The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
JHARSUGUDA, JANUARY 8, 2025
Subhalaxmi Cooperative, a beacon of women-led entrepreneurship supported by Vedanta Aluminium, India’s leading aluminium producer, made a resounding impact at the Dulduli Exhibition 2025. Celebrating Jharsuguda’s foundation day, the event saw the cooperative’s vibrant stall, inaugurated by Yuvraj Sahu, CEO of ORMAS, Government of Odisha, attract a surge of attention and admiration.
The stall was a testament to the innovation and hard work of Subhalaxmi Cooperative members, featuring an array of self-help group (SHG) products. Visitors were particularly drawn to the newly-launched Vedamrit honey, along with snack foods, phenyl, scented candles, and other handcrafted goods. Over the six-day exhibition, more than 10,000 attendees were captivated by the creativity and quality of these offerings, underscoring Vedanta Aluminium’s dedication to empowering local communities and championing sustainability.
Sunil Gupta, COO of Vedanta Aluminium, expressed pride in the cooperative’s achievements, stating, “The Subhalaxmi Cooperative embodies our commitment to nurturing women-led entrepreneurship. By creating platforms for these talented artisans, we aim to drive economic independence and comprehensive community development.”
Pankajini Oram, President of Subhalaxmi Cooperative, shared her excitement, “Participating in the exhibition was a proud milestone for us. It allowed us to showcase our craftsmanship and engage with an audience that appreciates handmade products. This experience has inspired us to aim higher.”
Tankadhar Tripathy, MLA of Jharsuguda, lauded the initiative’s impact on rural economies, highlighting the Matruvan plantation’s success. “With 1,00,000 trees planted, the Matruvan project not only strengthens the region’s green cover but also solidifies Vedanta’s role in environmental conservation,” he said.
Vedanta Aluminium’s holistic approach to social responsibility extends beyond entrepreneurship. Through educational, healthcare, livelihood, and skill development initiatives, the company impacts nearly 80 villages around Jharsuguda, benefiting over 3 lakh people annually. Their commitment to environmental stewardship is further exemplified by planting 1.50 lakh trees in collaboration with local communities.
As India’s largest aluminium producer, Vedanta Aluminium continues to lead in sustainable development, ranking second globally in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024. Their efforts in fostering the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow demonstrate their vision for a sustainable and prosperous future.
