The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
JHARSUGUDA, APRIL 7, 2025
Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, celebrated Utkal Divas at its Jharsuguda operations with vibrant cultural fervour, honouring the rich heritage, indomitable spirit, and evolving identity of Odisha. The event brought together employees, their families, and the local community in a joyous celebration of the state’s glorious past and dynamic progress.
The celebration was marked by a special felicitation of two distinguished Odia personalities – Padma Shri Pramod Bhagat, internationally renowned para-badminton champion, and Dr. Nruparaj Sahu, Registrar of Sambalpur University – for their exemplary contributions to sports and education. Their recognition in the presence of Vedanta’s senior leadership underscored the company’s commitment to celebrating excellence and fostering inspiration within the community.
The evening came alive with captivating performances by acclaimed Odia vocalists Shashank Shekhar and Navya Jaiti, whose soulful renditions enthralled the audience and added a musical tribute to the spirit of Odisha. Complementing the cultural ambience was an authentic spread of traditional Odia cuisine, offering a gastronomic journey through the state’s rich culinary legacy.
A highlight of the event was the vibrant display of Odisha’s folk art and heritage. Employees and their families participated enthusiastically in creative competitions including Jhoti Chita, rangoli, painting, and regional cuisine preparation, celebrating the state’s artistic brilliance and fostering community spirit.
Speaking on the occasion, Sunil Gupta, COO – Vedanta Aluminium, said, “Utkal Divas is a celebration of Odisha’s timeless heritage and unwavering spirit. At Vedanta, we are proud to be part of this incredible land and its growth story. As we honour the traditions that shape the state’s identity, we remain steadfast in our commitment to inclusive development, cultural preservation, and collaborative progress with the communities we serve.”
The evening culminated with a felicitation ceremony for winners of the cultural competitions, reinforcing a spirit of pride, unity, and joyous participation across the Vedanta family.
As a responsible corporate citizen, Vedanta Aluminium continues to play a pivotal role in Odisha’s socio-economic transformation. A business of Vedanta Limited, the company produced 2.37 million tonnes of aluminium in FY24 – more than half of India’s total output – and is a leader in value-added aluminium products vital to core industries. Ranked 2nd globally in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 for the aluminium sector, Vedanta Aluminium is pioneering the future of the metal with world-class operations, a strong sustainability ethos, and deep community engagement.
