It was during my 5
th class when we moved to Noida where my parents had purchased a plot and intended to build our very own house. We used to stay two houses down the lane and practically saw our house being built from its very foundations. During that time we used to get a deal 100 basti’s of Ultra Tech cement which used to be stacked right in front of our house underneath big Gulmohar trees. Me and my friends used to climb these stacks so that we could reach the Gulmohar flowers and play with them. It is one of my most cherished memories even today. Aditya Birla Group and its companies had become a part of my life before I could even comprehend the idea of a multi-national conglomerate. It’s true that home is where my heart is and we all know what it is made up of. Growing up I slowly started to realize how ABG and its companies have been ubiquitous throughout my life and even before I could acknowledge its presence it was always there much like an invisible uplifting hand that helped me reach those flowers. Now when I look around my room I have a huge bag of stuff I bought from More Megastore, a Vodafone sim in my phone, and inside my closet I have clothes and shoes from Allen Solly, Pantaloons and Lifestyle. And when I see the mark it is leaving on the world, I can undoubtedly say that ABG has become something that most people can only dream of. Its presence in over 35 countries is providing employment for lakhs of people. It is also the largest producer of rolled-aluminum (Hindalco Industries), Viscose staple fiber and largest manufacturer of Carbon black among others. Its CSR programs promoting sustainable development, healthcare, education, women empowerment in rural areas and many others only calls for more respect.
Since I was a kid I have always been the quiet one who preferred observing over talking. Being a huge introvert I sometimes found it difficult to talk to people and had troubles expressing myself. Growing up it only intensified. I had most beautiful, loving parents and friends but for some reason I couldn’t find the confidence in myself and questioned my very existence. I started getting anxious for the smallest of things and sometimes had bad mood swings. During undergraduate it got even worse. There were days when I couldn’t stop the tears and there were days when I forgot how to breathe. There were days when I wouldn’t listen to any of my friends when they tried to assure me I matter, that my existence matters. That time of my life was undoubtedly the most difficult I’ve ever been through. Slowly though I started to accept that you have to live for yourself and nobody else. I realized that what matters most is my experiences, my family and my friends. I became aware that only I can empower myself and my life is totally in my hands and that is all I need to live for. It was during this period that I wanted some big change in my life to get out of this vicious cycle and decided to give CAT. I knew getting into an IIM will give me a boost of confidence and hoped that if I can build upon it by working hard I would be at a better place and that is what I’m trying to do.