The foundation of every business organisation lies in its vision, mission and values. The corporate houses have a significant contribution not just towards the nation’s and the world’s economy but also in the lives of the people who buy their offerings. Aditya Birla Group, in its 150-plus years of existence has spread operations across 34 countries and employs a workforce of 120,000. They have their presence in various sectors – metals, textiles, branded apparel, financial services, carbon black, telecom and cement and reported a revenue of more than US$40 billion in the year 2018. At the core of its behemoth existence is the vision of creating and delivering superior value to all its stakeholders and society.
The earliest presence of the ABG Group that I recall in my life is that of my mother wrapping my school lunch in Freshwrapp – the aluminium foil brand under Hindalco. I remember visiting the Pantaloons store on Camac Street in my hometown Kolkata for the first time when I was in 7th grade, completely mesmerised by the gigantic size of the shopping complex and the range of clothing options on display. I have been a regular customer at Pantaloons since then owing to the quality products that I have been able to buy. My numerous stays in Mumbai during my father’s treatment in Lilavati hospital was a challenging phase of my life. The hectic and anxious visits to the hospital in Bandra from Lower Parel were punctuated by the soothing and picturesque view of the Arabian Sea as I would travel via the Bandra Worli Sea Link to avoid the traffic. Little did I know then that 0.1 million metric tonnes of UltraTech Cement went into the construction of the Sea Link and that the ABG group had a contribution even in the few moments of tranquillity in my life in those days. Brands such as Allen Solly and Van Heusen have become an integral part of my life in the last few months as I started my MBA journey at SCMHRD. Be it formal-wear or smart casuals, these brands have never disappointed me – in term of quality or design or comfort. I remember how the sales executive at the Allen Solly store patiently helped me in trying out the clothes so that I could zero in on the perfect fit. He was impeccably courteous and attentive as he made arrangements for the required alterations. Being a customer of Vodafone Idea, I get superb network connectivity and high-speed 4G internet from my hostel room and from any other part of the college campus. This is a testament to the commitment of the ABG group towards its customers as I am able to connect with my family in Kolkata and with my friends and batchmates in Pune without facing any network issues.
Brands are the interface through which a business builds a relationship with its consumers. The Aditya Birla Group has always ensured that with its massive distribution network, along with its values of integrity, commitment, passion, seamlessness and speed, it is able to contribute meaningfully to the lives of people. And thus with its diverse portfolio of quality products and services, it has not only become a global powerhouse and a leading conglomerate, but it is also big in my life by adding value in some way or the other.