I have been away from my home for the last 9 years. Initially, I used to enjoy the freedom I had. I enjoyed the transition from a boy to a man. But as time flew by, I realized all the freedom and enjoyment came at a cost. The cost was living in the real world away from those who selflessly loved me the most- my parents. The home cooked food by my mother and the quotient of love and care it had, has been the biggest void in my life. With every passing meal that I consume in the mess with a dull face, I get nostalgic about how excited I used to be during school days in anticipation of what my mother had packed in for lunch. Opening the lunch box was like a suspense episode and there was the Freshwrapp aluminium foil (By ABG) wrap that added to the thrill. Removing the foil to unravel the sight of delicious home cooked food in the lunch box is one of the best lifetime memories that I have and if I am not wrong, for you as well. The lunch used to get over but the fun never did. As a kid, post lunch was not studying or working, It was PLAYTIME. And anything which came close to the shape of a tennis ball became our partner in crime. And guess what, nothing can beat a ball rolled out of an aluminium foil. From throw ball to cricket our silver ball used to make our entire day. These memories have very strong emotions and sentiments attached to them and terming this as a BLISS won’t be an exaggeration.

Although it is hard to believe, from aluminium foil to trending apparels and even my insurance, ABG has been into all sphere of my life. Sometimes knowingly, sometimes unknowingly. From childhood to adulthood Aditya Birla has been able to deliver what it promises and what we all want – VALUE!!

Biggest Challenge and how I overcame it

During school days, I used to be a very shy person. Grappled with fear, I faced a battle within and struggled to express myself anywhere. Unable to handle simple conversations with my teachers or friends and underperforming in various events, I used to get depressed and seeing below average students enjoying a good status among batch-mates and teachers alike, my shy nature started eating me up. Bogged down by the excellent performance of my peers in various activities, it was only after Std 8 that I decided to change myself. I thought it’s better to try rather than die silently (I can say this now, looking back at what I used to be).

I started volunteering for speeches in school assembly and elocutions. This helped me interact with my batch-mates and teachers. But it was a rough start; I used to get rejected in front of the entire class during the selection procedure and was even mocked by my own teacher. Although these were embarrassing, I kept on trying because even if I was being rejected I sensed a boost in my confidence each time I stepped up to speak. Meanwhile, I fared well enough in socializing as well, took part in various co-curricular activities and I felt that I have changed as a person. In Std 10^th I represented my school cricket team, won the intra-school extempore contest and at the end of the year I even ended up bagging a position in district level extempore competition. These achievements might seem very small to anyone. But it was not easy to force yourself to stand and talk even if it was embarrassing.

It was only because of my fear about others judging me that I struggled. No one killed my confidence except me. And fortunately I have grown out of that shell and there is no looking back.

Building up the confidence minute by minute and day by day, reflecting back I realize I have a come a long way.

Yes, I have changed, but changed for the BETTER.

Yes I am still an introvert person, but that’s my STRENGTH, not FEAR

Yes I do speak less, but that’s a CHOICE

Yes I am a dreamer because I am not the one stopping MYSELF

Yes, I am ambitious, because I know I CAN!!

harsh_nitie

Wrapped in Emotions - Me &amp; ABG - Harsh Raj, NITIE Mumbai

Wrapped in Emotions - Me & ABG - Harsh Raj, NITIE Mumbai