ROLE OF ADITYA BIRLA GROUP IN MY LIFE:
Being born in the dry and desert region of Bikaner, Rajasthan, our home filled with the traditional showpieces of Rajasthani dancing puppets, hanging birds and few of the auspicious “Shubh Laabh” portraits, were the part of memories which I had during my childhood stay there, before moving to the developing city of Ahmedabad. Time passed swiftly among the hustle of city, and our small home back in Bikaner, used to be on top of the list of places to rejuvenate ourselves along with my grandparents and five aunts during vacations.
However, no one knew what was coming our way. One day my father got the news that a bunch of people had broken into our Bikaner house and totally destroyed all our belongings. The damage was not just limited to materialistic things but also inflicted pain to my feelings and childhood memories. We immediately went to Bikaner and lodged a police complaint. The group alleged that the land on which our home was built belonged to them and then followed the investigation process. While my family members were busy running around the local court, I could visualize a part of my childhood being vanished. Since my grandfather was a central government employee, the investigation procedure was done within 15 days and all the allegations were proved wrong. A fine was also imposed on that group and finally we could have our home back but the damage was already done.
This is the time when Aditya Birla came into my life in the form of Ultratech Cement. The house had to be rebuilt with improved architecture and sustained infrastructure. I remember bunch of Ultratech Cement packets coming to our house and laying down a strong foundation so that no one could damage it again in future. The child inside me rose again after seeing the house being constructed. This time even stronger and long lasting so that no outsider could damage the feelings inside me again. And not just me but my entire family. All this was possible because of Ultratech Cement. The house stands tall today also and even when I visit it today, the child inside me goes back to those traditional toys, playing joyfully with a feeling of content and safety that no one can cause harm to my house again.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES TO ACHIEVE MY DREAM:
With my father and elder brother both being doctors, it was well assumed by my family members that I would be the next member to step into medical field. However, cramming was never my strength. Rather I was more interested in problem solving related to physics and maths. It was difficult to convince my parents but finally was able to do so. The real challenge started now.
Just like every other middle-class family, if someone chooses engineering, then there is always pressure from his/her parents to accomplish one task-Crack IIT. I was given the same task and was quite enthusiastic since this is what I wanted to do, so why not go for the best option available. As months passed, the same enthusiasm turned into stress and real struggle. With each passing exam, I was finding it more difficult to strike the right balance between boards and IIT preparation. On the outside I was forcing myself to be fully confident and prepared for IIT but from the inside, only I knew how underprepared I was. I managed to pass my boards with distinction but the main target couldn’t be completed. My parents were obviously disappointed but didn’t want that to overburden me so gave me the option of joining available local colleges.
This was the moment when I realized, that if I join other college, I will not be able to fulfil my ambition and maybe regret my decision forever. I decided to take this up as a challenge and prove to my friends that I had inside me, what it takes to be an IITIAN.
The journey of my year drop wasn’t easy at all. Seeing all your friends joining colleges while you sitting alone at home with books of mechanics, equations and organic chemistry takes a lot of toll. Seeing them make new friends, going on fun trips while you struggling everyday to keep up with the topper isn’t cup of tea for everyone. My parents were always there during those tough times. I soon realized that the only way to succeed was to cut off from the outside world and focus on yourself. Newton’s laws, mole concept, graphs and Linkin Park songs were my new buddies.
Finally the day came, 2
nd May when I gave my JEE exam. By night the answer key was out and having calculated the marks, I was pretty sure that I would be able to get into an IIT. This was the moment of accomplishment and more than myself I could see how happier my family was for me. All the sacrifices, struggle and hardships finally had a meaning and it was worth it all. I ended up being at IIT Gandhinagar where I spent the best 4 years of my life. This was my journey of ups and downs and learned to never give up on your dreams no matter how tough things get.