Imagine being in the presence of a Padma Bhushan awardee, an accomplished business tycoon, and an inspiring leader.

April 14, 2023: For me, a second-year MBA student at BITSoM, this date materialized as the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream. The convocation ceremony for BITSoM’s first batch held at NCPA Mumbai marked the beginning of this extraordinary day that left an indelible mark on my life.

Shouldering responsibilities as part of the crew collaborating with the 9dot9 team and other dedicated organizers, I found myself in the unique and privileged position of being in immediate proximity to none other than Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla throughout the convocation ceremony.

Being around him, even for a few minutes, was an experience of a lifetime. Witnessing him personally extend his felicitations to each student on stage during the degree conferral ceremony was akin to witnessing the convergence of inspiration and admiration. His humility and affability radiated brilliantly as he took the time to acknowledge each graduate individually, elevating that fraction of time into an everlasting memory for every individual. As destiny would have it, I had the chance to interact with Mr. Birla for just 100 seconds during the convocation ceremony. The moment he realized that I was a student from the Co’24 batch, our conversation took an unexpected and delightful turn. Mr. Birla’s sincere inquisitiveness about my experiences at BITSoM and his genuine interest in my interactions with the course content spoke volumes about his deep connection with the students and the institution. As we conversed, Mr. Birla showcased both strong business insight and a real understanding of the challenges students face while learning. He listened intently as I shared my thoughts about the MBA program, and his motivating words filled me with a clear sense of purpose and determination. I was awestruck to see Mr. Birla’s leadership style characterized by approachability, sincere curiosity, and active engagement in meaningful conversations As I walked away from the convocation ceremony that transpired in April, I felt a strong desire to have another opportunity to meet Mr. Birla. July 12, 2023 – Little did I know that fate had something incredible in store for me. As luck may have it, a few weeks later, I received the news that left me ecstatic – I was selected as one of the two students to conduct a fireside chat with Mr. Birla at the BITSoM Annual Chancellor’s dinner. The news hit me like a wave of excitement and anticipation, charging through me like an electric current – I had the privilege to conduct a fireside chat with the illustrious Chairman of Aditya Birla Group, Kumar Mangalam Birla. In those brief moments, I gleaned valuable insights from a business magnate and philanthropist who has left a huge mark on the corporate world and society alike. The fireside chat provided an exceptional opportunity to delve deeper into Mr. Birla’s remarkable journey and glean insights from his wisdom and experiences.

• Childhood Influences: Family Values and Work Ethic 
  Our conversation unveiled how Mr. Birla’s childhood was the foundation of his journey. Growing up in a large, close-knit family, he absorbed strong values, grounding, and cherished memories. He spoke of his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather as inspirational figures who ingrained in him an unshakable work ethic that still guides him today.
• Balancing Dreams: From CA to MBA 
  Mr. Birla’s path to success began with completing Chartered Accountancy, a choice influenced by his father. Yet, his aspiration for an MBA led him to explore business beyond India. Back then, few Indians ventured into international MBA programs, but he embraced the opportunity, broadening his horizons and realizing the importance of global perspectives.
• Passion, Creativity, and Diversification 
  Mr. Birla firmly believes in pursuing work that sparks excitement and challenges. He stressed the value of being a creative soul, using the business canvas for innovation. Diversification, a cornerstone of Aditya Birla Group, reflects his belief that embracing new ventures keeps one agile and contributes to a dynamic conglomerate.
• Core Principles: Building Institutions and Values 
  Mr. Birla’s success centers on institution building, emphasizing the significance of people. His dedication to family values and the ethos of ABG form his leadership philosophy. Giving his all to endeavours and relationships underpins his remarkable achievements.
• Education: Transformative Power and Commitment 
  Mr. Birla’s dedication to education is abundantly clear through his involvement in various educational institutions, both those he has established and those he has diligently nurtured. He views education as transformational, having played a pivotal role in shaping his life during trying times. His unwavering belief in education led to the creation of BITSoM and BITSLAW, aiming to offer top-notch education in India.
  In addition to his contributions through BITSoM and BITSLAW, Mr. Birla has been an influential steward for prestigious educational institutions like the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), among others.
• The Multi-Faceted Leader: From Business to the Arts 
  Beyond business, Mr. Birla shared his passion for art, music, and design. He appreciates aesthetics and underscores the significance of creating an environment that nurtures creativity and productivity.
• Leadership Insights: Empowerment and People Focus 
  Mr. Birla revealed key traits of ABG’s leadership – empowerment, accountability, and decentralization shape their organizational structure. He highlighted the company’s commitment to nurturing talent, providing growth avenues, and allowing individuals to steer their careers, fostering a motivated team.
• Venturing into New Avenues: Focus on Metrics  When entering new domains, Mr. Birla stressed the importance of financial metrics, return on capital and free cash flow. He also emphasized striving for market leadership in an industry that the ABG enters.
• Guidance for the Path Ahead 
  Perhaps the most profound lesson was Mr. Birla’s steadfast commitment to being positively self-centred. He stressed the importance of focusing on learning, experiences, and accomplishments to forge our own paths to success. Mr. Birla also emphasized the principle of avoiding shortcuts – emphasizing that it’s not just about reaching the destination but also about the journey itself. This principle reminds me that personal growth plays a pivotal role in making a positive impact on the world.

Mr. Birla’s wisdom and encouragement inspire to aim for excellence while staying true to the values of integrity and perseverance Reflecting on these extraordinary events – the convocation and fireside chat – I’m filled with gratitude for the privilege of being in Mr. Birla’s presence. His mentorship, even in those fleeting interactions, has left an enduring mark on me, guiding my journey ahead. It was an unforgettable day. My true fan moment.