During the latter half of 12th standard, undoubtedly the most crucial and path defining phase of school, I suffered a knee injury while training for the basketball team tryouts. The MRI scan confirmed that it was a complete tear of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). Not only did it spell the end of my ambition to represent my school in the basketball tournament but it also meant that I had to take some time off from school altogether. The doctor recommended sustained and painful physiotherapy as treatment for the injury and informed me that in the event that physiotherapy fails to restore stability in my knee, I had to undergo surgery. Missing out on classes and pre-board tests important for Board Examinations only added to my misery. I aspired to pursue bachelors in Economics from University of Delhi and for that I had to perform exceptionally well in my Board Examinations. With each day of school missed, my fear grew that even that dream would not come true.
We often don’t realize how much strength we have until challenged to use it. Once tested, we get to know how strong or weak we are. I remained positive and made sure that I never missed a physiotherapy session and I still do the required to this day. I put in extra hours in school and reassured myself time and again that if I stay persistent, I can still do well in my examinations. My persistence paid off. Not only was I successful in avoiding surgery, I had also gained enough strength and stability to run and exercise again. I scored 94% in the Board Examinations and secured admission in the University of Delhi.
I realized that it’s easy to sport a positive attitude when things are going your way. That attitude does not become the difference maker until challenges arise. I also learnt that life is unpredictable. Things happen suddenly and unexpectedly. You always have to aim for the best and be prepared for the worst. Through challenges and difficulties, I learned and developed a whole new perspective of life.
Why Aditya Birla Group is Big in My Life
Aditya Birla Group, founded by Seth Shiv Narayan Birla, is a colossal Indian multinational conglomerate. Establish 162 years ago, it has grown into a global powerhouse with a revenue of over USD $44 billion in 2018 and global footprints in 34 countries.
Due to the Aditya Birla Group’s ever-expanding presence across various industries, it has had an impact on almost every Indian’s life and of course, mine as well. The first memorable association with the group was through Pantaloons- the fashion retail store of ABFRL. Pantaloons was always the first name that popped up in my parents’ mind whenever I needed new clothes. The quality, variety and affordability of its offerings along with the consistency and experience were next to none. Interestingly, it has been voted as 'India's Most Trusted Apparel Retail Brand,' (Brand Equity Survey 2014/2015).
Owning a set of business formals is imperative for every B-school student. The perfect fit, fabric and feel a suit provides you with much needed confidence for your interviews, presentations and competitions. Again, Aditya Birla Group was instantly my first choice. A broad range of styles and fabric from Louis Phillipe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly and Peter England offered the perfect clothing for the quintessential B-school student and instilled a feeling of readiness.
My experience and satisfaction has only been constantly revised upwards from shopping for casuals as a kid to formals as an adult. I’m certain that it will continue for the years to come and that is why Aditya Birla Group is big in my life.
