Before joining IIFT Kolkata in May, I had an opportunity to visit my village just after the cyclone Fani had hit the state. As expected, the beautiful place had suffered immense damage. Not only the houses, but many livelihoods got destroyed by the disaster cyclone hit. One particular incident caught my attention. I knew a small boy, who regularly came to visit his school during those days just to confirm when everything can be settled so that he could continue his regular studies. This was strange and a bit confusing not for me but everyone. For a clearer perspective, I asked the little boy why did he want the school to be started soon rather than focusing on when his house renovation can be finished. The boy’s reply struck me deeply.
He replied ‘’Didi, house renovation will take many months to be completed but the school’s renovation will be done in a few weeks. Our house is just a Jhopdi (Small hut). If the school renovation finishes soon, I can take the empty cement sacks to use in reconstructing our house roof.’’ I looked at the sack that he was already carrying with him. That was an empty ULTRA TECH cement sack of Aditya Birla Group.
I could see the satisfaction and happiness in the little boy’s eyes. The satisfaction was the effect of getting those sacks. However, the cause behind it was the brand that provided the support at that time.
Reports state Aditya Birla Group contributed Fifty crore rupees to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF), apart from the huge contributions Ultra Tech Cement made to reach every single house in the village to help in one way or the other. There are many instances when small efforts translate into a great impact on life. On that day, the Group created an impact on the village as well as in my life through the smile of that boy.
Aditya Birla group possesses the quality of consistency and quality delivery, be it the case of Fashion, Chemicals, or Cement as mentioned earlier. The main motive of the group is to create an impact in everyone’s life, which is beyond just doing business.
I grew up in a modest family but since my very childhood, I have believed in perseverance and consistency. Even though there were many hurdles to restrict my way, my family always supported and guided me to follow the right path. There is a common saying in everyone’s family that father is the man of the house, but I can proudly say my mother contributed equally for my betterment in life and she put a tremendous amount of effort and hard work to make things look like the way it is now.
Out of many challenges, I can vividly remember is an instance at my workplace. I was a part of a corporate club in the organization and we were conducting a major event for the club. As the event organizer, I was responsible to coordinate and delegate the tasks within the available budget. I managed to do the prior tasks but on the day of the event, the anchor had to take an emergency leave. I discussed the situation with my mentor, She guided me throughout the process and made me confident enough to make the announcements myself. Before heading up to the stage, my mentor handed me over a blazer of Van Heusen. I realized the meaning of “Wear your Confidence” on that day. Ten minutes later, I went on to the stage to make the event a grand success.
My Mother’s efforts shaped only my life, my mentor’s efforts shaped only a few lives.
But the efforts of ABG, be it products or social activities, have made the customers happy and brought smiles on the faces of billions of people.
Such immense gratification! And the cause is Aditya Birla Group.