What ABG Means To Me
It’s not common to find people who have developed an emotional connection to a conglomerate. In fact, many of us look at corporates as villains of the modern age – the exploiters of emotions, the creators of consumerism and the perpetrators of capitalism. However, there are behemoths who have carved a name for themselves not just through their products, but also through their concern for the community. I respect ABG precisely for that.
As a citizen who believes in giving back to society, I like to look at the philanthropic initiatives of businesses. Since I hail from Rajasthan, the Birlas were the first influential family I learned about. The fact that the group takes its responsibility to the society seriously, and has worked to improve the status of health, education, infrastructure is very impressive.
Amongst these initiatives, the two that make ABG stand out in my eyes are those related to Vocational training and Model Villages. Why? Since both have a very large role to play in combating the epidemic of poverty that plagues our nation’s villages. The workforce today is rife with people who simply do not possess the level of skills required to earn a living, and in such cases, vocational training becomes the need of the hour.
So to answer the first question – How is ABG big in my life? I’d say that more than high-quality, diverse products, ABG has found a place in my heart for its dedication towards social welfare.
My Approach for Overcoming Challenges in Life
Now, coming to the second part of the story – my life and the battles that I’ve fought. My life has been blessed and cursed by a barrage of challenges. Cursed, because I would have preferred an easy life, and blessed because with every hurdle, I discovered strength in myself that I did not think I possessed.
I was born to a Maarwari family in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. My parents laid special emphasis on my education, and to their satisfaction, I was a bright student who would always be one of the top 5 students in her class. However, my interest in rote learning was replaced by a jaded attitude as I grew older. I could not understand the reason for my apathy at the time, and as a result of this, my score in my class 12th boards was far below expectations.
However, my belief that I was meant for bigger and better things rescued me. With my determination and vigour renewed, I sat for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), and scored AIR 47, which landed me a seat in the best law school in the country.
Alas, it wasn’t the end for me. While I did well in my first year, my apathy reared its ugly head once again, and this time, it was far worse. I lost my appetite and my sleep. This time, I sought medical help, which revealed that I was suffering from severe clinical depression. I could not understand the reason, and despite medication, my disease took a turn for the worse. This lead me to the second significant crossroads of my life – I could choose to continue with college, despite my failing health, or I could choose to leave, and work towards regaining my health sanity. I chose the road often not taken – I dropped out of one of the most prestigious institutions in the country, and returned home as a failed soldier.
As time passed, I realised that I had nothing left to lose, and chose to work actively towards recovery. I started yoga, and found a good doctor, and enrolled myself for a BA in the local university. Soon, I was healthy once again, and I even topped my college in my second year!
My family showed immense faith in me, which helped me regain my confidence. I wrote CAT and other B-School entrance tests and was selected for the MBA HR programme at NMIMS, Mumbai. Before I knew, I was out of home once again, and while I was scared because of my past, I told myself that if I could survive my illness, I could survive everything else. And I did! I found a set of supportive friends and teachers, who helped me discover the best parts about my personality, and through my strengths, my people and my faith, I managed to bring my life back to its past glory.
It’s not all smooth sailing though. Every now and then, I face turbulent waters. But my resilience and mindfulness help me get through every challenge in life.