The Business Bytes
Koraput, December 18, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, marked its commitment to cultural preservation by supporting “PARAB-2024,” the annual tribal and folk festival celebrating the vibrant cultural heritage of Odisha’s tribal-dominated Koraput district.
The festival, inaugurated by Odisha Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, drew thousands of attendees, offering a lively showcase of tribal art, culture, music, and dance that define the essence of the region.
Speaking at the inauguration, Chief Minister Majhi commended the invaluable contributions of tribal communities to Odisha’s cultural identity and heritage. Highlighting the state’s rich cultural wealth, which resonates on the global stage, he unveiled a series of exhibition stalls providing visitors with an immersive experience of tribal artistry, traditions, and heritage.
Among the many highlights of the event, Vedanta’s dedicated stall stood out, featuring exquisite tribal art forms such as Saura paintings and Dhokra products. These unique crafts, meticulously created by tribal artisans from Kalahandi’s Lanjigarh, are part of Vedanta’s community development initiatives aimed at reviving and preserving endangered traditional art forms.
Speaking on the initiative, Sunil Gupta, COO – Vedanta Aluminium, said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, we are committed to promoting Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. Supporting festivals like PARAB not only promotes traditional art forms, but also strengthens community ties and fosters pride in our diverse cultural legacy.”
The festival’s impact was echoed by local attendees, including Raju Mohanty, a resident of Koraput, who said, “PARAB is an annual festival that we eagerly anticipate every year. I deeply appreciate Vedanta for its continued support of local cultural initiatives and for encouraging the local community to share our rich art and culture with the world.”
Vedanta’s contribution extended beyond artistic displays to include critical infrastructure support for the festival. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to socio-economic development and the preservation of grassroots art and culture. The event also empowered local artisans, self-help groups (SHGs), and students by providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and gain wider recognition.
Notably, Vedanta Aluminium’s dedication to fostering local talent and preserving traditional art forms has been demonstrated through numerous initiatives. These include supporting the world’s longest Sambalpuri theatre in Sundargarh, celebrating World Tribal Day in Koraput, and facilitating cultural events such as the Namayagnya and Bahuda Yatra during the annual Rath Yatra in Jamkani. The company has also honoured cultural icons like Padma Shri awardee Jitendra Haripal, the celebrated Sambalpuri folk singer renowned for his iconic songs ‘Rangabati’ and ‘Chhaeli,’ which have brought Odia folk music to global prominence.
By supporting events like PARAB-2024, Vedanta Aluminium reaffirms its belief that preserving cultural heritage not only enriches societal vibrancy but also ensures the continuity of traditional practices for future generations.
