VGC’s Role in a Journey of Empowerment

25 Years of the Aditya Birla Scholarship

About 26 years ago, I walked into the offices of PWC, (then Coopers and Lybrand) along with my then colleague Bosco Dmello to discuss a CSR initiative opportunity for the newly formed Aditya Birla Group. The idea of instituting a Scholarship Programme for higher education in Engineering and Business Management came as a suggestion from them, which was immediately embraced by Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla, because sponsoring education is in the family’s DNA and was also close to his father’s heart, in whose memory these were launched. In her inimical style, Dr Pragnya Ram, who heads the CSR initiatives for the Group, put her heart and soul into it, fully backed by the vision of Mrs. Rajashree Birla and Kumar and has turned it into an institution.

Over the 25 years it has expanded to include many other streams of education as well and today 750 plus students are the proud bearers of the Aditya Birla Scholar’s badge. Most of those who have graduated are placed amongst the best companies around the world. A proud moment for the group indeed and for the nation, to have Indian leadership making a global mark. And also for Vyas Giannetti to have played a small but pivotal part, not just in the genesis of it but also creating the ads for the event over 25 years. It was breathtaking to see the grand celebration which had the likes of Dr Jaishankar gracing the event and other luminaries. Quite a landmark moment for the group yes, but also for us.