Marwaris is a highly successful, dynamic and indigenous entrepreneurial group which has its roots in Jodhpur region of southwest Rajasthan. Marwaris started out as traders, however they gradually turned to industry after the First World War. Since then, they have dominated the Indian private industry scenario and established the country’s most prominent business houses. One such business house is the Aditya Birla Group (ABG). The group’s foundations can be traced back to a cotton trading business started by Seth Shiv Narayan Birla during the 1870s. Today, Aditya Birla Group has transformed into a $44.3 billion India multinational conglomerate synonymous with trust, integrity, commitment and passion. The group has touched lives in 35 countries it operates in and employs more than 1.2 lakh people worldwide. Its $44.3 billion annual revenue is only bettered by 2 other Indian conglomerates - the Tata group and Reliance Industries. The group is involved in metals, cement, apparels, telecommunications, financial services, chemicals, fertilisers and IT services among others.
As with millions of people, ABG has had an immense impact on my life as well. I have always had a keen interest in food and already miss home cooked being in a different city. During my school and college days, Hindalco Freshwrapp aluminium foil helped keep my lunch hygienic and fresh. Globally, ABG’s Hindalco is the world’s largest aluminium rolling company and among the biggest producers of primary aluminium in Asia. ABG has some iconic fashion brands in its umbrella including Pantaloons, Ralph Lauren, Simon Carter, Allen Solly et al. These brands have allowed me to express my personality and celebrate my individuality. In my opinion, fashion has an important role to play in a society and has the potential to bring people together. ABG’s Ultratech Cement is India’s largest cement company and has undertaken projects of national significance and support the country’s economic development. These include the Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai, Bengaluru’s Metro Rail project and Vallarpadam Rail Bridge Project among others. I’m sure there are many more ways in which ABG has touched my life and others and in that sense remains an indispensable part of who we are today.