'I had let the school down': Kumar Mangalam Birla shares childhood lesson in humility that shaped him as a human

Business tycoon and billionaire Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, reminisced about a childhood moment when, fresh off winning a first-grade award, he was unexpectedly called into the principal’s office for a scolding.

He shared this anecdote after receiving the Economic Times’ Business Leader of the Year award.

Reflecting on that vivid memory, Birla admitted that, in the moment, he was so focused on scanning the audience that he unintentionally failed to acknowledge the dignitary. "I was standing in front of the chief guest, scanning the audience, and I forgot to acknowledge the chief guest. I was called to the principal's office the next day and was reprimanded. I was told that I had let the school down," Birla recounted at the ET Awards 2024.

He wrapped up his story with heartfelt honesty, admitting that, in that moment, his gaze was fixated on the proud faces of his parents. “I came on stage today, and it's like the Oscars for us, and I am looking at the smile on my mother's face.”

Under Birla’s visionary leadership, the Aditya Birla Group has surpassed the $100 billion mark in market capitalisation. Expanding its footprint across cement, paints, and branded jewellery while fortifying its core businesses, the group has cemented its dominance across industries.

At just 28, Kumar Mangalam Birla was thrust into leadership following the sudden passing of his father, Aditya Birla. What was once a $2 billion enterprise, has since grown into a $66 billion juggernaut, expanding over 30 times under his stewardship.

Through bold acquisitions and an aggressive global push, the group now spans 40 countries, leaving its mark across industries from cement and chemicals to fashion retail, telecom, and beyond.

Not just business, Birla is also a noted philanthropist. As part of the Birla conglomerate he has steadfastly upheld the group’s legacy of social responsibility and nation building.

Through the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, for instance, the group supports education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods.

Birla has also played a key role in expanding access to quality education, serving as the Chancellor of the reputed institute, BITS Pilani and have also supported institutions like IIM Ahmedabad, amongst others.

The group runs over 5,000 schools and provides scholarships to underprivileged students. Birla has also contributed significantly to healthcare and disaster relief, making a lasting impact on millions of lives across India and beyond.