Dr. Ekroop Caur on Overcoming Bias in Governance and Leading with Resilience at SheSparks 2025

Dr. Ekroop Caur on Overcoming Bias in Governance and Leading with Resilience at SheSparks 2025

At SheSparks 2025, Dr. Ekroop Caur, Secretary of the Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, shared her powerful journey of resilience and leadership in high-stakes roles. In an engaging fireside chat with Shradha Sharma, Founder & CEO of YourStory, Dr. Caur spoke about overcoming challenges in the male-dominated field of governance, pushing boundaries, and leading with a vision for societal impact. Her journey exemplifies how expertise, assertiveness, and persistence can break gender barriers and redefine leadership.

A Journey Rooted in Knowledge, Confidence, and Assertiveness

Dr. Ekroop Caur’s journey has been characterized by resilience, knowledge, and the ability to assert her presence, especially in spaces where women were traditionally underrepresented. Her story is one of breaking stereotypes in leadership and governance. Born and raised in Chandigarh, Dr. Caur's path to governance was unexpected. She joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 2001, a decision that steered her to Karnataka, a state far from her North Indian roots. However, this unplanned turn of events soon became one of the most defining aspects of her life and career.

Reflecting on her experience, Dr. Caur recalled how her initial postings in Bellary and Sakleshpur gave her invaluable insights into grassroots governance, shaping her approach to administration. "People here don’t even believe I belong to the North. I have completely assimilated and become part of this state," she shared. These early roles allowed her to connect deeply with local communities, understand their needs, and craft solutions that were both effective and contextually relevant.

Breaking Barriers in Leadership

Throughout her career, Dr. Caur has often been the only woman in decision-making rooms. Despite the challenges, she has consistently used her knowledge, confidence, and assertiveness to break through biases and ensure her voice is heard. "Many times, I have been the only woman in the room. But I ensure my voice is heard through expertise and assertiveness," Dr. Caur remarked, highlighting her unyielding belief that competence speaks louder than gender.

Her role as the first woman Managing Director of the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) marked a significant achievement in her career. Managing a city's public transport system is no small task, especially one as complex as Bangalore’s, a rapidly growing urban hub. "BMTC is a universe in itself. Managing daily operations that impact millions requires strategic vision," she shared, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of leadership in such high-pressure environments.

Dr. Caur was also the first woman to serve as the Secretary of the Budget and Resources Department in Karnataka. Traditionally a male-dominated domain, her leadership in this area proved that expertise transcends gender. "When you think of finance, you usually think of men. These areas remain bastions of male dominance," she observed, underlining how her leadership redefined the norms and expectations around women in finance.

Shaping Policies for Sustainable Societal Transformation

One of Dr. Caur’s most impactful roles was as the head of the Department of Women and Child Development in Karnataka. In this capacity, she shaped policies that had a profound impact on children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities, affecting broad sections of society. "This department influences vast sections of society. Governance must be data-driven and solution-oriented to ensure long-term impact," she stated, underscoring her commitment to evidence-based policymaking.

Dr. Caur's leadership in this role highlighted the importance of strategic thinking and data-backed decisions in governance. Her tenure reinforced the idea that sustainable societal transformation can only be achieved through policies that are grounded in real-world evidence and long-term goals. As she noted, "Governance must not be reactive but proactive, shaping a future that is equitable and inclusive."

Currently, Dr. Caur leads the state’s efforts in the IT, biotechnology, and electronics sectors, playing a pivotal role in positioning Karnataka as a global tech hub. By fostering innovation and attracting global investors, she is shaping the future of technology in the state. "This role is about shaping the future of technology in the state," she said, explaining how driving technological advancement aligns with Karnataka’s vision of becoming a leader in the global tech landscape.

The Importance of Resilience in Leadership

In her fireside chat, Dr. Caur reflected on the importance of resilience in leadership. "If a problem had an easy fix, someone else would have solved it. Big changes require persistence," she asserted, emphasizing the need for grit and perseverance in the face of adversity. Whether she was navigating complex administrative challenges or leading transformative initiatives, Dr. Caur's ability to remain steadfast and focused on her goals has been a hallmark of her leadership.

Her journey is not just about overcoming gender bias or breaking barriers; it is also about navigating the difficult terrains of governance with a clear, results-oriented vision. Dr. Caur’s leadership style is built on the belief that real change takes time and effort, and that persistence in the pursuit of long-term goals will always lead to meaningful impact.

The Superwoman Myth and the Need for Balance

Despite her accomplishments, Dr. Caur rejects the notion of the "superwoman," a myth that often pressures women to excel in all areas of life, whether at work, home, or in their personal lives. She emphasizes the need for balance and acknowledges that women, like everyone else, cannot do everything perfectly. "Women have multiple dimensions to their lives, not just work. We can’t do everything perfectly," she remarked, reflecting on the pressures many women face to meet unrealistic expectations.

For Dr. Caur, prioritization and delegation are essential to managing the many demands on her time. "When I say I spend quality time with my children, it may be at the cost of not cooking or not doing many other things," she shared, revealing the personal sacrifices she has made in balancing work and family life. Looking back, she offered valuable advice for her younger self: "If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be to aim for more balance. I always prioritized work, but as my kids grow and move out, I realize how fleeting time is."

Leading with Purpose and Vision

Dr. Caur's journey is not just about breaking barriers—it's about doing so with purpose and vision. She has never sought recognition for her gender but has focused instead on making meaningful contributions to society through her work. Her career in governance showcases how leadership driven by expertise, clarity, and a relentless pursuit of impact can make a lasting difference.

As the Secretary of Karnataka’s Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology, Dr. Caur’s work continues to influence the state’s technological and economic landscape. Her commitment to fostering innovation, driving systemic change, and advancing policies that benefit all sections of society positions her as a true leader in the modern governance landscape.

Conclusion: A Model for Resilient Leadership

Dr. Ekroop Caur’s journey serves as an inspiring example for women and men alike who aspire to lead with resilience, integrity, and vision. Her story underscores the importance of challenging gender biases, advocating for balanced leadership, and prioritizing long-term goals over short-term solutions. By leading with knowledge, confidence, and persistence, Dr. Caur has proven that leadership is not defined by one’s gender, but by one’s ability to drive change, shape policies, and inspire others to reach their full potential.

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Edited by Prosenjit Barman