and PO ITDA in Parvathipuram, a scheduled tribal area, Christina made a strong foundation in welfare schemes, laws and regulations. She re-enforced the positive impact that can be gained from the services.

Born in Aizawl, Mizoram, Christina did part of her schooling there at Mary Mount School and St. Pauls High school. The rest of her schooling was done across different districts in AP as her father was serving in the IPS in AP cadre. “We followed him across all his postings — I’ve studied at St. Ann’s School, Marredpally, St. Augustine’s at Anantapur and even the Railway school at Guntakal, Anantapur,” she says and adds, “I feel my school education has offered me a broad exposure and taught me well about different cultures and traditions early on.”