Avanti Birla: The Karma connection

She just doesn’t stop juggling. From the wife of an industrialist and being a socialite, to a mother of three children, Avanti Birla is also an entrepreneur and a philanthropist.

Wife of industrialist Yash Birla, Avanti along with her husband is a perfect example of how karma and cola can live in tandem. While she dons the most stylish fashion brands with ease, Avanti, a converted vegetarian is equally involved in spreading Lord Krishna’s message of love and doing one’s duty without worrying about the outcome. The Ramayana and the Mahabharata remain her biggest source of inspiration.

When it comes to entrepreneurship, Avanti looks at the off-the-beaten track sectors. Take the Birla Kerala Vaidyashalas and the herbal juice cafes, for instance. A part of the wellness division, Avanti was instrumental in its formation and today has more than 30 such centres. She also runs RIAH, a hair salon in Mumbai. Then there is Yantra, Avanti and Yash Birla’s furniture store near Qutab Minar, New Delhi. Again, it is Avanti’s brainchild and has global brands in the store.

Apart from helping out with a local NGO in Uttaranchal, Avanti’s latest involvement is with the Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization that makes affordable houses for the less privileged, and is the brand ambassador for IndianBUILDS.

All this doesn’t stop Avanti from being a style diva. It’s not enough for her to own some of the most prized brands in the world. For her it’s all about coming up with her own quirky sense of dressing that stands out, yet enchants. Whether it is her blonde-streaked hair or the minimal make-up look with classic dresses matched with the most eclectic accessories, Avanti is always trailed by style files for what she may come up with next.