The “Idea” that connects me with my family
Aditya Birla Group is an Indian conglomerate which touches almost every individual across the country through its products and services. ABG touches people lives through different product segments like Metals, Cement, Chemicals, Branded Apparel, Financial Services, Telecom, etc. Ultratech cement which is widely used to build houses for millions of people each year is one of the famous brands of Aditya Birla Group. Ultratech cement has contributed a lot to the growth of infrastructure in India. The copper produced by ABG is extensively used by Indian Railways. Idea is one of the pioneers in Indian telecom market who established the connectivity services in the coutry and paved the way for digital infrastructure. ABG has made a significant impact on my life through its brand Idea.
In today’s business world, most of the employees work at far off locations from their home town. Not to mention the struggle of students who stay in hostels, separated from their families. There is a hidden pain for every such individual who misses their families in their busy life. I have been experiencing that pain for the last six years, and it is still difficult to accept the fact that I am not with my family. Idea helped me to stay connected with my family through these times and provided a seamless experience to share my feelings, emotions, fun doings, etc. with my parents. Even though distance separated me from my family, we were connected by the “Idea”. Be it my first day or a farewell day at engineering college, be it the interview rejection or the placement offer, be it the stress of Job or a job promotion, Idea was there to help me share my experiences and feelings with my family. All these experiences are priceless, and Idea was there to help me realize and savor every moment. For the difference it is making in my day to day life, Aditya Birla Group is Big in my life.
Another critical aspect of ABG, which enhanced my perception of the company is its CSR program. The company’s CSR initiatives towards underprivileged children and women are making a big difference in the society by improving their living conditions. The recent drive to provide Cochlear implants to children who are born deaf has impacted more than 1 million lives. Through its CSR program, ABG reaches out to more than 5000 villages and 7.5 million people across India. For the difference it is making in millions of lives across India, Aditya Birla Group is Big in my life.
How I overcame Impostor Syndrome to achieve my goals
Have you ever felt that you don’t belong where you belong? Have you ever felt that your achievement was due to sheer luck? Have you ever felt the fear of exposure among your peer group? Yes? Then you are not alone. Most people doubt their capabilities and look down upon themselves. The associated psychological term for such behavior is “ The Impostor Syndrome.” It is not a mental disorder, but it is a phenomenon that occurs in an individual during certain situations.
I have been a bright kid throughout my schooling, and I studied hard to achieve my goals. When you are good at studies during schooling, obviously, the next step is to prepare for IIT JEE during twelfth and, to exacerbate the problem, I have joined a residential program. The first two months were tough, there was constant feeling of worry, that I am not going to perform well and its better to return to home and study as per my capabilities. I was just a 15 year old student who had no idea what it means to think and who thought that studying means memorizing and replicating the information in exams. Half of the times, I had no idea what the lecturers were trying to teach. All of this made me believe that I do not belong there. Then, I didn’t realize that I was in my comfort zone and resisting the change I was experiencing. But one thing that struck to my mind was the very fact that I belong where I belong not because of my previous achievements but because of my capability to achieve. I questioned myself when the institute itself had selected me for the course, then why I should doubt myself? It was a turning point in my life, and I started embracing the change.
First time after two months I saw my hostel as a treasure. I learned what it means to think critically from my fellow hostlers. I worked day in and day out to improve my thinking level, to be on par with my classmates. I carried the spirit till the end and owing to my efforts; I cracked JEE.
Happy Ending? Ah! Ah! not too soon. The impostor syndrome continued throughout my engineering, and it still creates self-doubt. And so is the case with many others. The competition in B-School is like I have never experienced before. But I only say one thing to myself, “If I am here now, which was my dream yesterday, then I will be there tomorrow, which is my dream today.”
