Part A:
Aditya Birla Group (ABG) is a revered Indian multinational conglomerate with approximately USD 44.3 billion of revenue as of 2018. As known to us, the year 1857 was transformational in the annals of history as India recorded its first revolution against its foreign occupants. It was also the year India witnessed the birth of another revolution known as the ABG. The group has influenced our wonted lives through its products and services from across diverse sectors such as viscose staple fibre, metals, cement, viscose filament yarn, branded apparel, carbon black, chemicals, fertilizers, insulators, financial services, telecom, BPO and IT services. Such a conglomerate with astounding range of products and services are a rarity in India.
As a member of this society, our lives are characterized by a variety of roles. Many challenges of such roles have been addressed by the ABG group since the last 162 years. For instance, my family and I have been extremely indebted to the insurance products of Sun Life for their assistance in a time when we required it the most. Similarly, the clothing preference of my family, friends and me has always been products of ABG. The significance of ABG cannot be quantified in mere numbers as they are more of an influence in our lives. Also I choose products of ABG as they take full custody of their societal and environmental responsibilities through initiatives like Aditya Bal Vidya Mandirs and Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development.
Part B:
In a society where disciplines and professions are perceived in a gendered manner, I chose to study literature, which is seen as a 'soft' option, particularly for men, after school. To avoid becoming too comfortable and complacent, I moved out of the city I was born and bred in. Delhi offered possibilities and interdictions because of linguistic and cultural differences. The negotiation and the ability to transcend these differences enabled me to work on various projects while I was at Eptisa and Ernst & Young. I was able to compound on these acquired skills when I was sent to Africa to carry out a series of activities that went on to strengthen the foundation of my organization in that territory for decades to come.
The drive to hone my abilities through a sustained period brought me to study at a premier institution like TISS.
The challenges that I faced not only tested my patience, dedication and faith in myself but they also contributed immensely into building my confidence, to hold my own when faced by difficulties.