PART A: Why Aditya Birla Group is big in your life?
Aditya Birla Group (ABG) has been the unsung messiah of so many organizations and individuals. As the logo of ABG suggests, it has always strived towards perfection with a vibrant sun-like energy integrating vigor, integrity, and simplicity. Under the aegis of ABG, major brands have established themselves as trusted household names. In the process, ABG has majorly influenced every person’s life either directly or indirectly. My life has been no exception. Looking back, there are so many fulfilling memories, with ABG in the backdrop facilitating those moments. For instance, I remember the first time I purchased a business suit and the feeling of confidence exuding when I saw myself dressed in one. Assuring the regal experience and ensuring my lifetime loyalty in return, Peter England Fashions and Retail Ltd - the name I would later bank upon for all my official garments, operates under ABG. My first and only cellphone connection has been Idea Cellular, which I have been a consistent customer of owing to its excellent services, comes under ABG. Its pan-India rollout of 4G VoLTE has been a pathbreaker in the telecom industry and as satisfied customers, I and a substantial subscriber base of almost 395 million can vouch for that. While building our own house, the investment going into the raw materials required is of prime importance. Considering the tumultuous housing and real estate sector, one product in the cement industry that has consistently upheld the virtues of quality, innovation, and trust has been Ultra Tech cement. While choosing a cement brand for my house, UltraTech was the ubiquitous choice and the final result post-construction makes me believe that I made the right choice. From my heart to my hearth, I can safely say ABG has always been a guide and a friend.
PART B: How you overcame challenges to achieve ambitions in your life so far?
Coming from a family constantly on the move, I realized that adapting to new places, people and culture initially, can be quite difficult. But in the process, I learned a major life lesson: Diversity should enrich and not frighten you. As I opened myself to new experiences, I found a lot of mental blocks and preconceived notions fading on their own. An instance to quote in this regard would be heading the literature committee during my graduation, wherein I took up the responsibility of guiding students from different vernacular backgrounds to communicate effectively and fearlessly in English, by arranging workshops and training sessions. A seemingly daunting task in the beginning was a roaring success, as many students finally confessed to acknowledging the benefits and impact their training had in the final placement interviews. Another aspect that motivates me in life is to constantly innovate. As Aristotle says, ‘We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit’. At Cognizant, while heading a team, we faced an urgent challenge to streamline the project management process at an account level. With coordinated teamwork and strategic thinking, we employed a ‘fail fast’ approach, which probed our brains to come with new and better implementation ideas in a limited time frame. Finally, constant brainstorming and multiple iterations later, we came up with a perfectly optimized solution, which also cut project costs. Being awarded ‘Innovator of the Quarter’ for the same helped me understand that mindful persistence, patience and the power of thinking out of the box while facing a challenge, can not only lead to success but excellence. In retrospect, also being actively associated with an NGO helped me understand that social responsibility is paramount and not an obligation, but the duty of every individual.
Ultimately, the first step to face your challenges is to step out of your comfort zone. If you have the intent to proceed in this direction – Congratulations! You have arrived. The field is yours to conquer.
