“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go”
T. S. Eliot
From venturing into cotton trading back in 1857 to being one of the largest conglomerates in the world, the Aditya Birla Group has come a long way. Just like Ultratech cement provides for the house you live in, the group has permeated their presence in each and every building block of our life. From manufacturing metals and cement to catering to the apparel needs of millions, they have covered a really wide ground. The words ‘Big is what Big does’ suits them quite aptly. They have shown immense commitment in building up this group, especially under the auspices of K. M. Birla. Within two decades, the group has transformed itself from a commodity based organisation to a transnational, multicultural entity.
Much like Alvin Toffler said, the group did what was necessary to adapt itself to the ever changing world: learn, unlearn and relearn. Even ancient philosophers adhered to the idea that change is the only constant and for people to realise this and work on this is what made the group what it is today, along with the efforts of thousands of people who were a part of this organisation, right from the grass-root level to the CEO. Not only is it a commercial success, but their saga is quite inspiring for people with an affinity to build something of their own. Aditya Birla being hailed as the country’s first global industrialist is something to be proud of.
This is not a rags to riches story, nor is it an emotional one that makes your vision blurred. This is the simple tale of one of the billion teenagers of the 21st century who had dreams in her eyes and faith in her heart. There was a point in my life when I was utterly confused as to what to do, when to do and how to do it. Ideas and energy were rushing, hormones were raging but the crucial things that were missing are guidance and clarity of thought. You cannot achieve the latter without the former. One of the biggest hits that came to me was in the 11th standard and I am quite certain that was the case with many. The vast gap in the curricula became really hard for me to cope with especially in the presence of overachievers around you. The stress was more mental/social than physical. I somehow felt that the rat race was not worth it. I tried to isolate myself from the crowd because somehow getting straight As had lost its appeal. Months went by before I realised that I do not need to prove myself to anyone but me. The fact that I would be studying for myself and not to please my parents, teachers or relatives is what brought me back on track. From scoring poorly in the first assessment of 11th standard to passing the higher secondary examination with above 80% marks was a change in my life I was happy about. Getting into the college of my choice and indulging into a subject I love has shaped me in a large way. Given the number of disbelievers I encountered during the two month gap between school and college, that seemed like a distant dream too. I did not let that influence me and worked towards it at my own pace. Cut to two years later, very few people believed that I could actually get into a prestigious B school. I put in my efforts, all of it, to prove them wrong. I was not doing it out of spite but the fact that you can progress in your life even when people make you feel that you cannot worked as an incentive. Believing in yourself and not underestimating your capabilities has helped me in my journey till now and I am hopeful that I will overcome all my difficulties in the future as well.
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