“Excellence is a continuous process and not an accident”
-Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Life is like a machine. It requires regular checks and maintenance for smooth functioning. Once it goes out of order, it becomes more difficult to get back on track. Everyone of us face this issue of maintenance every now and then. And the first step in the right direction is to understand a problem, accept that it exists, and take small but sure steps to address it.
No problem in the world is small. They can be implicit or explicit- but every problem has to be addressed at some point in life. I realised my first problem in life at the age of 15. Coming from a traditional family and being the youngest of all my cousins, I have always been in a protective shell. I was a simple and shy kid during schooling, but had the ability to balance academics and other activities. This led me to become the Cultural Secretary of my school. There was just one issue- I could not even look into a boy’s eyes, let alone speak to them. I was always an active and interactive person, but this particular issue did not let me reach my full potential. It is only after I took-up the responsibility that I realised the seriousness of this problem. So, I decided to correct it by consciously trying to speak to my fellow classmates, specially the boys.
I was very awkward initially, and tried to speak to the point. What was more difficult than speaking to them was to break the image of being a “Shy girl” from all of their minds. But I did not give-up. Days passed by, and I started getting better. I started greeting some of the boys every morning, and this slowly started boosting my confidence. By the end of my schooling, I was able to initiate conversations with them. This was a major achievement to me.
Unfortunately, this progress remained stagnant for the next few years to come, as I studied in an all girls college. In the meantime, I built my communication skills and confidence, and I became better than before. I decided to take things further when I consciously took the decision to join an MBA entrance exams coaching institute for the sole purpose of meeting new people and becoming an eloquent speaker.
The coaching institute had around 200 people, mostly men, which helped my purpose. So right from day one, I made an effort to speak to at least one new person each day. Within few days, I new many students. My active participation in the classes brought me into limelight, giving me an extra boost. Thus, by the end of the coaching period, I made many friends, most of whom were men.
Today I am a student at SIBM Pune and a member of the Admission Team. When I look back and think about how far I have come, I feel proud of all my decisions and my persistence. It also reminds me the importance of introspection. My journey from a shy kid to a confident and assertive woman taught me that excellence is far greater than perfection. One need not transform overnight; excellence is a habit that should consciously be cultivated. This is also the reason Aditya Birla Group has a good place in my heart.
Starting at a remote village in Rajasthan, the Aditya Birla Group has now become a global leader in areas such as manufacturing and telecom, standing true to its motto of “Taking India to the World”. Despite being such a global player, the organisation is still strong in its roots. From chemicals and cement production to telecom and banking sectors, Aditya Birla Group marked its presence everywhere. What is remarkable about the organisation is that it has various brands of fashion and retail catering to various needs. From PEOPLE and Forever 21 for daily wear to Van Huesen and Allen Solly for the future corporate within me, Aditya Birla Group offers the complete package. Thus, Aditya Birla Group is a prime example of how big things begin from small steps.