“Be your own best customer. Live your customer’s lifestyle.” and the Aditya Birla Group has definitely
stayed true to this quote! Come to think of it, there is not one day that goes without us being associated
with this huge name. Ranging from the clothes we wear to the network we use, from the ones handling
our finances to the ones building our homes, ABG is doing it all!
To me, ABG has played a massive role in bringing a huge range of fashion closer to home. As I’m
stepping into a business school, good quality formal wear paired with a wide array of choices ABG’s
retail fashion arm- Pantaloons, has come to my rescue! Although at an individual level this impact might
seem insignificant, I can only imagine the number of lives it has influenced through its employment, its
earnings and ultimately through its social awareness.
On a personal front, during the course of my graduate studies, the management of my college wanted to
bring in something new for the students that was first of its kind but relevant at the same time. Me, along
with a few of my peers, thought over this opportunity and realized that it was something we could
actually take ahead. However, there was one catch and it was simple-NO FUNDS! We soon realized that
the road ahead wasn’t going to be easy. But, what we did not realize then was that these hurdles were all
stepping stones to something better.
The task was mammoth and time was little. Every new idea we could think of involved money and that
wasn’t helping. I suggested that we start off with mapping out our objectives and the medium could be
taken care of at a later stage. One of our primary objectives was to bridge the gap between the learnings
we had as part of our course and the actual corporate world which we would all be soon stepping into.
Once the goal was in place, our entire team now had a sense of direction. Excitement levels were hitting
highs and we just couldn’t wait to get started. After multiple weeks of brain-storming, meetings and lots
of coffee, we put in place a detailed plan of starting a blog. It would have a broad horizon ranging from
economic articles, finance facts, quiz corner and monthly newsletters. A major differentiator for our blog
was going to be its ‘Entrepreneurs Speak’ section where our team would interact with an upcoming
entrepreneur and document his journey!
However, the entire fizz of excitement soon disappeared as we realized what it was going to take to
execute such an intricate plan. Since the entire concept was new, the team had to start from scratch! All
the infrastructural layout, permissions, content and contacts had to be put in place.
There were times when I was juggling with too many things at a time and felt like it wasn’t worth the
effort. However, I knew that the idea was a revolutionary one and wanted to take it ahead at all costs.
What kept us going was the impact it was going to have on our batch-mates and I was certain that I
wanted to be a part of that contribution. Finally, after a few months of a rollercoaster ride, the blog was
launched successfully and received an overwhelming response! As the blog picked up, we also started a
college club under the same name which conducts real-time fun & learn activities. The immense love that
we receive through these events is enough to make me feel like I have made a difference! Looking back
today, I realize that you don’t have to do something out of the way to make an impact. Just do your bit in
the best possible way and you’ve made a mark!