These 5 words truly sum up Aditya Birla Group’s core philosophy and they have always lived up to it. From taking their brands global (Van Heusen, Louis Philippe, UltraTech Cement) to bringing global brands to India (Ralph Lauren, Forever 21, Ted Baker), ABG has truly taken India to the world. No one else could have done it better.
As is obvious, ABG’s presence is everywhere. In over 160 years, they have made their mark in 14 industries and in 35 countries. From the buildings we live in, to the tyres of our car to the clothes we wear, we have been a part of the ABG family, knowingly or unknowingly.
However, that is not the only way the Aditya Birla Group has been Big in my life. What fascinated me and had an impact on me were their taglines. It may be strange to find meaning in taglines but ABG and their brands' core philosophies resonated with me. That is how it has been Big in my life. Let me elaborate.
Idea – “An idea can change your life”
Who does not remember this iconic line and the brilliant ads that came with it? Idea Network’s ads were my personal favourite. They were not only thought-provoking but also inspiring. It reinforced my belief that every idea, no matter how small, will have an impact and that encouraged me to explore more of my world and experiment.
Allen Solly - “My World, My Way”
The core philosophy that you design your life resonated with me a lot. From being a people pleaser to learning to stand my ground and deciding for myself, I see myself having grown so much along those lines. That is a philosophy I stand by as well.
ABG’s CSR – “Big on Smiles”
ABG does not only focus on growing their businesses but also on giving back to society and making the world a better place to live in for everyone. Having volunteered at various NGOs and worked full-time in one, I know, first-hand, the kind of impact every small contribution makes. From providing scholarships to recycling to their sustainable initiatives, ABG is constantly outdoing itself every time in making a difference and to that, I salute.
These are but few of the brands that I resonated with and connected to on a personal level. There is nothing better than finding an organisation whose values align with yours. That is the Big in my life.
Achieving my ambitions
As long as I can remember, I always wanted to make a difference, an impact, in people’s lives. It may be clichéd but no matter what I did, which field I was in, I always knew that that was my ultimate goal. I tried different ways to do that but I recently made my dream come true.
Having an educational background in Psychology, I believed that I was on the right track to my ambition. However, like every graduate, I was confused as to how I could use my training to make an impact. I tried different career paths but was never satisfied.
I began volunteering with an NGO (where I eventually worked full-time) that works for the prevention of Child Sexual Abuse. Little did I know how much that was going to affect me and change the course of my career.
As a part of volunteering activities, I conducted awareness sessions in schools and colleges. The first time I conducted a session was the most eye-opening and emotional session. At the end of it, a 12-year-old came up to me and wanted to talk. She stuttered to get words out and broke down crying before she could say a word.
No amount of theoretical knowledge or training prepares you for the moment a kid breaks down about being abused. A 12-year-old kid. I was unsure of what to say. What if I say something that makes her feel worse? What if she cries more? Can I console her by patting her or would she be scared/offended? These were the doubts I had.
I then decided to let go of my fears and apprehensions and follow my gut. I consoled her and reminded her that it was not her fault and there were people always there to support her. I reminded her that she was a “strong girl”. Hearing that, she smiled and started narrating instances when she had been strong. It was a relief to see that smile. I did not scar her for life!
Two weeks later, I was sure that working for children’s safety was what I wanted to do. How? Because the same girl came up to me excited and said,
“Akka, I am a strong girl.”
She came with a friend who she encouraged to open up as well.
Biggest achievement of my life.
