The Business Bytes
Lanjigarh, August 17, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Vedanta Lanjigarh, India’s leading producer of smelter-grade alumina and a key unit of Vedanta Aluminium, on Thursday marked the nation’s 78th Independence Day with a vibrant celebration that brought together employees and local communities. The event, focused on the theme of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), featured a series of patriotic activities, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to nation-building.
The celebrations, which witnessed the enthusiastic participation of over 2,000 villagers from 20 surrounding villages, included a plantation drive, the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, a flag hoisting ceremony, and cultural performances. Over 100 employees and project implementing partners also joined in the festivities, further solidifying the bond between the company and the community.
VA – Media accompanying pics – 1
A highlight of the event was the plantation drive, conducted under Vedanta Lanjigarh’s flagship Project Sangam, which aims to create sustainable and climate-resilient livelihood opportunities for underserved communities. Employee volunteers and community members planted more than 500 saplings, with many strategically placed around local ponds to serve as natural embankments, helping to prevent soil erosion and flooding in the area.
In alignment with the national Har Ghar Tiranga initiative, Vedanta Lanjigarh distributed over 500 flags across neighboring villages, allowing residents to engage in the Independence Day celebrations with pride and patriotism. The company’s team members also hoisted the national flag within the plant premises, where they honored young leaders for their significant contributions to maintaining a safe and sustainable business environment. The day’s events culminated with cultural performances by the company’s business partners, adding a vibrant touch to the celebrations.
Commenting on the occasion, Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO of Alumina Business, Vedanta Ltd., stated, “Reaffirming our commitment towards sustained growth, our operations and the milestones we have achieved through them underscore our dedication to the nation’s socio-economic progress. As a world-class alumina refinery, we are committed to making relentless efforts to produce the highest quality alumina and contribute to India’s proliferating development, thereby transforming communities and building a self-reliant and invincible India.”
The Independence Day celebrations at Vedanta Lanjigarh not only underscored the company’s vision of contributing to a developed and self-reliant India but also highlighted its unwavering commitment to the socio-economic upliftment of the communities it serves.
Vedanta Aluminium has made remarkable contributions to the socio-economic development of Odisha, playing a pivotal role in transforming the state into the Aluminium Hub of India. The company’s operations include the world’s largest aluminium plant, with a capacity of 1.8 MTPA in Jharsuguda, and a world-class alumina refinery with a capacity of 3.5 MTPA in Kalahandi. The refinery is designed to be one of the most sustainable in the world, with a focus on maintaining one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry. Vedanta currently produces nearly 50 per cent of India’s aluminium, significantly contributing to the nation’s growth and progress.
Beyond its industrial achievements, Vedanta Lanjigarh is deeply committed to broader social interventions aimed at community development. These efforts span various sectors, including sustainable livelihoods, quality education, women empowerment, health, sanitation, and community infrastructure. The company’s initiatives reach over 67 villages, empowering more than 4,000 women through 378 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), providing accessible healthcare services to around 60,000 people annually, and supporting the education of over 4,000 children through the DAV Vedanta International School and 200 Nand Ghars equipped with modern facilities. Additionally, Vedanta Lanjigarh’s sports and skills training initiatives have benefitted around 200 youths, while Project Panchhi, an innovative program, has positively impacted nearly 50 girls from underprivileged communities, offering them financial support for their education and subsequent employment opportunities.
