Inspiring Women Magazine November 2023

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The Cultural Melting Pot
Usha Codur’s motto for embracing new cultures? This member of Heidelberg
IWC says, “You must involve yourself to evolve.”
I
was born in Warangal, South India. I spent
a happy childhood there with my father,
mother and younger sister, traveling often to
Hyderabad to visit my grandparents. Hyderabad,
known as the “City of Pearls,” was my first
exposure to big city life.
Unfortunately, my father's life was cut short when
I was just six years old due to prostate cancer. This
early loss had a deep impact on me. My mother
became our only bread winner and my inspiration
in many ways, teaching us resilience and strength.
Both my grandmothers also played pivotal roles,
including helping us to nurture relationships.
I completed a degree in Commerce in 1989,
and then moved to Delhi (northern India). I
stayed in the Defence Colony, an upscale Delhi
neighborhood where current and members of
the retired Indian Armed Forces resided, with my
maternal grandfather's family. My grandfather,
who had obtained his Master's at Oxford, had a
major influence in developing my social skills,
gratitude and personal image. He used to take me
to his office gatherings and work trips, mingling
with many industry executives. I quickly learned
how to dress elegantly and network, improving
my confidence. My grandfather also gave me my
very own typewriter. I then typed
up his meeting notes, research
Usha Codur
thesis and official correspondence,
getting pocket money for every
Memorial Day
assignment and polishing my
Usha visiting
technical and soft skills.
her sister
in the US.
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