Instruments
of Change
In 1916, a young Ghanshyam Das Birla encountered Mahatma Gandhi—a meeting that would shape the course of both his life and the future of his business. Gandhiji’s philosophy of trusteeship and his commitment to public welfare left a permanent mark on Shri G.D. Birla. It was here that he embraced the idea that businesses could be a force for good, working not just for profit but for the betterment of society, for serving and helping build the nation.
This paved the way for Aditya Birla Group to establish Eternal Gandhi Museums across the world.
Through the Instruments of Change campaign we pay our tribute to the Mahatma and his values. The music of the film, was recreated using five Indian musical instruments, each crafted from materials produced by Aditya Birla Group businesses. They come together in an instrumental rendition of Vaishnav Jan Toh, a hymn that holds deep significance as one of Mahatma Gandhi's favourite devotional songs. The song reflects the values of compassion, humility, and service—principles that have guided Aditya Birla Group throughout their journey of nation-building and positive change.
Century Enka - NTCF
Grasim – VFY
Aditya Birla Chemicals - Epoxy
Yazh The echo of legacy
The Yazh, a 3,000-year-old string instrument from Southern India, is known for its intricate construction and complexity. Like the precision needed to play it, Grasim’s VFY and Aditya Birla Chemicals' Epoxy rely on expert craftsmanship in chemistry to drive global breakthroughs. Just as the Yazh creates harmony through complexity, these businesses build solutions that sustain industries and drive progress with ancient knowledge and modern ideas.
Also known as ancient Tamil Harp, a 3000-year-old traditional stringed instrument
Regional prominence: Southern India
Dimension: Yazh: 32" x 14" x 10"
Grasim - VFY
Century Enka - NTCF
Hindalco | Birla Copper - Copper
Sarinda Strings of tradition
The Sarinda, a bowed string instrument from Rajasthan, produces rich, emotive melodies that echo tradition, survival, and celebration. Its tones, deeply tied to folk music, mirror the balance between preserving heritage and embracing the future— much like Aditya Birla Group’s work in textiles, fibres, and copper. Grasim’s Viscose Filament Yarn (VFY) and Century Enka’s Nylon Tyre Cord Fabric (NTCF) blend the grace of tradition with the strength of modern materials. With copper strings, the Sarinda’s melody comes alive, echoing Hindalco’s copper business, which powers energy transmission and telecommunications, symbolising how Aditya Birla Group connects India’s cultural roots to future progress.
With roots in Indian classical and folk music from Rajasthan, Sarinda is a string instrument that is typically played with a bow
Regional prominence: North-West
Dimension: 27" x 7"
UltraTech Cement - Cement
Hindalco - Aluminium
Gopichand The simplicity of purpose
The Gopichand, or Ektara, produces a simple, rhythmic sound that may seem unremarkable on its own. But as its notes repeat, they form a captivating melody. This reflects Aditya Birla Group’s sustainability efforts, which are not isolated actions but deeply embedded in their business strategies. Like Gopichand’s rhythm, the Group’s commitment to sustainability is integrated into every part of its operations, driving a unified approach to building a resilient future. Crafted with a body of UltraTech Cement and a neck of Hindalco’s aluminium, the Gopichand symbolises Aditya Birla Group’s strength, flexibility, and enduring impact on sustainability.
Also known as Ektara is another stringed instrument widely used in traditional folk music in West Bengal. Gopichand is usually played as an accompanying instrument.
Regional prominence: Eastern India
Dimension: 25" x 4"
Hindalco | Birla Copper - Copper
Nagara The resonance of power
The Nagara, with its deep, resounding beats, has long marked the beginning of significant events in North-eastern India. Like the Nagara drives momentum, copper powers India’s industrial growth, fuelling infrastructure, technology, and innovation. Hindalco’s Birla Copper division plays a pivotal role in this transformation, supplying the metal that is the backbone of India’s progress.
A traditional Indian percussion instrument known for its powerful and resonant sound.
Regional prominence: Northeastern India
Dimension: 22" x 12"
Hindalco - Aluminium
Basuri The breath of life
The Basuri, one of India’s oldest wind instruments, is known for its soothing yet powerful sound. Its simple design mirrors Hindalco’s work with aluminium—a lightweight, strong metal that has revolutionised industries from automobiles to aerospace. Like the Basuri's notes, aluminium drives change with clarity and precision. Hindalco’s aluminium is essential in sustainable solutions, reflecting the same balance of simplicity and power.
One of the oldest and most widely recognised musical instruments.
Regional prominence: North and Central India
Dimension: 36.5" length, 1" inner radius
The symphony of change
Vaishnav Jan Toh is a song that speaks to the values Gandhiji held dear – compassion, humility, and service. In this hymn lies the very essence of Gandhi’s influence on Aditya Birla Group. Like each instrument in this composition, the Group businesses have always strived to be instruments of positive change, a force for good.
Experience the change
The Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museums invite us to embark on a journey through the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. These innovative exhibitions, thoughtfully curated under the leadership of Mrs Rajashree Birla, offer an immersive experience that combines historical significance with modern technology.
Located at the Gandhi Smriti in New Delhi and expanding globally, these museums feature a captivating blend of photographs, films, and interactive displays that breathe life into Gandhiji’s enduring values of truth, non-violence, and unity.
Aditya Birla Group encourages you to visit the Eternal Gandhi Museums to experience this remarkable homage to the Mahatma first-hand. Explore how his teachings resonate in today's world and join the Group in carrying forward his vision of a harmonious and progressive society.
Discover more about the Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museums