Part A
“Taking India to the world” – the tagline of Aditya Birla Group to which it lives up to successfully. This name with which we associate on an everyday basis finds its roots in cotton trading operations which were setup in Rajasthan in 1857. Since then the brand has grown with the incorporation of brands like Hindalco, Grasim, Carbon Black, Louis Phillipe, Van Heusen and the likes. Today, the group is a leading player in aluminum, cement manufacturing, carbon black, chemicals, copper, financial services, branded apparels and what not. ABG is a parent to brands like Novelis: the world’s largest recycler of used cans, Vodafone-Idea Ltd: the leading telecom service provider in India and second largest globally. The last two decades have been transformative for the company and their logo truly reflects their story of change.
The group recognizes the need for inclusive and welfare driven growth of the society. As a part of their CSR initiatives they work closely with WHO, Australia India Council, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, CII, European Union (EU), National Skills Development Council, FICCI, Art of Living Foundation, Smile Foundation, Childline India Foundation and local NGOs.
ABG has played an important role in my life as the first connection I got was Idea. Being a regular customer at Pantaloons and Van Heusen I can vouch for the quality and differentiation they have in their retail products. As the organization continues to grow and expand, we B-School students have an amazing opportunity to grow with them.
Part B
Being an only child of my parents, getting out of my hometown at 18 was a big step for all of us. Moving to a new city, I certainly had some rosy teenage ideas about the concept of freedom and independence. But soon enough I realized the harsh realities of life; everything was now my responsibility. The smallest of the inconveniences which I used to blow out of proportion now were a part of my everyday life.
That experience taught me the value of family, friends which become your second family, love, sacrifices and above all responsibilities. Our actions are our responsibility and no matter what we do we alone are answerable for our doings. This experience helped me in shaping my personality. From being a shy and naïve 18-year-old, I am now a responsible and mature adult.
#ABGLPWooMe
-Goa Institute of Management