Aditya Birla Group is one of India’s most successful multinational conglomerates headquartered in Worli, Mumbai. It has truly put India on the map by expanding its operations worldwide. The origins of this conglomerate can be traced back to 1863 when Shiv Narayana Birla set the wheels in motion by moving to Bombay to facilitate his opium trade with China, thus by-passing British middlemen. I admire how Ghanshyam Das Birla established a jute company and increased its valuation by 4 times due to the increasing demand for gunny bags in world war 1 and also the fact that ABG members were key supporters of the Swaraj movement by Gandhi and that their textile business complemented Gandhi’s anti-British movement. I think this has impacted all of our lives indirectly. Hindalco industries Ltd. with its strategic acquisitions will become the world’s second largest Aluminium company and ensure that small and upcoming industries started by us, the youth of the country will not face shortage in procuring raw material. I associate myself with the ABFRL arm as I am a loyal customer of Louis Phillipe. The television commercial was impressive and the tagline ‘The upper crest’ was impactful. As a Mining Engineering graduate, I recognise the importance of Essel Mining & Industries Ltd. (EMIL) and their production of Noble Ferro Alloys which is essential for manufacturing of alloy steel, high speed steel and special grade steel for infusing anti corrosive properties.
When I first stepped into NITK, Surathkal which is my alma mater, I was introduced to the phenomenon that was ‘Incident’, this was our annual cultural college festival. This is the 2nd largest college festival in South India. But surprisingly rather than the Bollywood performances and the competitions I was captivated by the number of sponsors and all their branding activities. Fast forward 3 years I was the Marketing Convener of the fest and had to handle multiple responsibilities, at the same time I was really adamant that I had to pursue my MBA at a top b-school right after graduating from college. After deliberation and weighing my options I decided to trust my gut instinct and decided to take up the challenge. With some planning and prioritising I managed to handle my responsibilities, MBA preparation and my college courses. The euphoria of getting an interview call out of so many aspirants was unmatched. The month leading up to the interviews was the time maximum amount of work needed to be put into both my co-curriculars and academics. Converting IIFT has reaffirmed my belief that no matter how ambitious my goals are, with a strategy and the right attitude it is achievable.
