How do you measure the success and growth of any company? We do it by looking at how the company has developed and the degree of its penetration in the lives of everyone, right? Then I think the ABG group has achieved this level of success big time. Even the smallest of the things you use in life was produced by this group. Just the other day, I realized my family with whom I share my everyday experiences and lives far away are able to stay in touch because of the Vodafone network, my dresses are from Pantaloons, the railways- lifeline of the Indian economy consume Birla Copper and much more. Such is the reach of this pioneer company.
What inspired me most was the fact that many homes have benefited because of ABG. Through employment opportunities and CSR activities, this group has helped many. The setting up of cancer institute in Pune is a very big initiative. My grandfather was also a victim of this grave disease. Hence, I thank the ABG group for taking this initiative. I am sure many people will benefit because of this.
Also, recently I came to know that ABG group is offering a £15 million scholarship program to support the education of MBA students at London Business School. I myself, being an MBA student know the financial support required to study in such a premier institution. This is a wonderful step to promote management studies and I am sure this will inspire more students pursue MBA.
“SMOOTH SEAS DO NOT MAKE SKILLFUL SAILORS”
This is a quote I urge everyone to incorporate in their lives. Life wouldn’t be this beautiful if there weren’t any challenges. I too faced this challenge in my life when I decided to pursue MBA right after my graduation. I wanted to do it without dropping a year for preparation. This meant that I had to balance both my graduation studies and entrance coaching. So, the routine began. Morning 6 am, I had to rush to my coaching center. Once that finished, I would come back, have a quick breakfast and sit for studies. My college classes would finish in the evening. After that, I would sit for studies till 11 in the night. This was my schedule for two years. Not only this, I stayed in a hostel so I was away from my family. In my last year, I have only gone once to my home. Like any other hosteler would say, home-made food became a luxury.
Not only this, I was the head of the music club of my college. So I had to organize cultural events and bring sponsors for the events. It was a huge challenge. But thankfully I had my friends with me. They say that hostel is a home away from home. It was indeed for me. They would in fact make plans as a group only if I didn’t have a mock test or class that day!
So the d- day arrived. My hands were trembling with fear but is there anything that a talk with your mom won’t fix? No, right? Some inspiring words from my family and I was all ready to go. The exam did not go as I wanted it to be. But I felt a sense of satisfaction. I knew that I had given it my best. The rest was left to fate. That’s what they say right? Do your half and god will take care of the other. So, I left it to him. A month later, the results were announced and I was selected for the next round. The case discussion and personal interview rounds were held at Mumbai. So I had to travel from Chennai to Mumbai for this. The rounds were difficult. Not the way, I expected it to be. But the experience I had was for a lifetime. Meeting MBA aspirants from different places and getting to know them was a rejuvenating experience. Travelling around Mumbai after my interview was the best.
Finally when the results came out, I was expecting a very bad score. But, to my surprise I was selected for the college I wanted to join in the first place. My happiness knew no bounds. I realized that more than the result, the struggle was more satisfying. I learnt the art of balancing things in life. In fact, this is the most important skill you need to have while you are in a business school.
Finally a quote which helped me through my difficult times-
“This too shall pass”
