PART A: ABG- In Every Walk Of Your Life
Aditya Birla Group is US $44.3 billion corporation and anchored by an extraordinary force of over 120,000 employees belonging to 42 nationalities. Since its inception in 1857, it has grown to become the third-largest Indian private sector conglomerate with operations in 34 countries across 5 continents. It has a plethora of businesses under it, notably Grasim (textiles), Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail (ABFRL), Birla Carbon (carbon black), Aditya Birla Chemicals (chemicals), Aditya Birla Insulators (insulators) amongst others.
It happens to be a part of our life in many ways and has influenced the lives of many through the various initiatives that it has taken over the years. Brands like People, Allen Solly, Pantaloons have been an integral part of my life since my school days. I still remember my graduation day when I was adorned in a beautiful dress which me and my friend had shopped together from Pantaloons after several hours of struggle. In a B-school, formals are like your second skin. One has to attend so many conferences, guest lectures and interview processes in them. I remember shopping for my formal wear from Allen Solly. The texture and the quality gives me a perfect professional look apart from being comfortable and easy to manage.
ABG as a group isn’t just reflecting on individuals in their personal lives but also on business across multiple domains. The reception of ABG’s products is so huge that I cannot even think that there would be a day when we don’t get touched upon by them. From using a foil-paper manufactured by the group to availing their financial services, ABG is everywhere. The trust, the bond and the woo factors are exceptionally strong and reliable and these together makes ABG what it is today. One has to name a sector or an industry and ABG is there with their first-class products and services.
With a strong vision to contribute to the country, the group has built a strong image of being a caring corporate citizen and thus, it has struck a chord with people of all socio-economic groups. Acting on an ethos of generosity and compassion is the cornerstone of their CSR policy which shall work in maintaining their brand image for many years to come.
PART B: A Sneak-peek
Challenges are an integral part of one’s life and facing them with utmost confidence is the key to overcome them. We face difficult situations at various points in our life but leaning to deal with them efficiently is the biggest challenge. Decision-making is a tricky ‘challenge’ because sometimes these decisions can turn your life upside-down if not taken in the desirable way.
A major challenge that I have faced in my life is the inability to refuse, the inability to reject. This has led me to difficult situations in life. In a B-school, you are required to work in groups for various assignments and it so happens that in my group, I am the one taking the charge of things and handling everything. Sometimes it adds on to my responsibilities and also put me under pressure. Being a person who strictly adheres to deadlines, I am always in rush to finish off tasks way before time. This is a good attribute but now I feel that people are taking undue advantage of this. After having finished one year of my post-graduation, I have now started looking at this from a different lens. I look at it as an opportunity to learn more and learn better. This changed perspective has helped me to work more efficiently and has resulted in improved results.
Another challenge that I faced was adaptability. Shifting to a new city and in an entirely new environment had taken a toll on my health and my peace of mind. It was very difficult to adjust to this new place but I faced it all with a smile on my face. The only thing which keeps me going on whenever I face hard times is the thought that even a difficult phase will end someday and then there will be good times to cherish and enjoy.
I have come to believe that it depends on an individual how he wants to look at things and face them. Its on us whether we want to give in to tough times or turn them into an opportunity. Sometimes, what happens to us is not our choice, but how we use that to shape our life is our choice. I choose to be strong and return with invaluable lessons from these experiences in life.