PART A
The journey of Aditya Birla Group is an inspiration for any MBA graduate. Its mission to deliver superior value to its customers and the society at large, has empowered them to achieve the crown of success. Started in the midst of the deserts of Rajasthan, now it has diversified and expanded its business to more than 42 countries. Founded in 1857 by Seth Shiv Narayan Birla, it has ventured into different sectors across the world.
I still remember the day of my childhood when my grandfather delightfully bought his Ambassador car, manufactured by Hindustan Motors which was then India’s largest car manufacturer. And till today Aditya Birla group is an integral part of almost every Indian’s life. I see my house being constructed with Ultratech cement, the largest manufacturer of cement in India and then I see this Group styling the New India with exclusive brands like Allen Solly, Van Heusen, Peter England and Louis Phillipe. With Vodafone Idea, it is creating a high-quality digital experience for its customers.
In a decade’s time, Aditya Birla Group has created a massive business empire. To name of few, it owns Hindalco- the World’s largest aluminium rolling company, Aditya Birla Capital, Essel Mining & Industries and Aditya Birla chemicals. The group has not only progressed alone but also has given wings to our nation to grow. It not only constructs houses, it has helped construct a better India. They understand that with great power comes great responsibility; the responsibility to give back to the society. They have built various institutions and landmarks like M P Birla Library, Birla Institute of Technology And Sciences, Birla House and Birla Planetarium. It operates many hospitals and conducts medical camps across the country.
To end it all, Aditya Birla Group’s global strategy and commitment to deliver value to all its stakeholders has been phenomenal and has carved out an example which will remain in our minds for decades.
PART B
Aditya Birla Group has been the leading manufacturer in the world. At the core of its operations are the people who despite of facing numerous challenges are focussed on the fulfilment of the company’s mission and vision. Every individual has to, at some point of time in his/her life, face difficulties in making decisions. But these decisions are one of the factors that make a person strong enough to achieve his/her desired dreams.
I too had one such dream. I was so keen on pursuing management education that, to prepare for admission exams, I was considering quitting my Infosys job. Infosys had given me a gratifying professional experience and had contributed towards my maturity. As even leaving the job could not guarantee a seat in a reputed management institute, I considered its pros and cons. It was a crucial decision to make, thereby making the situation a vital challenge for me.
I leaned on my resolute trait to solve the challenge. I knew that I required focus and time to concentrate on my preparation. Continuing with the job would have hampered the quality of my preparation and my work. I also relied on my family and discussed the issue with them. Usually, after a few years of professional life, a girl is coaxed into marriage. But my family encouraged me to follow my heart.
From this situation, I learnt that perseverance can help you pass all the hurdles. Another lesson was to trust your decisions because otherwise it would become difficult to put in dedicated efforts towards the goal.