Why is ABG big in my life?
A US $44.3 billion corporation, with a workforce of over 120,000 people, the Aditya Birla Group could not have had more humble origins. Started by Seth Shiv Narayan Birla in 1857 in small town in Rajasthan, today, the Aditya Birla Group is in the league of the Fortune 500 companies with a foothold in diverse sectors - metals, carbon black, cement, fertilisers, insulators, textiles, branded apparel, financial services, telecom, BPO and IT services. Though a multinational conglomerate with a global presence, its history is intricately linked with the history of our country and over the years has played a key role in establishing India’s capacity as a viable business hub on the global stage. Its journey from the post-independence landscape of its inception to the market leader it is today has been one in sync with the Indian consumer, a legacy of trust built over the ages that embodies the spirit of the nation and seamlessly combines perfection with a passion for innovation.
In its relentless pursuit for excellence, it has always maintained world-class standards, offering products and services that are unique both for their ingenuity and design. With a presence in such wide-ranging sectors, it is unimaginable that one could be left untouched by the ABG brand.
My earliest encounter with the ABG brand was through one of its most recognizable and popular product – Ultra Tech cement. I recall seeing stacks of Ultra Tech Cement bags unloaded at our society every time we undertook maintenance repairs. The trust and goodwill garnered by the AB Group is evident in the scores of Indians who like us choose this cement –a product that has become synonymous with the ABG brand – over and over again.
Then there are other not so readily apparent areas in our lives that are linked to the ABG brand. Be it shopping for apparel at Pantaloons or Forever21, or for groceries at More, using an Idea SIM or purchasing life insurance – the singular thread linking them all is the ABG brand, working its magic in the shadows. The strategic partnerships and acquisitions with various global entities have made it a leader in many important industrial segments and its retail ventures have provided access to global fashion brands such as Allen Solly, Louis Philippe, and Van Heusen. It is remarkable how often we use an ABG product without consciously knowing that we do so.
The ABG brand has managed to cut across demographics, reach out to millions and stay relevant to rapidly changing consumer demands. Its presence has permeated every facet of our lives and is constantly revolutionizing our lifestyle. From pioneering cutting edge inventions to connecting people, the ABG is constantly pushing the boundaries and impacting lives across the globe. Poised to move ever forwards, its actions, historic acquisitions, and CSR initiatives are a testament to its commitment to creating a sustainable, responsible and competitive business environment that improves lives for generations to come.
How you overcame challenges to achieve your ambitions in life so far?
While some challenges may seem insurmountable and may test one’s endurance, they almost always present one with an opportunity. It is these opportunities to learn and discover that make them worth the sweat.
During my initial years at school, I had to give a speech for a competition. Speaking to a large audience was an intimidating task especially knowing that I would be competing against students from higher grades. Though I had researched the topic well and had the content reviewed by my teachers, it was the delivery that was giving me sleepless nights. I even considered forfeiting the contest but some part of me resisted this urge. I decided to use the time I had to practise for the final day. With the support of my teachers and parents, I learned techniques that allowed me to channel my nervousness and focus on the task at hand while paying attention to the non-verbal cues of the listeners. This in itself was an exciting journey as I had discovered a way to overcome my fears. Needless to say, my efforts paid off and I was able to advance through the next levels of the competition. While this incident may seem trivial, it is a key point in my life that has served as a reminder to search for the opportunity to learn every time I encounter a challenge.
Whenever faced with any daunting or impossible task, I recall the same anxiety and doubts that I had then and they seem no different in magnitude to the ones I have now. This simple realization allays any insecurities and creates just that tiny bit of excitement to spur me on. In retrospect, it is amazing how the values of perseverance and commitment enshrined in the ABG brand and so deeply ingrained in those around me were influencing and encouraging me back then. May they continue to remain a beacon of inspiration for many others like me.
#VGSoM #IIT Kharagpur #ABGLPWooMe