Aditya Birla Group, headed by Kumar Mangalam Birla is one of the successful conglomerates of the country which has its roots from the colonial rule laid by Shiv Narayan Birla. Grasim Industries Ltd, the flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, was incorporated on 25 August 1947, just 10 days after India became independent. Grasim is now a global leader in viscose staple fiber.
Started the business in the sector of textiles, fibre, aluminium, cement and chemicals; today ABG is a $40 billion corporation. The group has a presence in non-ferrous metals, cement, textiles, chemicals, agri-business, carbon black, mining, wind power, insulators, telecommunications, financial services, retail and trading solutions. The group owns one of the top three telecom companies in India, the nation’s largest cement manufacturer and one of its top retailers. It has over 120,000 employees from 42 nations, and operates in 36 countries. Notably, 50% of the Aditya Birla Group’s revenue comes from its overseas operations. ABG has made 26 acquisitions in 17 years in India and globally, the highest number by any Indian multinational.
In this way ABG has contributed a lot to the growth of the economy since Independence.
How has ABG impacted my life?
ABG has given me many memories with every passing day.It helped my parents to build their home of dreams using “Ultratech Cement” in which I was born and have grew up. This place is full of memories and is a place where I feel secure. Remembering those days of childhood when I used to accompany my father to the market walking the road built using “Ultratech Cement” and seeing my father bargain with the fruits and vegetable dealers grown using “Birla Fertiliser” makes me nostalgic. Early morning school felt interesting only in the tiffin period when I could eat my favorite snacks freshly made and wrapped in “Freshwrap” with lots of love from mom. Teenage was exciting when I could talk and connect for hours on phone with my friends using “Idea's" unlimited calling plans even after school. Having “Pantaloons” near my place is a bliss for any shopping requirement. I am still in love with and remember how I got a perfect yellow traditional Salwar Suit in just 5 minutes in Pantaloons after searching for it the entire day in other stores of the city. The 18th birthday is supposed to be very special and “Forever 21” dress indeed made is special. Entering the office on the first day of the job when I was all nervous and anxious, it was only my formal outfit from “Van Heusen” and “Allen Solly” which made me feel right and confident. Getting the first cheque and buying gifts from “Peter England"and "Louis Philleppe” for my father and little brother is one of the best memories of first salary. The excitement to pay from your hard earned money and seeing bright smiles of their faces was one of its kind feeling. Be it opening a “Demat” Account or buying an “Insurance”; ABG has always kept me covered. And not to forget how easy has “Bhim Upi” made my life today is commendable.
Challenges and how I overcame it?
To begin with, since I was 6 years old; my father had a transferable job because of which we had to move to different places in India. I have changed around 8-9 schools in my teenage. This initially was a challenge for me as being a child it was very difficult for me to adjust and adapt to a new environment, new school, make new friends, leave old ones and catch up with studies of different boards. With immense support from my parents who always gave me courage to face new challenges; this journey became fun and has made me a very outgoing person. Now I like meeting new people, listening to their stories and experiences and embracing diversity.
The most challenging phase of my life began when I was 9 years old and when my mother along with my father also started working. Coming from a nuclear family and having a little brother who was only 4 at that time and taking care of both of us from that tender age in absence of my parents has been a difficult and at the same time a memorious and learning journey. Right from getting both of us ready for school to coming back from school and making snacks, teaching my brother, completing my homework, helping parents with some household chores when they were late from office was all my responsibility. The most challenging part was to not let my brother realize that mom was not there and inculcate in him the right values and morals so that he grew up to be a kind and responsible person. This journey from little to big things has made me what I am today- an extremely responsible and a mature person.
How did this become possible?
Seeing my parents’ hard work and dedication always taught me that hard work is the key to success. One important thing which they taught me was that no matter whatever is the situation, one should mould and adapt accordingly and just be true to oneself. Situations eventually will turn in your favor. Initially things were very difficult to handle. Being alone in home with your younger sibling and taking care if the door was properly locked or not, if gas was turned off or not, if the little one was upto some mischief and would hurt himself etc was quite difficult. But gradually as I got into the practice and as days passed by, things became easy. The best part of the journey being that my parents could go to their workplace tension free and the beautiful bond I developed with my brother which is above all. Teaching him and at the same time learning from him as he grew up was amazing. Now we share a Mother-Child bond as well as are great friends. Today I feel proud to see him all grown up into his 20’s with his ideal set of principles and values and a mature and sensitive person. This entire journey was only possible because I understood how important it is to accept the situations and keep going. In the end hard work and dedication pays off.
