The Business Bytes
Bhubaneswar, December 24, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has achieved a significant milestone in its ambitious ‘Swarna Prashan’ healthcare initiative, launched in partnership with the Ministry of AYUSH. Since its inception in September 2024, the programme has completed its fourth phase, positively impacting more than 6,400 students. In its latest phase, the initiative has expanded its reach to benefit over 17,000 schoolchildren across Odisha.
The healthcare campaign, aimed at promoting Ayurvedic health practices for holistic child development, was initially rolled out in 15 government schools in the tribal-dominated Rayagada and Kalahandi districts. The programme has since been extended to 40 government schools, with plans to expand further into Koraput district, targeting a cumulative outreach of more than 30,000 children by the end of the year. The beneficiaries range from infants to 16-year-olds, highlighting the initiative’s inclusivity.
Dr. Meenakshi Bedbak, Chief District Medical Health Officer of Kalahandi, lauded the initiative’s impact, stating, “The Swarna Prashan programme is a significant initiative in promoting Ayurvedic health practices for children’s well-being. I appreciate Vedanta Aluminium’s collaboration with the government and community stakeholders to nurture a healthier future for the next generation.”
Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Aluminium, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable and community-centric interventions. “Vedanta Aluminium is committed to improving child health and well-being in underserved regions through sustainable interventions like Swarna Prashan. This programme, rooted in Ayurvedic wisdom, ensures that children receive the necessary support for cognitive and physical development. We are proud to see support the Ministry of AYUSH in extending this initiative to remote corners of Odisha,” he said.
Nitin Kumar Tiwari, CEO of Bauxite Mines at Vedanta Aluminium, highlighted the warm reception the programme has received from local communities. “The Swarna Prashan initiative has been warmly received by the community, benefitting students across 40 government schools. With plans to extend the programme to Koraput district, we aim to reach more than 30,000 children, from infants to 16-year-olds, by the end of the year. This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering holistic community development,” he added.
The successful rollout of the programme was made possible through collaborative efforts involving the District Ayurveda Department and school administrations. By reviving age-old Ayurvedic practices, the Swarna Prashan initiative aims to foster long-term health benefits for families and communities in these tribal-dominated regions.
Vedanta Aluminium’s dedication to community-centric development continues to make a tangible difference, as initiatives like Swarna Prashan contribute not only to child health but also to the overall well-being and future prospects of the region’s underserved populations.
