Right after graduation, I was placed in Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail. Knowing it to be a textile-based manufacturing unit, I was wary of joining the firm. However, it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. As a sustainability and EHS coordinator, I was witness to the level to which the company cared for their employees. One of the first garment manufacturer in India to introduce small breaks for exercises, designed to combat ailments rising from work, ergonomic design of workstations and their continuous evaluation. Monitoring of ambient air within the factory to ensure a safe and healthy work environment, the list goes on.
These were some of the aspects I was directly involved in, however, the recruitment and training of the workforce is something that looks at the bigger picture. The workforce is diverse and the majority of them sees the firm as more than just a place where they work. Young women who can’t afford to continue education usually take up jobs in the garment industry. Here they are trained, and many of them end up starting their own small tailoring shops after gaining experience.
The learning I received from ABG is unfathomable. They taught me how the smallest of things make the biggest differences. How a department like WCM (World Class manufacturing) which might seem insignificant to many helps ABG stand apart as an industry leader. Clearly the ABG group made me a better man than I was, with a wider perspective.
Of the many challenges I had to overcome in my life, the one I would like to share happened while I was in high school. As a badminton player who topped the competition during school sports events, I was selected to represent the school at district level badminton championship. The selection process was rigorous with talented players from various schools coming together to showcase their talent and grab the coveted title of district badminton champion. As the matches progressed I found myself facing tougher and tougher competition. During the day-long event, I felt like quitting many times but always found myself comforted by friends who encouraged me to move forward.
I was able to distinguish myself at the tournament and perform well. Although I fell short of the top position I learned a valuable lesson that day. Perseverance has its rewards and I felt it that day. I could have quit anytime but the fact that I didn’t help me understand a valuable lesson in life. It also taught me how good I really was compared to the others in my league. Life is full of challenges, its what gives life meaning. Every time you feel like you are facing impossible odds, remind yourself that it's not the end of the world and keep moving forward.
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