Memories of childhood are like dreams that stay with you even when you lie awake. One of the fondest memories of my childhood was when for the first time I walked into a mall holding my mother’s hand. Young as I was, the lights gleaming above me, fascinated me and evoked the deepest of my imagination, even at that tender age. My city was preparing for a very special occasion, Durga Puja. Hailing from a typical Bengali family, eight-year old me looked forward to what every fellow Bengali does every year- Puja shopping. That was the day when I entered into a place which would be my wonderland for years- Pantaloons. I was young and not such a keen fashion enthusiast, but that didn’t matter when you stepped into this place. I remember running around the store, among the colorful clothes displayed for children of all ages and eight-year old me felt immense pride when she thought how this year, she would be the best dressed among her cousins. Pantaloons stores have an abundance of choices across categories that range from western to Indian wear, formal to party wear and active wear for men, women and kids. That was the beginning of a life-long connection between Pantaloons and me. Under the wings of the Aditya Birla Group, the brand Pantaloons has also extended its horizons to fashion accessories like fragrances, footwear, handbags, watches, sunglasses and much more and is now a leading fashion retail in India as well as globally. And ever since that day in my childhood, be it any occasion or not, shopping at Pantaloons has given me immense joy. It has given me fulfillment and has often been my therapy. Now as I delve into my b-school journey, the Aditya Birla Group brands which have been instrumental in defining my personality has been Allen Solly and Van Heusen. As Edith Head rightly said: “You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it.” And these two brands make me shine brighter at all times adding to my confidence each day. This aspirational conglomerate operating in 35 countries with a diverse portfolio ranging from cement to fashion apparel, telecom to financial services and many more sectors, employing around 120,000 people worldwide, has been inspiring me to rise beyond all limits. The global presence of Aditya Birla Group truly intrigues me. Aditya Birla Group does not only have a dominating presence in every major economic sector but is also ahead in its CSR activities. From providing scholarships to students to pursue higher education and establishing hospitals, educational institutions, basic infrastructural facilities, it also encourages women empowerment, vocational training through technology parks, agriculture focus and farm development, and so much more. It is a company providing solutions to problems faced by every segment of the society and touching the lives of every individual in a unique way, teaching them to dream big.
A person with a big dream is more powerful than the person with all the facts. One’s dreams should be so big that even when the surroundings don’t seem to favor them, one must not falter but sail through it with determination and commitment. Ever since my childhood, my mother had been instrumental in helping me discover myself. Like every other little girl, one of my dreams was to make her a witness of my journey of success- both professionally and personally. But life is uncertain and soon came a news that shook the very foundation of our family. I was informed that my mother was ailing and would need to be under constant treatment. That was a point of time when my bubble of happiness had burst. I knew I needed to be strong for both my parents’ sake. The next few months were a turmoil and every visit to the doctor added more uncertainty to our lives. But throughout that time, I remember my mother telling me to concentrate on my dream, and that was to get into a top b-school. The next few months were about preparing for b-school entrance exams and at the same time take care of my ailing mother who needed me by her side. These tough times taught me compassion, I discovered how passionate I was about my goals and even amidst this intense emotional turmoil I knew I had to move forward for the sake of my mother whose entire life was bestowed in me. Few months later, after a long wait the results of my entrances were declared. I had appeared for two entrances and I realized I hadn’t been able to crack my dream b-school. It was a devastating moment because I knew the struggles that I had gone through the past few months and how hard I had worked despite of it. Heartbroken as I was, there was still a shimmer of hope. I had been able to clear the IIFT entrance exam and was now shortlisted for the second round. I found back my light and decided this was my one chance to gift my mother the joy and satisfaction she desired from her only child. Few weeks of intense preparation later I was ready to face the panel for my second round of b-school entrance. This year was my only chance as in the back of mind I knew how my mother’s health was deteriorating each day. So, I went to the venue with my head held high, brimming with faith in my capabilities. Soon came the results and I realized I had got into one of the best b-schools in the country-IIFT Delhi, and had even cleared a global charter examination along with my entrance preparation. It was an overwhelming moment because I remember the intense pressure under which I had to perform; but the lessons learnt were invaluable. Today, as I remember the feeling of pride on my mother’s face, I realize dreams mean nothing unless you fight to achieve them, even when the surroundings are not in your favor; and the end of one dream must not stop you from achieving your destination, for the path maybe different than what you expected but it's the journey that makes all the difference in your life. One must shine bright even amidst the darkness around- for success comes only to those who strive for it.
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