ADITYA BIRLA GROUP
Aditya Birla Group also known as ABG is an Indian conglomerate that represents the integrity, spirit and vigour of India. It is spread across 14 industry sectors generating $44.3 billion and spearheading India’s journey towards a developed nation. They strive to deliver superior value to customers, shareholders, employees and society at large and to be a premium global conglomerate with a clear focus on each business. Thus staying true to their vision and mission. They believe in values such as integrity, commitment, passion, seamlessness, and staying one step ahead always.
“A journey like no other. Offering innovative products and services. Reaching out to millions globally. Adding value. Adding purpose. Always BIG IN YOUR LIFE.”
This quote describes ABG in its true essence. ABG is indeed BIG IN YOUR LIFE no matter where you are.
Why Aditya Birla Group is big in your life?
As a child I used to wonder at the complexity, beauty and strength of houses. Once completed it changed into warm and cosy homes and workplaces. Little did I know about a wonder called ‘UltraTech Cement’. Life is full of surprises as I ended up becoming a Civil engineer. UltraTech is India’s No.1 cement and it comes from the trustworthy house of ABG. It is building icons for India and the world. The growth of UltaTech can be traced back to the commitment of employees and the vision they had. It grew organically as well as through acquisitions. ABG is one of the early adapters to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and realised its potential. They acquired ‘Binani Cement’ in 2018 and it was an added feather in its cap. ABG is committed to tapping the full potential of Indian market as no other economy has cement growth happening at such a pace. This commitment will bring a revolution to India’s infrastructure segment.
‘Hindalco’ is a global leader in aluminium. Hindalco Novelis recycles 65 billion cans per year. Every 3rd aluminium can in the world is made from Hindalco Novelis. This shows their commitment towards becoming a sustainable business. Another segment in which ABG is invested in is copper. Aluminium and Copper are resources which can promote Indian economy. We as a nation has good reservoirs of these resources. Now availability and allocation of these natural resources has become clear and transparent through auctions. But still this segment is not full-fledged as 50% market is catered by Chinese imports forcing Indian companies to export and earn less. This is against the spirit of ‘Make In India’. Government can support domestic companies by introducing anti-dumping duties and safeguard duties.
ABG is a pioneer and global leader in the field of ‘Carbon Black’. It is used to make stronger and safer tyres. It is a market that has huge potential. The tyre in every 2nd car in the world has Birla Carbon.
Aditya Birla Capital Limited (ABCL) is the holding company of all financial services offered by ABG. It has 12 subsidiary companies and is one of the top 5 private diversified NBFCs in India. It is the 3rd largest NBFC in India. It is a pioneer in life insurance, asset management, general insurance brokers etc. The various products offered are in insurance, wealth management, financing and advising. They have a tie-up with Canadian Sun Life Financial also.
As I joined a PGDM program from TAPMI I had to buy business formals. I searched for quality products and came across brands like Van Heusen, Allen Solly, Louis Philippe, Peter England, Simon Carter, Pantaloons etc. That’s when I came to know that ABG plays a big role in styling India also. All these brands are under Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail formed in 2015. Birla Cellulose is provided to these brands. These fibres are born from pure nature, 100% natural and biodegrading completely into the soil without leaving any residue. They are the largest producers of Viscose staple fibre (MMF) in the world. A complete life cycle assessment (LCA) of the Birla Cellulose is done to assess the environmental footprint of all its products. It is India’s 1st supply chain mapping project to trace sources of the resources used in its products.
There is no Indian who doesn’t know about Vodafone Idea. The tagline ‘An Idea Can Change Your Life’ and the present one ‘Stronger Together’ are imprinted upon every Indians hearts. Vodafone Idea is the world’s second largest telecom operator. Now that they have joined hands scaling is taking place at a fast pace to improve consumer experience, bringing down cost and reducing operating cost. They have a strong and quality network front also. Together they can revolutionize the telecom sector. One should keep in mind the impending 5G revolution.
Sustainability is the new buzz word of the business world. The key is to focus on customers’ needs and market opportunities without marketing sustainability. Sustainability should be the back end process.
“Think about tomorrow, today” – this tagline shows their commitment towards becoming a sustainable business and to take the world to the path of sustainability. They are taking steps to ensure a 2⁰C world. ABG’s sustainable business framework is certified to 14 International standards by LIoyd’s Register. They are preparing themselves to be future-ready. They have adopted crisis management policy, energy and carbon policy, environmental policy, Food safety policy, Future policy, Health policy, HR policy, Product Stewardship policy, Quality policy, Safety policy, Security policy, Stakeholder Engagement policy, Supply Chain and Procurement policy, Transportation and Logistics policy, Water Stewardship policy, Wood Fibre Sourcing policy and Responsible Care.
ABG has accepted and implemented World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s WASH Pledge of making workplace healthier and safer by ensuring safe drinking water, good sanitation and hygiene. This shows their concern and care for the employees.
Last but not the least, Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development headed by Mrs.Rajashree Birla handles the important portfolio of Corporate Social Responsibility. She is an icon of women empowerment and a Padma Bhushan awardee of 2011. They are dedicated in rural development, education, healthcare and sanitation. She is a stern believer of ‘articulated social vision embedded in business vision’. The CSR projects are implemented through collaboration which nurtures a culture of mutuality and alignment and achieves sustainability in the long term. BITS Pilani is one among the 6 ‘Institutes of Eminence’ dedicated to education. Aditya Birla Centre for Welfare of Children located in Mumbai provides shelter to destitute boys and provides them vocational training.
ABG touches and cares for you in all spans of your life. ABG adds value and purpose to your life. They are with us in our journey of life. ABG is always ‘BIG IN YOUR LIFE.’
How you overcame challenges to achieve your ambitions in life so far?
Life is full of surprises. It is filled with laughter and sorrow, ups and downs. I was a studious student all through my life. When I was in 8th standard, I learned tennis. There started my journey. Unlike my studies tennis threw a lot of challenges at me. I tried and failed multiple times till I reached the point of giving up. But there was this small voice inside me which told me ‘Failure is the stepping stone to success.’ Hence I did not give up and mastered the skill. I started representing Kerala in National level tournaments and ultimately reached an all India rank of 138 in singles and 128 in doubles. My hard work, patience and perseverance bought me laurels. My experience could motivate friends and acquaintances. Being a lone sportsperson from my undergraduate college I had the responsibility to revive the non-functioning sports mechanisms and facilities in our college. I did my best and it yielded positive results. Further I pursued a career in tennis for some more time. Then I got injured and had to undergo treatment. My rankings dipped. I was really disappointed and was in despair. After recovery I got back up and started playing. But this experience has made me realize the importance of being prepared for uncertainties. I am still pursuing my academic interest of getting a PGDM and playing tennis. Hope everything goes well and all thanks to God.