Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group, shared his thoughts for 2024-25 while shedding light on uncertainty in 2025, impact of Donald Trump, importance of technology, India’s manufacturing power and the bold steps taken by the group to solidify itself. its position in 2025.
Here is what Birla said:
At the dawn of 2024, we reach an important milestone: a quarter of a century. It is remarkable to reflect on the vast history that has unfolded in just 25 years. This time has been anything but ordinary.
We have experienced seismic changes, from the rise of the digital age and the globalization of economies to climate challenges and the unstoppable march of artificial intelligence. These 25 years have witnessed changes that in the past might have taken centuries to occur. In many ways, different historical periods have collided and blended, leaving us with a world more connected but more divided, more advanced but filled with anxiety, and more hopeful but uncertain than ever before.
Facing uncertainty in 2025
Looking towards 2025, we find ourselves in a U3 world – uncertain, unpredictable and unorthodox. The key is not to resist this uncertainty but to accept it. This reset could well define the paradox of our time: a world brimming with potential but overshadowed by ambiguity. Although it seems like social media shapes reality, reality is far more complex and impactful than the superficial images we see on our feeds.
Trump factor and global impact
One element that could significantly shape the year ahead is the Trump factor. This could potentially redefine global geopolitical dynamics, with significant implications for the global economy and business environment. The United States has long been a crucial market for our Group outside of India, with investments exceeding $15 billion, including a $4 billion expansion currently underway.
I remain confident that the strength of India-US relations will continue to strengthen in the years to come. The American economy remains unparalleled in dynamism, and our investments will contribute to the revitalization of its expanding manufacturing sector. As Warren Buffett wisely said, “Never bet against America.”
India’s Emerging Manufacturing Power
The global push into manufacturing is a welcome development, signaling a shift towards more resilient and diverse supply chains. India, whose industrial power is often underestimated, is well placed to seize this opportunity. The migration of Apple’s ecosystem to India is a clear example; soon, a quarter of the world’s iPhones will be produced there. The Indian automotive sector has also become a global force, exporting components and vehicles across the globe.
The cement industry in India: a hidden power
One of India’s least recognized industrial success stories is its cement industry, which is the second largest in the world. This vital sector has fueled infrastructure growth across the country, creating jobs and driving economic development. In 2024, our flagship cement manufacturer, UltraTech Cement, achieved a milestone with a capacity of 150 MTPA. UltraTech now produces more than 1.5 times the total cement production of the United States and has a capacity greater than 80% of that of Europe. This is a testament to India’s growing industrial might and growing influence in the global manufacturing renaissance.
2024: a year of bold measures
For us at the Aditya Birla Group, 2024 was a year of remarkable achievements – a period in which we fully embraced our role as a driver of transformative investments. We have seen the breadth and depth of our businesses come to life, from scaling new growth platforms such as paints, jewelry retail and B2B e-commerce for building materials, to ‘strengthening leadership in our core activities such as cement and metals. We revitalized our telecommunications joint venture and accelerated the transformation of our financial services and fashion retail businesses. It has truly been a year marked by important milestones.
Power and dynamism of the Aditya Birla group
Each of these initiatives alone constitutes a significant success, but together they demonstrate the power and dynamism of our Group. With our unique combination of capital, talent, brand strength and industry expertise, we were able to act with speed and determination, even in the face of global uncertainty.
I have always believed that the stronger we become, the greater our impact and the more lives we can enrich. This philosophy encourages us to think deeply about the positive outcomes we can create for all of our stakeholders: employees, consumers, partners, investors and society as a whole. Ultimately, business must be a force for good.
Celebrating BITS Pilani’s Legacy
2024 also marked the 60th anniversary of BITS Pilani, an institution founded by my great-grandfather, Mr. GD Birla, and nurtured by our family over generations. BITS Pilani has become a symbol of India’s entrepreneurial spirit and I have had the privilege of leading it for the last 16 years. It has had a transformative impact on the Indian entrepreneurial ecosystem, with over 6,400 startup founders, including the creators of 17 unicorns and decacorns.
BITS Pilani has always fostered critical thinking, bold dreams and relentless ambition. I remember a conversation with my great-grandfather in the 1970s, when I remarked that BITS would keep Pilani in the spotlight. He smiled and replied, “While Pilani’s recognition was a positive outcome, the real objective was to create a talent factory for a rapidly industrializing India. » His words remain a powerful reminder of the deeper purpose of the institution.
This belief in the power of talent is also reflected in the Aditya Birla Scholarships, a program launched 25 years ago in memory of my father. Today, the program has 781 researchers, a talented group shaping the future of global businesses and institutions. Investing in talent is the foundation on which we build the future.
Next phase of the 21st century
Looking back at the first two decades of the 21st century, technology dominated the landscape. Social media has democratized content, amplified voices, and opened up opportunities on an unprecedented scale. However, this revolution also comes with a cost: the same tools that connected billions of people have also fragmented societies, polarized discourse, and eroded trust. We may be nearing the culmination of this divisive moment.
New era of unity
The next decade could bring a deeper transformation, in which technology is harnessed as a unifying force. The desire for authenticity and deeper connection, beyond algorithm-driven engagement, will drive the next wave of innovation. Platforms will evolve to bridge divides, foster understanding and celebrate shared humanity. This desire for connection will extend beyond social media and influence how businesses, governments and communities interact with individuals. From virtual communities to immersive technologies that blur boundaries, the quest for connection can become the glue that binds a fractured world.
Vision for the future
The next chapter of the 21st century awaits us, demanding vision, clarity and determination. We are at the dawn of a new era, with the potential to shape a more unified, connected and prosperous world.
