Angul, November 23, 2024 (TBB Bureau): The Jindal Foundation, the social responsibility arm of Jindal Steel & Power, has extended its flagship initiative, Project SNEH, to Dhauragoth village in the Tikarpada region of Angul district. This ambitious program is set to tackle malnutrition and enhance healthcare services in the area, particularly benefiting underprivileged and tribal communities.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by prominent dignitaries, including Saroj Panda, DFO of Satkosia Wildlife Division; Dr. Sibananda Mohanty, Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) of Angul; Dr. Keshav Ch. Pradhan, SDVO, Angul; Saudamini Pradhan, Sarpanch; Ananta Basudev Mohanty, President of Satkosia Biodiversity Conservation; and other community leaders.
Under Project SNEH, the Foundation is providing dry rations and cooked meals enriched with essential macro- and micronutrients to address the nutritional needs of families in the periphery villages of the Satkosia Tiger Sanctuary. This initiative primarily focuses on resettled families living outside the sanctuary’s core area, aiming to improve their overall well-being while fostering harmony with the surrounding wildlife ecosystem.
Shallu Jindal, Chairperson of the Jindal Foundation, emphasized the initiative’s holistic approach, stating, “Forest geographies are the lungs of our Mother Earth, and the forest dwellers, who have a symbiotic existence with the forest ecosystem, are the ultimate protectors of these precious natural resources. I am confident this initiative will holistically nourish the lives of forest dwellers in the region.”
In addition to nutritional support, the Foundation launched a public awareness campaign on dengue and malaria prevention, equipping residents with strategies to tackle these widespread diseases. Sports equipment was also distributed to local youth volunteers to encourage community engagement in the program’s implementation.
The Foundation plans to expand its efforts with initiatives such as the Kishori Express, targeting anemia among adolescent girls, and the Swosti Express, which aims to provide geriatric care in the region. These future projects are inspired by the inclusive vision of Jindal Steel & Power’s Chairman, Naveen Jindal, and guided by the Foundation’s commitment to creating sustainable community support systems.
Prashant Hota, President and Group Head of CSR at Jindal Steel & Power, urged local communities to actively participate in the programs, remarking, “We encourage the local community to join these life-nourishing initiatives and help realize the inclusive vision of Jindal Steel & Power.”
The event also highlighted upcoming healthcare and livelihood initiatives in collaboration with government departments. Dr. Sibananda Mohanty announced new healthcare programs for the periphery villages, while representatives from the Animal Husbandry Department discussed efforts to boost livelihoods through allied agricultural activities.
The initiative received widespread appreciation from community leaders and officials alike for its impactful and sustainable approach to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.
The event concluded with heartfelt thanks from Ashutosh Mishra, DGM (CSR) at Jindal Steel & Power, to all attendees and participants. Supported by JSP Angul’s CSR Head Jayant Mohanty, Manager Jhilli Khatua, and Assistant General Secretary of the Jindal Foundation Maitreyee Mishra, the program’s success marks a significant step towards building a healthier, more inclusive future for Angul’s forest-dwelling communities.