The foundation of the Aditya Birla Group, rests upon a philosophy of trusteeship, which imagines corporations as institutions that drive collective prosperity. In some ways, this nuanced reimagining of capitalism was cemented in the profound and enduring friendship between Mahatma Gandhi and our Group’s patriarch, Mr. G. D. Birla. This extract from his letter to shareholders, more than 50 years ago is instructive.

“How does one judge a Company?
Do the criteria depend solely on its profitability, its production figures, market shares, and product ratings? Or is there some other aspect one must consider as well – some deeper, warmer, more human aspect?
We have always believed there is … what really matters is how much the Company cares. How socially involved it is. To what extent it is concerned about improving the quality of life of the people around it – not just its own employees, mind you, but all the members of the community it lives in.”
Grasim Annual Report 1973.

This philosophy has played an integral role in shaping our actions for generations, guiding us in our quest to enrich lives. Over the years, this purpose, though unstated, has been our unwavering anchor.

Our Purpose – To enrich lives, by building dynamic and responsible businesses and institutions, that inspire trust— I believe, is a force multiplier for greater good.

This belief catalyzed the creation of the Aditya Birla Centre for Enriching Lives (ABCEL) - a multidisciplinary institution focused on researching issues, designing solutions, and amplifying interventions to enrich lives.

In a world ever thirsty for new ideas, we stand at the brink, ready to sprinkle seeds of innovative solutions into a future that urgently beckons for renewal.

ABCEL is imagined at a unique moment in India’s evolutionary curve. India, today, finds itself at the cusp of transformative growth. And it is our collective responsibility to ensure that this growth spurs the enrichment of lives.

I have always believed that for an impact to endure, it needs to transcend the motivations and lifetimes of individuals. It needs to be backed by solid institutions that have purpose at their very core.

This belief has given us the energy to build storied institutions over a long arc of time. ABCEL marks our next monumental commitment— an unequivocal pledge to enriching lives in contemporary India.

And this isn’t our journey alone. It is a collective movement, where every individual, community, and organization can play a pivotal role.