Kindness starts with One - ABG – Arunika Sangwan, MDI Gurgaon

I have been constantly following the initiatives being taken up by the Aditya Birla Group, especially in the villages. Nowadays, the focus seems to be on the urban centers, but there are thousands of villages that need all the attention and help that could be gathered. This is because they still lack the basic amenities of life even after 72 years of independence. Work in areas like sanitation, hygiene, education, and healthcare by Aditya Birla Group is a step in the right direction and inspiring to many others. ABG's motto of care and giving resonates with me and with a lot of people who want to make a difference. The more we spread this message, the more people will collaborate to help each other.

One of my favorite quotes is “Hard Work beats Talent when Talent doesn’t Work Hard”. I clearly remember my eighth standard – I was terrible at maths. Just like any other kid, I was sent to maths tuitions. Unfortunately, I was not improving and was told by my tuition teacher that I do not have an aptitude for maths and would fail miserably at it. This statement hit me hard. I couldn’t stop thinking about what I was told by my teacher. Would I never excel at maths because I am not capable of it or am I just not trying hard enough? I decided to go with the latter. Missing zeal was the reason due to which I was not performing well. I worked really hard that year and scored 85 out of 100 in my finals and though I didn’t top the subject, I knew I gave my best shot. Since that, I have never looked back and now maths is one of my strengths.

I learned that the only way you can break barriers is through hard work. To never be afraid of accepting your failures and giving your level best in anything you do. This has always worked for me. Whenever I have doubted myself, I have pushed myself harder to be the best version I can be.