The general conception of engineering is that it is a man's job.

This is reinforced by advertisement and films which shows the "male" engineer, a yellow plastic cap on his head, supervising dozens of labourers on a construction site. Yet most of us fail to acknowledge that for every of these "male" engineers, there is also another "female" engineer working quietly away.

Manipur too have its share of women workers in all fields – and of course in the engineering arena too. But in each of these fields, there were unsung heroines who were pioneers in their chosen area.

Takhellambam ningol Ngambam ongbi Thaba is one such exceptional woman who dared to venture into a path where no women before her had laid foot. Thaba holds the unique position of being the first woman in various aspects of the engineering profession.

She is not only the (** one amony many) first wom(e)n in Manipur to study for a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) degree and become an engineer, but she is also the first lady (** one among many in the same batch) in Manipur to possess an ME degree, and the first lady to hold the post of Superintending Engineer (SE) in the state
(** Please see addendum at the end - Editor).

Born on 1st November, 1954, Thaba is the third child among six children born to Takhellambam Tomal Singh and Takhellambam ongbi Juboti Devi of Heinoukhongnembi Konjeng Leikai. Her father was a neo-literate farmer who valued education very much. It was his constant encouragement and Thaba's own inclination towards studies that gave her a bright record as a student.

She always topped her class during her high schooling at Heirangoithong Girls High School. She also secured first division marks in her High School Leaving certificate Examinations (HSLC) in 1970 and letter marks in Mathematics, which is an extraordinary event in those days.

Another source of inspiration and encouragement was her late brother Chaoba, who was himself an award-winning theatre comedian popularly known as "Epom Chaoba" He funded most of her education with the money he got from his performances.

After passing her Pre-University (PU) in Science stream from Imphal College in 1971, again in the first division, Thaba underwent a pre-medical course at DM College for a year. The course was to lead to a formal MBBS course.

Around this time one of her cousins pointed out that since Thaba was very good in Mathematics perhaps a career in engineering would be more suitable for her.

"We wondered whether a girl can study engineering. We didn't even know whether a girl would be allowed to study engineering. So I wrote to a friend of one of my cousin studying in Guwahati to inquire whether girls are given seats in the engineering courses there," she narrates and adds, "It seems they had a hearty laugh over my letter. There were already some girls studying in the engineering course there."

After finding out that the only eligibility criteria to be fulfilled is her PCM (Physics-Chemistry-Mathematics) marks, and not her sex, Thaba's eldest brother, Chaoba, took her to Assam Engineering College, Guwahati and admitted her there as a government nominee.

"We didn't need to spend any money. The scholarship amount of Rs. 110/- per month was more than enough to fulfil my requirements for not only books and fees but also paid for my food as well," she says.

After receiving her BE degree in 1978, Thaba joined as Section Officer (SO) in the Public Works Department (PWD). After working there for a few months, she cleared the Manipur Public Services Commission (MPSC) exams and joined as Assistant Engineer (AE) in the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD) Manipur in 1980.

Since she first joined office Thaba has successfully juggled all roles ascribed to women by tradition, culture, biology and profession – as wife, mother, sister-in-law, daughter-in-law, and of course, as an engineer working for the public cause in a government department.

She also managed to take time out and in 1984, completed her two years Masters in Engineering (ME) course on deputation from Roorke University (now IIT, Roorke) in present day Uttaranchal.

Today Thaba holds the post of Superintending Engineer (SE) in the IFC department. The work is hard but she had persevered with the support of her family members especially her husband (late) advocate Ngambam Nandakumar and her sister-in-law, Sunita. "The biggest problem that we encounter and affects our work is the pressure groups of all kinds," she says.

For her exceptional and dedicated service despite all hurdles in October 2004, she was given the prestigious Rashtriya Gaurav Award by the India International friendship Society, New Delhi.

She is also a fellow of the Institution of Engineers, India, which is the largest multi-disciplinary engineering professional society, established in 1920 with a view to promote and advance the science, practice and business of engineering.

Thaba lives in Singjamei Chingamathak Nameirakpam Leikai with her two sons. She loves to work in her vegetable garden.

Addendum:

Takhellambam ningol Ngambam ongbi Thaba is not only the first lady engineer but one of the first lady engineer from Manipur who passed out from the Guwahati university from the same batch of 1974-75

Would like to mention the other two ladies, who have passed out in the same batch. The detail are as follow:

1. Gurumayum Ongi Meitram Geeta Devi ( Civil engineering branch - Assam engineering College of 1974-75)
Presently working as Head of department (HOD - Civil), Government Polythenic, Imphal, Manipur.

2. Khumukcham Niroda Devi ( Electrical engineering branch - Assam engineering College of 1972-74)
Presently working as Selection Grade Lecturer (Electrical department), Government Polythenic, Imphal, Manipur.

This addendum was provided by Robert Sharma - robert4070(at)gmail(dot)com