“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. ” – Aristotle. The depth of this inspirational quote is well realized by Aditya Birla Group and goes in line with their mission statement “To deliver superior value to our customers, shareholders, employees and society at large.”.
Why Aditya Birla Group is Big in my Life?
Aditya Birla Group is one of the largest conglomerates in India and soon making its mark in the global front as well. The punch line associated with the organization “Taking India to the world” is very befitting. Being an Indian, it is highly unlikely to not have used any ABG products in life. This is not just an assumption, but a pleasant truth. There is a huge contribution of this giant market leader in our everyday lives, from the buildings we construct, to the clothes and apparels we wear. I still remember those days vividly when their brand “Idea” came up with the most innovative and entertaining advertisements. As a child, the phrase “Walk and Talk” and their catchy music was all that I hummed the entire day. I even encouraged my parents to follow this. But the biggest reason why I remember ABG from childhood is something else. I was very fond of carrying a delicious lunch box to school. My mother used to wrap the paranthas, the cutlets or any other exotic food in a silver paper every day. The fact that this piece of wrapping paper used to keep my food hot and also not spill it elsewhere was very fascinating to me during those days. One day I decided to solve this mystery and went to the kitchen just before leaving for school. There she was, my beautiful mother wrapping her daughter’s lunch food in this shiny armour . I quickly memorized the contents on the packet, and wrote two things in my notebook: “Freshwrapp” and “Aditya Birla Group”. This is a memory which is still fresh in my mind.
Later in life I discovered the many reasons why ABG is so reputed and respected everywhere in the world and the various CSR activities this conglomerate has undertaken to truly change the lives of millions. I am also a loyal customer of their brand “Pantaloons” and believe it or not, have been buying clothes only there ever since the year 2008. The quality and variety of the products they offer is truly unmatchable.
Surprisingly, the business attire I wore for my interview for IIM Ranchi was also purchased at their valued brand store “Van Heusen”. Though these things seem small, they create a lasting impact and a series of beautiful memories for an individual.
How have I made an impact?
“When the going gets tough, put one foot in front of the other and just keep going. Don’t give up.” ― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart.
This is what I follow in life and probably the reason I landed up in one of the premier B-schools in the country. Like thousands of aspirants every year, I too decided to go for an MBA in early 2018. But destiny had laid down different plans for me already when my father was detected with an advanced stage of cancer. For a large portion of the year 2018, I stayed with him in Mumbai throughout his treatment. It was very demanding and challenging at the same time, so I was hardly left with any time to pursue my dreams. I was disheartened at the fact that I would not be able to appear for CAT or join any B-school, but my father’s recovery was the priority. When his treatments were over and we went back home, the exam was knocking at the door. I had given up all hopes when my father motivated and inspired me to just keep going, irrespective of the odds. Although I couldn’t perform at the best of my abilities, I still cherish that day very much which led my way to this great institute in the heart of Jharkhand. I was not hoping to convert IIM Ranchi, but my willpower, determination and ability to pursue my ambitions at all costs made this very dream possible. If I can do it, despite all odds, so can every individual who is going through such challenges in life.