Financial Services

Aditya Birla Capital Limited (ABCL)

Chemicals

Aditya Birla Chemicals (Thailand) (ABCTL)

Fashion

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL)

Trading

Aditya Birla Global Trading

Aditya Birla Health Insurance Limited (ABHICL)

Carbon Black

Birla Carbon

Paints

Birla Opus

Cellulosic Fibre

Century Enka

Domsjö Fabriker (Domsjö)

Textiles

Grasim Industries Limited

Metals

Hindalco Industries Limited

Indo Thai Synthetics Company Limited

Novelis Inc

Thai Acrylic Fibre Co. Ltd (TAF)

Cement

UltraTech Cement Limited

Telecom

Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi)

<img class="image_resized image-style-align-left" style="width:30%;" src="https://www.cms.adityabirla.com/uploads/group_of_rural_school_girls_568f4f6dd3.webp" alt="group-of-rural-school-girls.webp">Education is a powerful catalyst for change, and Aditya Birla Group is committed to harnessing its transformative potential. Through diverse initiatives, Group businesses are shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for communities worldwide. Let’s dive into these collective efforts.For Aditya Birla Group, education work is not just an initiative—it is a transformative tool for socio-economic change, a ‘<a href="/our-story/a-force-for-good/">Force for Good</a>’ that touches lives across communities and geographies. Guided by the Group's philosophy of trusteeship, education has become a key aspect in the social efforts of different Group businesses, with an aim to improve lives, create opportunities, and ensure that every child has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive. This approach is not just about classrooms—it’s about nurturing minds, providing sustainable support, and building pathways for future leaders.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h3>Opening doors to education</h3>Across Aditya Birla Group businesses, education initiatives are creating doors of opportunity that open to brighter futures. <a href="/businesses/companies/hindalco-industries-limited/">Hindalco’s </a>commitment to education in underprivileged communities, especially for girls, has touched over 12,000 students in 17 schools. By focusing on elementary and secondary education, vocational training, and skill development, Hindalco has empowered students to break the cycle of poverty.The impact extends beyond borders through its subsidiary, Novelis, where over 700,000 students have benefited from its partnership with the FIRST initiative, and thousands more engage in STEM programs. This collective effort ensures that every child has access to the knowledge and skills they need to thrive, regardless of their socio-economic background. &nbsp;<h3> Fostering lifelong learning</h3><a href="/businesses/companies/grasim-industries-limited/">Grasim</a> continues to build upon this foundation by enhancing the quality of education for rural children. With initiatives like the School Enrolment Programme and Project Gyanarjan, Grasim works to ensure that children not only stay in school but excel academically. These initiatives have supported over 90,000 beneficiaries, providing resources such as uniforms, educational materials, and coaching to students from marginalised backgrounds. Through this approach, Grasim is investing in today’s students and laying the groundwork for future generations to access better education and brighter career prospects. &nbsp;<h3> Modernising education</h3>But education is more than just staying in school—it’s about fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and the drive to succeed. <a href="/businesses/companies/aditya-birla-capital-limited-abcl/">Aditya Birla Capital</a> is transforming learning experiences with digital classrooms, upgraded science labs, and mobile learning tools in regions like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, reaching over 65,000 students. These upgrades go beyond infrastructure: they encourage students to explore new areas of knowledge, bridging gaps in understanding and preparing them for future challenges. Remedial classes and career counselling programs further ensure that every child, once again, especially from marginalised communities, has the resources and guidance to reach their full potential. &nbsp;<h3> <img class="image_resized image-style-align-right" style="width:30%;" src="https://www.cms.adityabirla.com/uploads/teacher_with_students_around_ac42b1361c.webp" alt="teacher-with-students-around.webp">Focusing on the girl child</h3>A key focus of these educational initiatives has been the empowerment of young girls, who often face barriers to education due to societal norms. <a href="/businesses/companies/aditya-birla-fashion-and-retail-limited-abfrl/">Aditya Birla Fashion &amp; Retail’s</a> School Transformation Project and Gyanarjan have impacted nearly 130,000 girls, providing them with the opportunity to overcome these obstacles and pursue their academic and professional dreams.The company's holistic approach extends beyond academics to include career counselling, extracurricular activities, and digital literacy programs. A shining example of this success is the achievement of students from Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, where over 95% of students passed their Class 10 exams, laying a strong foundation for their future. &nbsp;<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h3>Innovating for sustainable learning</h3>Education at Aditya Birla Group is also about creating environments that foster long-term growth and sustainability. UltraTech Cement’s CSR initiatives have established 31 schools, reaching nearly 20,000 students, and supporting over 295 anganwadis, impacting 12,000 children. But their work goes beyond just building schools; they are creating self-sustaining environments. By introducing solar energy projects in schools near their cement plants, UltraTech has improved learning conditions for 1,500 students while reducing dependence on grid electricity. Their Navodaya Coaching Program further prepares students for entrance exams, equipping them with the skills needed for a brighter future. &nbsp;<h3> Education as a path to opportunity</h3>In regions where barriers like child labour threaten children’s futures, education becomes the tool for transformation. Century Paper’s Smart Schools initiative works with local NGOs to enrol children from marginalised communities in schools, providing them with the education and digital literacy necessary to build brighter futures. By reducing child labour and offering opportunities for academic and personal growth, <a href="/businesses/companies/century-pulp-and-paper/">Century Paper</a> is not only transforming individual lives but also empowering entire communities to break free from the cycles of poverty and exploitation. &nbsp;<h3> A force for good futures</h3><img class="image_resized image-style-align-left" style="width:30%;" src="https://www.cms.adityabirla.com/uploads/key_in_a_book_4ebeabc332.webp" alt="key-in-a-book.webp">These diverse education initiatives across Aditya Birla Group businesses reflect a shared vision of inclusion, equity, and sustainability. Together, they support a learning ecosystem where the aim is not just to provide education, but to create lasting, transformative change. The Group’s focus on marginalised communities, particularly girls, and its commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure ensure that the future is brighter for all.With these combined efforts, Aditya Birla Group is helping shape the citizenry of tomorrow, offering opportunities for empowerment, and laying the foundation for a more prosperous future; it is a Force for Good that is dedicated to transforming lives through education.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div>

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Reshaping the future through education 

ABFRL is part of a leading Indian conglomerate, Aditya Birla Group. With revenue of US$ 1.7 billion and spanning a retail space of 11.9 million sq.ft. (as on March 31, 2024), Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL) is India's first billion-dollar pure-play fashion powerhouse with an elegant bouquet of leading fashion brands and retail formats.ABFRL emerged after the consolidation of the branded apparel businesses of Aditya Birla Group comprising ABNL's Madura Fashion division and ABNL's subsidiaries - Pantaloons Fashion and Retail (PFRL) and Madura Fashion &amp; Lifestyle (MFL) in May 2015. Post the consolidation, ABFRL was renamed Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited.ABFRL brings together the learnings and businesses of two renowned Indian fashion icons, Madura Fashion &amp; Lifestyle and Pantaloons creating a synergistic core that will act as the nucleus of the future fashion businesses of Aditya Birla Group.As a fashion conglomerate, ABFRL has a strong network of 4664 brand stores across the country. It is present across 37,205 multi-brand outlets and 9,563+ shop in shop across India as on March 31, 2024.It has a repertoire of leading brands such as Louis Phillipe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly and Peter England established for over 25 years. Pantaloons is one of India's leading fashion retailers.ABFRL's Luxury Brands portfolio includes - The Collective – India's largest multi-brand retailer of international brands. ABFRL has long-term exclusive partnerships with select brands such as Ralph Lauren, Hackett London, Simon Carter, Ted Baker, Fred Perry, Forever 21, American Eagle, Reebok and Galeries Lafayette.The Company’s Van Heusen Innerwear, Athleisure and Activewear is establishing itself as India's most innovative and fashionable brand. ABFRL’s foray into branded ethnic wear business includes brands such as Jaypore, Tasva, and a basket of TCNS brands such as Aurelia, W, Elleven, FOLKSONG, and Wishful. ABFRL also has strategic partnerships with leading Indian designers including 'Shantnu &amp; Nikhil', 'Tarun Tahiliani', 'Sabyasachi' and 'House of Masaba'.In addition, to cater to the needs of digitally native consumers, ABFRL is building a portfolio of digital-first brands under its technology-led ‘House of D2C Brands’ venture - TMRW. TMRW is on a path to building a portfolio of digital-first brands in partnership with founders of emerging brands in the eCommerce market. With a focus on Fashion and Lifestyle categories, TMRW is building a portfolio of the most loved consumer brands that tap into the significant growth potential in India and globally.

<h3>A new, emerging landscape</h3>In the last decade, we have seen a dynamic change unfold in the relationship between the Indian consumer and the luxury industry, specifically, in the apparel space.International luxury brands are redefining the luxury shopping experience with unique, experiential retail spaces. In addition, the arrival of iconic shopping destinations across key metros has made international luxury brands like like Bulgari, Hermes, Cartier, and Emporio Armani accessible to the informed, luxe Indian shopper.Driving this layered and ever-evolving Indian luxury consumer ecosystem is an increase in the country’s spending power and changing cultural dynamics, across diverse social landscapes. At the forefront of this transformation is <a href="/our-story/a-force-for-good/">Aditya Birla Group</a>, a conglomerate that has been instrumental in shaping India’s premium fashion landscape Underlying the modern consumer’s growing sense of self-expression and individuality is young India’s spirit of ambition and aspiration!<h3> The growing appetite for luxury finds a destination</h3><img class="image_resized image-style-align-left" style="width:40%;" src="https://www.cms.adityabirla.com/uploads/interior_of_shoe_store_90ae1dafb9.webp" alt="interior-of-shoe-store.webp">Today, India’s rising new generation aspires to embody an unparalleled curated experience. Iconic brands, and stylish wardrobes reflect their evolving tastes and global outlook. And amidst this evolution, the need for a one-stop center for luxury retail has grown significantly.The Collective, a premium, luxury offering from <a href="/businesses/companies/aditya-birla-fashion-and-retail-limited-abfrl/">Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd</a>. (ABFRL) is a one-stop destination bringing global luxury fashion to India’s discerning consumers. Featuring over 100 of the world's best and international brands fashion brands like Ralph Lauren, Hackett London, Prada, and Karl Lagerfeld, under one roof, The Collective redefines the Indian high-fashion experience, with style and sophistication.For instance, its apparel offerings cover all wardrobe needs from dormal to semi formal, to casual and active wear from iconic brands like Armani Jeans, Armani Collezioni, Versace Collection, Versace Jeans, Hugo Boss, True Religion, Vivienne Westwood, Lagerfeld and McQ Alexander McQueen and more.The extensive collection of accessories includes fashion watches, cufflinks, shoes, ties, belts, leather products, jewelry and sunglasses to create a perfect ensemble. The accessory brands repertoire includes celebrated names such as Love Moschino, Tateossian, Michael Kors and Lulu Guinness and more.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<h3>How ABFRL is leading the charge</h3>ABFRL’s leadership in India’s fashion landscape stems from years of expertise and a commitment to delivering exceptional retail experiences. The Collective’s integration of premium service, curated collections, and omnichannel retailing sets it apart in the luxury segment.<h4> A peek into The Collective’s brand universe<img class="image_resized image image-style-side" style="width:40%;" src="https://www.cms.adityabirla.com/uploads/csr_corporate_social_responsibility_091bac24d4.webp" alt="csr-corporate-social-responsibility.webp"></h4>PradaFrom this chic Italian luxury fashion house, The Collective offers a range of stylish, unmistakable signature sunglasses and their distinct collection of exclusive fragrances.Karl LagerfeldThe signature KARL LAGERFELD aesthetic combines Parisian streetwear classics with a rock-chic attitude. Explore dapper lapel-collar blazers with a tailored silhouette, padded hooded jackets and exclusive KL printed scarves.Michael KorsThe Collective brings the award-winnign aesthetic of Micheal Kors with luxury accessories and ready-to-wear range. Shop accessories, watches, eyewear, and a full line of fragrance products.Moschino CoutureOver-the-top and camp — Moschino Couture’s range of ready-to-wear, handbags, and fashion accessories are for those with an especially elevated avant-garde style! Explore a range of casual dresses, tulle tops, and fleece sweatshirts.Vivienne WestwoodStep into the Westwood World. From Dame Vivienne Westwood’s label, modern punk and new-wave fashion is brought to the mainstream! The Collective offers a range of chic tartan blazers, printed sweatshirts, and handbags with all things punk, graffiti, and orbs! Add to that a range of accessories from belts to pendants and bas relief earrings.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<h3>The future of accessible luxury&nbsp;</h3>As this burgeoning landscape evolves, The Collective bridges the vital gap of accessibility between global brands and Indian consumers. But with that, it is also reimagining the shopping experience for a new generation of buyers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Collective represents more than a destination—it embodies a lifestyle that resonates with modern aspirations. It is made for those with a taste for the haute-couture, and the joy of indulgence!&nbsp;To know more, visit: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thecollective.in/">https://www.thecollective.in/</a>&nbsp;

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The Collective: Redefining luxury shopping in India

Business

Hindalco Industries Limited is the metals flagship company of Aditya Birla Group. It is one of Asia’s largest producers of primary aluminium (excluding China), and with its subsidiary Novelis, a global leader in flat rolled products and the world’s largest recycler of aluminium.In India, Hindalco is the largest aluminium downstream player providing customised solutions in flat rolled products and extruded aluminium solutions.Hindalco is India’s largest copper producer, contributing significantly to India’s domestic refined copper requirements. Its copper facility in India comprises a world-class copper smelter, downstream facilities, and a captive jetty.Hindalco operates across the value chain, from bauxite mining, alumina refining, coal mining, captive power plants, and aluminium smelting to downstream rolling, extrusions, and foils. It serves key sectors such as aerospace and defence, building and construction, electricals, and electronics, automotive and transport, beverage packaging, consumer durables and kitchenware, pharmaceuticals and food packaging, EV and renewables, refractories, and ceramics.Hindalco’s global footprint spans 52 manufacturing units across 10 countries-20 plants in India, and 32 overseas units. Hindalco also operates 23 mines. With a cross-cultural workforce of more than 68,500 people, it remains committed to building an agile, responsive, and productive work environment in line with our strategic priorities of value enhancing growth and strong ESG commitment. &nbsp;<h3>Products</h3>Aluminium<ul><li>Primary aluminium</li><li>Aluminium value added.</li><li>Flat Rolled Products (FRP)</li><li>Extrusions</li><li>Foils and packaging solutions</li><li>Metallurgical alumina &nbsp;</li></ul>Copper<ul><li>Cathodes</li><li>Continuous Cast Rods (CCR)</li><li>Gold and silver</li><li>By-products</li><li>Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP)</li><li>Sulphuric acid &nbsp;</li></ul>Chemicals<ul><li>Calcined alumina</li><li>Alumina hydrate</li><li>Sustainability</li></ul> Guided by its purpose of building a Greener, Stronger, Smarter world, Hindalco has made sustainability the backbone of its operations and strategy. Some key initiatives include global-first circular economy solutions that utilise bauxite residue as an industry input rather than waste and pioneering responsible mining through developing India’s first Sustainable Mining Charter. Initiatives for carbon neutrality, water positivity, biodiversity, and zero waste to landfill have contributed to Hindalco being recognised as the world’s most sustainable aluminium company by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices in 2020 and 2021.&nbsp; Hindalco drives R&amp;D in aluminium solutions because these can play a big role in delivering climate action and sustainable decarbonisation for the nation. We innovated India’s first aluminium trailer, bulker, and bus which can save up to 300 tonnes of carbon per vehicle over their lifetime. We are building new-age rail and transport solutions for freight and passenger transport. We are creating an Aluminium-Air battery that does not require a charging infrastructure.

Hindalco, the metals flagship of Aditya Birla Group, and its wholly-owned subsidiary Novelis, are leading the way in aluminium innovation – through sustainable sourcing and recycling of aluminium; thus, reducing energy consumption, waste generation and greenhouse gas emissions<a href="/businesses/companies/hindalco-industries-limited/">Hindalco </a>has been ranked as the World’s Most Sustainable Aluminium Company for the 5th Consecutive Year in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, with an overall score of 87 points – which is 22 points higher than its closest peer. It is the only company to achieve a top ranking for five consecutive years in the Aluminium Industry Segment.Sustainability at Hindalco begins right from the source i.e. its mining practices and extends across the organisation’s value chain. Its strategy for a mix of captive sources for sustainable mining of ore and use of renewable energy, along with long-term sourcing relationships based on productivity, cost and sustainability parameters.The company also seeks continuous improvement in environmental performance with efforts spanning the use of assessment tools, baseline studies, action plans for biodiversity protection, management of mining waste, sustainable ore extraction and processing, water resources management, mined area rehabilitation and closure, etc. &nbsp;<h3>Leveraging aluminium’s infinite recyclability</h3>Aluminium is one of those rare materials that can be recycled repeatedly without degradation in quality, ensuring that aluminium metal recycling is vital in the transition to a circular economy. Hindalco’s downstream units in India, as well as <a href="/businesses/companies/novelis-inc/">Novelis</a>’ manufacturing facilities in several countries, have dedicated aluminium recycling and remelting facilities.<blockquote>Novelis currently leads the world in aluminium recycling with 61% of its production coming from recycled aluminium. Over the past decade, it has invested approximately $2 billion to grow its total recycling capacity to 2.5 MT.</blockquote><h3> Strength meets versatility</h3><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.hindalco.com/media/press-releases/hindalco-ranks-as-worlds-most-sustainable-aluminium-company-for-the-5th-consecutive-year">Recycled aluminium</a> is lightweight, retains its strength at high temperatures, and can be mixed with other materials, including copper, magnesium, and silicon, to increase its fluidity, tensile strength, and corrosion resistance. Unlike other materials that degrade during the recycling process, aluminium retains all its original properties no matter how often it is recycled.<h3> Recycling aluminium waste</h3>Apart from sustainably sourced and recycled aluminium, Hindalco is also working towards increasing the percentage input of recycled material in its production. This is done via reverse supply contracts with select customers who send back their aluminium scrap for recycling, in addition to scrap collected from the market, and the plant’s own process scrap.<blockquote>In FY24, Hindalco demonstrated a strong commitment to waste reduction by recycling 85% of its operational waste. Additionally, three of its units earned zero-waste-to-landfill certification. This achievement aligns with the company’s ambitious goal of reaching zero-waste-to-landfill status by 2030.</blockquote><h3> Closing the manufacturing loop</h3>By recycling aluminium, Hindalco enables a circular economy for several industries. For example, Novelis’ closed-loop aluminium recycling process takes used beverage cans, recycles them and turns them into new beverage cans within 60 days. Novelis processes 84 billion used beverage cans annually and is the world’s largest recycler of aluminium.In the automobile manufacturing industry as well, the aluminium scrap that is generated is recycled by Novelis into the same grade of metal and inserted back into the supply chain. The recycling process preserves the metal’s intrinsic value, reduces the use of energy by 90%, minimises environmental impact and establishes a secure supply chain.By making a marked difference in aluminium innovation and sustainability, Hindalco continues to maintain its leadership in environmental responsibility and corporate governance.

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Recycling Aluminium: The circularity of cans and cars

Sustainability

When Sarah Iyer, a retired teacher, saw an indie dog lying paralysed on a street five years ago, it broke her heart. Pained at the plight of indie dogs, Sarah decided to channelise her indignation into a larger cause by opening a shelter for disabled and abandoned dogs, Daaman Animal Shelter, in Chennai.&nbsp;Now, five years later, Sarah, 59, and her husband, Gerry, who has been her rock in this mission, have provided a home to over 500 abandoned dogs, most of whom are old, blind or paralysed. “I think these dogs are the last on anyone’s priority list,” says Sarah, who also fulfilled her late mother’s wish to open an animal shelter with Daaman.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div class="video-responsive"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/St1ohQd4JoU?controls=0&amp;muted=1&amp;rel=0&amp;list=PLOht9sWI0L7cJUKAtH-FbhZt_1YVaZanB" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>&nbsp;Undoubtedly, running a dog shelter isn’t an easy task. Sarah and Gerry began by using their savings to rent a space and build enclosures. Now, their days are filled with feeding, treating and caring for abandoned dogs.When naysayers question their mission and accuse them of prolonging the torture for ailing and suffering dogs, Sarah’s response is to point to the joyfully wagging tails of the residents of Daaman. “You should come and see our shelter. There are happy dogs all around. Even if some of them are paraplegic, they play and have fun,” she says.Another challenge is when people secretly abandon their pets at the shelter gate or when owners refuse to come back for their dogs after they have recovered. The medical bills keep growing and funding is always a concern, too. However, Sarah is determined to give abandoned indie dogs a “forever” home.Her dream is to have dog shelters across India. “We would love to help others to start paraplegic dog shelters in their own cities and towns,” she says. Of course, she would prefer a world that doesn’t require such shelters at all. “If society stepped up and people would volunteer, donate or look after abandoned dogs, we would not need any shelters,” she says. Till that happens, Sarah and Gerry will continue to offer a sanctuary to old, ailing and paralysed abandoned dogs at Daaman.<a href="/our-story/vision-and-values/">Aditya Birla Group</a> is happy to partner The Better India to give voice to inspiring stories of people acting as #<a href="/our-story/a-force-for-good/">AForceForGood</a>.

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Retired teacher shelters 500+ abandoned dogs in five years

Stories of good are all around us -- pockets of positivity that act as inspiration for society. Here’s a heart-warming story about a cab driver who transformed his life into a <a href="/our-story/a-force-for-good/">force for good</a>.Once a cab driver on the streets of Pune, Dadasaheb Gaikwad’s life took a turn when he decided to dedicate his life to helping those abandoned on Pune’s streets. “They don’t have clothes, they eat food that’s thrown away, they have injuries that are untreated, there are flies swarming around them. They have no one, but they have Dadasaheb,” says this man who has made it his life mission to helping the homeless.&nbsp;<div class="video-responsive"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vpaWrdVexC4?controls=0&amp;muted=1&amp;rel=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>&nbsp;Dadasaheb was not born rich, but is rich in his love for humanity. As a cab driver, he would take time out to share his lunch dabba with homeless people. Then he started taking care of the homeless full time. He quit his job, even opened up his home and his wife sold her jewellery to support his mission. The family faced their own struggle in the effort to help others.Dadasaheb reached out to donors for support. With their help, he started renting a space and set up an NGO called ASK as a shelter. He now drives an ambulance and makes the rounds of Pune’s streets – ensuring a helping hand and an offer of food, clothes and medicines to those in need. Going many steps further, he spends hours in police stations trying to reunite people with their families.“When these people get better, they give me love and blessings. That’s all I need to feel I am in heaven,” he smiles.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dadasaheb looks out for those helpless and vulnerable on the streets, the ones who don’t have anyone to look after them or have been abandoned by their families. These are the ones that this Pune social worker reaches out to. “If you see someone on the streets in Pune, call me. If nothing else, at least give them something to eat, he says.His message to those who are better off in life is simple: “Keep the humaneness alive.” That’s the true power of change.<a href="/our-story/vision-and-values/">Aditya Birla Group</a> is happy to partner The Better India to amplify social impact stories of people &nbsp;who are India’s unsung heroes, those who act as #AForceForGood.&nbsp;

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A cab driver turned ministering angel

A college principal becomes a green warrior, turns campus into a forestInspiring change doesn’t always require grand gestures—it can start with a single sapling. Dr. Sasikanta Dash, the principal of Tagore Arts &amp; Science College in Puducherry, has proven that one person’s commitment and will to be a <a href="/our-story/a-force-for-good/">force for good</a>, can transform an entire landscape, literally.When Dr. Dash first arrived at the college, he was greeted by barren land. Growing up in Odisha, surrounded by lush greenery until floods ravaged his village in 1984, he was deeply moved by the devastation. Driven by this experience, he made it his life’s mission to restore and protect nature wherever possible.&nbsp;<div class="video-responsive"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cyjzkPRW_ZE?controls=0&amp;muted=1&amp;rel=0&amp;list=PLOht9sWI0L7cJUKAtH-FbhZt_1YVaZanB" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>&nbsp;With determination, Dr. Dash launched a greening initiative on the campus, planting nearly 8,000 trees over eight years. His efforts didn’t stop at planting; he turned tree-planting into a creative engagement for students. Those caught cheating in exams had to plant a tree, and gifting saplings became a tradition among the students.The journey wasn’t easy. In the beginning, Dr. Dash faced criticism from teachers and students alike, and even local cattle owners resisted his efforts. But perseverance paid off. Today, the campus is a thriving green oasis, offering shade and clean air while being 3 degrees cooler in the scorching summer heat.The transformation goes beyond greenery. A rainwater harvesting system holds 1.2 million litres of water, ensuring <a href="/sustainability/">sustainable water use</a>, and the college canteen serves meals made with organic vegetables grown on-campus. By integrating organic farming practices into campus life, Dr. Dash is nurturing a culture of <a href="/media/stories/engineering-a-planet-positive-growth-story/">sustainability and environmental conservation</a>, turning the campus into a living example of how small changes can create lasting impact. These efforts have not gone unnoticed—Dr. Dash has been honoured with the Chief Minister’s Award, and the campus is now recognised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, as a must-visit destination.His message is simple yet profound: “Each one, teach one, and plant one. That’s how our planet will survive.”<a href="/our-story/group-purpose/">Aditya Birla Group</a> is happy to partner The Better India to give voice to inspiring stories of people acting as #AForceForGood.

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a-college-principal-who-turned-his-campus-into-a-forest.webp

A college principal who turned his campus into a forest

<img class="image_resized image-style-align-left" style="width:40%;" src="https://www.cms.adityabirla.com/uploads/girl_reading_book_e41b04ed5f.webp" alt="girl-reading-book.webp">Living in the heart of Odisha, Manyata Singh, a 12th grader, clinched gold at the Odisha State Shooting Championship in 2023, earning a berth at the nationals, where she won the title in the Junior Women’s 10m Air Rifle category. She returned next year to the state championship and bagged a silver.At just 23 years of age, Kashika Pradhan ranked No.1 in three air rifle events at the Odisha State Championships 2024 and even claimed the top spot in one event at the India Open Competition 2024.&nbsp;Manyata and Kashika’s dreams are fuelled by the support of their coaches and the cutting-edge training they receive at the Odisha Aditya Birla Gagan Narang Shooting High Performance Centre. Established in 2019, the Centre is a combined venture of Aditya Birla Group, the Government of Odisha and Gagan Narang Sports Promotion Foundation (GNSPF).&nbsp;On National Girl Child Day, observed annually on January 24 in India, Aditya Birla Group salutes the spirit of girls like Manyata and Kashika who dare to dream big in the sports arena, but must face discrimination, lack of access to education and healthcare. One of the key areas of focus for our country is empowering girls through various means, including sports and physical health training.Sports play a vital role in the overall development of a girl child. The Women’s Sports Foundation, of which Billie Jean King (America’s former world no. 1 tennis player) is the founder, says that&nbsp;<ul><li>Girls and women who play sports have higher levels of confidence and self-esteem and lower levels of depression.</li><li>Girls and women who play sports have a more positive body image and experience higher states of psychological well-being than girls and women who do not play sports. &nbsp;</li></ul>By encouraging girls to participate in sports, India can help break traditional stereotypes and provide them with equal opportunities for growth.&nbsp;On National Girl Child Day, let us pledge to work together so that many more Manyatas and Kashikas may chart their own journey of excellence.&nbsp;At <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.adityabirla.com/our-story/group-purpose/">Aditya Birla Group</a>, we endeavour to support the girl child in many ways, including education. But since we are talking abtout sports here, we would love to share this story with you. India’s cricket god, Sachin Tendulkar, has an eye for spotting talent early. He shared a Rajasthani girl’s <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/sachin_rt/status/1870079347341812053?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1870079347341812053%7Ctwgr%5E29762a327263bc98bf374c9bd17a4496d30f3bf0%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gulte.com%2Fsports%2F331126%2Fsachin-tendulkar-finds-zaheer-khans-shades-in-rajasthan-girl">video on X</a>, and wrote, “Smooth, effortless, and lovely to watch! Sushila Meena’s bowling action has shades of you, @ImZaheer. Do you see it too?”We quickly responded to the tweet: “What a brilliant find, @sachintendulkar! Sushila’s talent is undeniable. We would be thrilled to support her journey with a cricket training under our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://foursforgood.in/">#FoursForGood</a> initiative. Let us all rally behind Sushila and help her shine! Together we can be #<a href="/our-story/a-force-for-good/">AForceforGood.</a>”