Part A: How ABG has touched my life
Prior to writing this, I was little aware that the Aditya Birla Group had such a massive portfolio of brand names under its umbrella.
After researching about the plethora of its brands, I realized that its presence in my life is massive.
The first major example that comes to my mind is Planet Fashion. It always triggers my nostalgia to remember that since my childhood, my parents have always taken me to the Planet Fashion store in Sector-17, Chandigarh which is very close to our residence. I've even kicked footballs and knocked off mannequins inside the store.
Aditya Birla Group still contributes to a major portion of my wardrobe as all my shirts are from Van Heusen as it's the only clothing brand that fits perfectly to my plus size. My mother visits Pantaloons every month for all her fashion needs.
Aditya Birla Group also has been impacting my life indirectly in a number of ways. For instance, the vegetables and fruits we eat could have been grown using the fertilizers manufactured by Aditya Birla Group or the various metals we use in day to day life could be the group’s product. The roof above me held by the strength of UltraTech Cement.
ABG has been hugely influential in more ways than what could be put in words.
Part B: How I Overcame Challenges to Achieve my Ambitions in Life so far
There have been two very prominent challenges that I overcame to achieve my ambitions in life so far. One is a situation and other is more like a stigma.
The first challenge I faced was when I was in the 10th standard. 2 weeks were left for the matriculation board exams to commence and I met a serious knee injury while playing football. It was so painful that I wasn't even able to stand without a brace around my right leg. After consulting multiple doctors, the only solution was ACL replacement surgery. Somehow I prepared for my exams and appeared with braces on. Surprisingly I secured 10 CGPA! After the completion of the exams, I went through the major surgery.
The other challenge that society has always posed to me is due to my short height (about 5'3'') and my overweight body. Two things that have always been looked down upon or associated with some kind of stigma.
But wearing that Van Heusen or Allen Solly Shirt and Jeans has always given me confidence which always reassures me that my vision, skills, personality and not my physical appearance will take me forth in life all its situations. I converted this challenge/ into my strength as a shield for overcoming all other tests/ challenges in life.
This was also the reason that I was able to secure admission into one of the most prestigious B-Schools in India, IMT Ghaziabad.