A brand is the set of expectations, memories, stories, and relationships that, taken together, account for a consumer's decision to choose one product or service over another.
-Seth Godin
Some Brands leave an indelible mark in our minds. From the iconic Amul girl to the “Get an Idea, sir ji”, there are some companies that become a part of our lives. Aditya Birla Group (ABG) is one such brand that I identify with.
Founded in 1857 by Shiv Narayan Birla as a cotton trading business, ABG was an important part of pre and post-independent India. Today the brand is enormous. It is always inspiring to see ordinary people from humble beginnings making it big in life.
When I travel on roads, I feel safe because they have been made by one of India’s biggest company. Like many others, my entire formal wardrobe is from Van Heusen with shirts from Allen Solly. My casual clothing is from pantaloons and forever 21 is a favorite of mine. My parents invest in the Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual funds to secure my future. And Vodafone Idea network is the only lifesaver that works at the IIFT Campus in case of last minute nerve-wracking deadlines. The sheer presence of ABG around me is astounding. And they even have their own “More” retail stores!
ABG inspires me because it represents an inclusive growth model for the future. It believes in diversity and gender representation with an increasing number of women being represented in the managerial cadre. It is also one of those rare brands that are fulfilling their duties towards society. It reaches 7.5 million people annually through its community initiatives. It is also considerate of the environment and is the world’s top can recycler and also has a dedicated sustainability policy. All of the brand is represented by its logo whose crystals represent their story of change and transformation and is a symbolic reflection of their integrity, quality, and character.
My Challenges, my Story
My life story is ordinary. I belong to the small state of Himachal Pradesh. I remember my first home, which was a small 2-bedroom cramped house and also my current home which, though, not much spacious is a comfortable 3-bedroom house. But I also remember my father’s words “Always be humble and remember your roots”. It is these words that have become a motto for me in my life. They inspire and motivate me to work hard because they make me believe that success depends upon our efforts and hard work. All my life I have strived to push myself to the limit. From participating in a dance class because I wanted to learn something new, to participating in a Spell Bee Competition on a whim. I failed badly in the dance class, but I won the state level Spell Bee Competition and participated at the national level. This never say die spirit has always been my strength.
I have always moved forward. When my parents wanted me to take Science just because I scored a 10 CGPA or when they wanted me to be an IAS, something that I didn’t want to do, I stood my ground because it is important to listen to yourself and follow your passion. Today I have no regrets. I have started a new chapter with IIFT in my life something that I hope will bring me satisfaction and success in the future.
Along the way, I have started to believe myself that everything is possible and I’m no less than intelligent or determined than others. I can achieve everything I desire of, if, I’m willing to work hard. And if that everything includes buying an Audi (sue me) on my own money, then I will do it.