Why Aditya Birla Group is big in my life?
The dreamy teenager self of mine has always had imagined being successful in life. High-powered job, fancy cars, gourmet dinners, power dressing and the like. Fast-forward a few years and here I was, preparing for the personal interviews calls that I had received from various business schools post my CAT exam. Lost in the preparation of academics, current affairs among others, I forgot how crucial it is not just to be an aspiring professional leader from the mind, but also to look the part. While frantically seeking guidance from colleagues and elders regarding the attire and accessories for the interview, I received a gift from my parents that marked quite a significant moment for me. I had partially removed the product wrapping when a Van Heusen logo got revealed. I quickly identified what the gift was and for a moment, everything in my life slowed down. I went back down the memory lane. I realized that while growing up, a whole generation’s impression of what makes a successful person has been shaped by brands under the ambit of Aditya Birla Group. The influential ads, the beckoning showrooms, the powerful presence of their clothing; brands like Van Heusen and Louis Philippe have defined for us what success looks like and what to aspire for. I quickly put on the newly gifted sleek Van Heusen suit. This was going to be perfect. A perfect solution for looking assertive and professional for my interviews. While the new suit immediately made me feel more confident and in control of myself, it also brought up another question - do I deserve it? Have I made it enough in life to deserve such powerful dressing? As of writing this, I am sitting in my hostel room of Indian Institute of Management, Ranchi pushing hard every day to achieve my dreams. To achieve success. I now realize the power of brands like Van Heusen is that they hit you with a two-pronged impact – immediately making you feel better but also inspiring you to be a little bit better version of yourself every day.
How have I made an impact?
During college days, I joined a non-governmental organization (NGO) where my role was to teach English to class X students on weekends. The role was fairly simple and did not demand much effort from my side. I thought this walk in the park would help me contribute towards a better society and also leave me with plenty of free time for recreational activities. I starkly remember the first day I met the students of my class. All 8 of them. While their preparation level was dismal at the time, I was blown away by how respectful and resolute these kids were. They were also quite serious towards building their future. All they needed was a bit of help. From the very first day, I got hooked. Their determination inspired me to guide them as much as I possibly could. Missing my classes to teach them, tutoring them subjects beyond English, helping them with current affairs and personality development and finally, preparing them for the moment of truth – class X final exams, I did it all. It took tremendous amounts of effort, energy and resources from my end to help them improve. A day before the start of their exams, I was as anxious as my students were. Perhaps more than them. The brief period of anxiety finally culminated to the day we all had been waiting for – the result day. I had told my students that I would not be seeking their results from the organization or fellow volunteer teachers, rather, they will have to call me to tell their collective result. After a gazillion times of checking my phone for a call, I finally received one. They had made it. Their CGPA had significantly improved with each and every one scoring north of 7. They also did phenomenally well in English. In that very moment, more than happiness, I felt satisfaction. The Satisfaction of helping some bright minds in whatever way I could. Was this result a consolation for my efforts? No, it was a pure privilege.