Neerja Birla has it all, but she’s also got her heart in the right place. By Uma Ajmera.

"The real test of a woman is in how much love and care she has invested in her children and family.” That’s Neerja Birla for you. The world may be her oyster but the ebullient and lovely Neerja (Kumarmangalam Birla’s better half for the uninitiated), obviously chooses to be much more than just a part of the champagne set.

Family First!
When an 18-year-old Neerja married Kumarmangalam Birla, she became a vital part of one of India’s most illustrious business families. And to Neerja, this family will always remain the centre of her universe.

“We’re a very close-knit family and though everyone leads busy lives, we thoroughly enjoy the time we spend together. Our children, Ananyashree and Aryaman Vikram, are very young — eight-and-a-half and five-and-a-half — and it’s very important for me to be an integral part of their growing years.’’

The cornerstone of her successful, 13-year-old marriage lies in keeping all channels of communication open. “My husband has been by my side at all times and we continue to be the best of friends. Also I have always shared a beautiful relationship with my in-laws, both of whom are so special.

‘Papaji’ was always there when I needed advice or just someone to talk to. He was my mentor in so many ways. Mummy is a very dynamic person too. I admire her courage and strength of character. She is so encouraging and she actually goads me on to pursue my interests.”

The School Of Life
One of those interests includes a passion for education and a belief that only knowledge can set free the vast ocean of talent lying latent in the children of India. This has manifested itself in the setting up of a public boarding school for higher secondary education in Bangalore. The Aditya Birla School, set in pristine and verdant surroundings, “will veer away from the beaten track,” says Neerja.

“In most Indian schools, students are overburdened with rote learning. Listening and being lectured to is the norm. We are not open to questioning, to discourse, to the spirit of discovery and enquiry. The experience of going to school, of education, of learning must be fun-filled and enjoyable. And we must, collectively, endeavour to make it so,” she insists.

And though she speaks of the school with her customary gift for understatement, her determination to usher in change is unmistakable. “In this day and age of globalisation, we need to make our children as competitive as possible,” she adds, while giving credit to institutions like the Doon School (in Dehradun), St Stephen’s College (Delhi) and others that have, over the years, allowed children to thrive in an atmosphere that encourages growth.

On the anvil are plans to set up another school, which will cultivate the love of learning right from kindergarten to high school. With it, Neerja dreams to give children a perfect childhood, just like the one she had. “I’ve had a very happy childhood. I still cherish the memories of those wonderful times at Mumbai’s Villa Theresa School and later, at Sophia College.” Neerja incidentally, was also one of the most popular head girls at school!

Art Of The Matter