I still remember the afternoon I cajoled my mom to buy me an Ice cream but she didn’t and pulled me hastily towards home in the scorching heat. I didn’t argue much because that was our daily routine and walked with her under the umbrella. But the day held something special in its grip and I had no clue what it was. As we reached home the house was more jovial than normal afternoons. My uncle was with my father in the drawing room, my aunt with my mom in the kitchen and my cousin was playing with my toys. As I walked the in the bed room I saw a new box having the picture of the same mobile my uncle had, but this, was a new one and I ran to my father and asked him excitedly “Is this ours?” and my father took me into his lap and proudly announced “Yes it is!”, I remember how my eyes lit by the blue light of our new phone and that was when this never ending relationship of me and IDEA began. Just like any other child, the first voice I wanted to hear was of my grandparents and that is exactly what we did. The first call from our phone was to my grandparents, the experience was exhilarating, partially because it was now possible for me talk with my grandparents without travelling for 4 hours and partially because I was going to flaunt about our phone in front of my friends. This is not only my story, this is the story of each and every house which underwent the transition from Landlines, from letters to small miracles in Telecommunication and Aditya Birla Group has always been there as the palanquin bearer of change. As the time passed by, ABG was now binding together not only walls, but people as well. Each and every brand since then, has been supplying people with a sense of Humanity, be it the warmth of love in each and every tiffin that mothers made for their children, and be it the complete clothing solutions to all the generations for every occasion. Aditya Birla Group has not just touched each and every sphere of multiple generations but has rooted itself deep into the culture and is being carried as legacy in the future generations. It has inspired thousands, helped millions and served billions and I, am just one among the many for whom it did all three. What started as a gift via text message has now bloomed into a passion of mine. I now write, not only for friends but for all. I try to put smiles on faces, motivation in life and humanity in hearts, which stands common between me and the Conglomerate and I wish to continue the same in years to come.
No one’s life is perfect and neither is mine. I think that is what makes everyone’s life A LIFE. The first time I left my home for work, went to Chennai was the time of challenges and learning for me. This was the first time I was going to learn how to live life in true sense. New state, different culture, mysterious language and strangers everywhere. I know, it seems scary but that’s how you evolve right? As the time passed by, I started seeing that there was no difference except for the language. The people were same, Indian-ness was all the same, pride was all the same, emotions were all the same and same was the energy. A sports enthusiast as I am, it was not difficult to find like-minded people and I started deciphering Chennai. I started diving deep inside with its music, its food, its simplicity and its ambience. A sense of conquest ran through me, I was enjoying the state which is said to be extreme opposite of Northern India. Finally, the first salary day came. I still remember when I reached my office and boarded off the auto, my purse contained only a 5 rupee coin which meant if my salary was not encashed I would have to walk back to my room. That was the day I learnt how much my father has done for me and now it was my turn to reciprocate. Fortunately, the salary got credited and for the first time in my life I purchased something for my parents. The emotions were inexpressible and lessons learnt were extraordinary. Sometimes, it takes one to come out of comfortable zone to see the beauty that their lives behold. I am proud to say that I can never leave Chennai behind now, because in the city I wrote my first excerpt in English. I think that is why my father says
“It’s all what you learn will remain, not what you earn!”