The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
JHARSUGUDA/LANJIGARH, APR 4, 2023
Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, celebrated Odisha’s rich culture and heritage on the occasion of the 88th Utkal Divas, across its operations in Jharsuguda and Lanjigarh.
In a grand ceremony at its smelter operations in Jharsuguda, the company felicitated noted sculptor Sudarshan Sahoo and renowned doctor Dr. Shankar Ramchandani, popularly known as the ‘One-Rupee Doctor’, for their contributions to Odia culture and service to the community.
Renowned Odia singers Abhinash Das and Lopamudra Das enthralled everyone in attendance with their melodious performance at the event that celebrated the culture of Odisha, including traditional authentic Odia dishes prepared by the Adi-Anadi self-help group. An exhibition of various arts and handicrafts of Odisha was also organized along with competitions of traditional Odia art forms of Jhoti Chita (the drawing of intricate patterns with ground rice slurry), Rangoli and Alpana and Pitha (traditional delicacies made with rice) preparation.
At Vedanta’s Alumina Refinery operations in Lanjigarh, the company sponsored a Haat Parikrama rally, where members of the local community performed the traditional Ghumura dance and tribal dances. Besides, an exhibition of traditional art forms such as Dhokra handicrafts and Saura paintings was also organised to promote the art forms and attract more business for the artists. The exhibition was organised at the weekly market, which saw participation from over 400 community people.
The company also hosted an elocution competition, a fancy dress competition on ‘Leaders of Odisha’ and a quiz on the milestones of Odisha for the children of its employees to spread awareness on the state’s rich history and impact on the world.
Wishing the people of Odisha on Utkal Divas, Vedanta Ltd. Jharsuguda CEO Sunil Gupta said, “The 1st of April is a day of remembrance for us at Vedanta Aluminium, as we cherish our association with the state of Odisha over the years. We remain deeply committed to the development of Odisha and its people, through our state-of-the-art aluminium plants which are tools of economic progress and our developmental endeavours in education, healthcare, livelihood, skill development, sports, art & culture. On Utkal Divas, we wish the people of Odisha another year of great achievements and unparalleled progress, as we continue working towards the socio-economic development of the state and its citizens.”
Appreciating Vedanta Aluminium’s efforts to strengthen Odia traditions at the grassroots level, Sudarshan Sahoo, said, “Vedanta Aluminium has been instrumental in protecting and nurturing the traditional arts and crafts of Odisha. The company’s initiatives have helped in promoting and preserving the unique heritage of the state, which is vital to its identity. I appreciate Vedanta Aluminium’s efforts in promoting the rich cultural legacy of Odisha, and hope that their commitment towards the development of the state continues to grow stronger with time.”
Speaking about Vedanta Lanjigarh’s efforts to preserve Odisha’s traditional art form, Vedanta Limited Deputy CEO (Aluminium Business) GG Pal said, “Vedanta Lanjigarh is proud to be a part of Odisha’s cultural renaissance, which is reflected in our endeavours to promote the beautiful and traditional art forms of Dhokra craft and Saura art. Alongside creating opportunities for the state and its people through our manufacturing excellence and expansive supply chains, we are committed to preserving Odisha’s cultural heritage through its art forms. Our endeavours to enable the local artisan communities through skill development, market linkage and financial support, are helping them earn a better livelihood and keep alive these beautiful artforms for future generations.”
Odisha represents Vedanta Aluminium’s single largest investment anywhere in the world, with a 2 MTPA world-class alumina refinery at Lanjigarh and a 1.8 MTPA mega aluminium smelter at Jharsuguda, making Odisha the ‘Aluminium Capital of India’. Through its expansive operations the company contributes almost 4 per cent to Odisha’s GDP, and through its multi-pronged developmental interventions, the company has connected underserved communities to the socio-economic mainstream.
Vedanta Aluminium’s unwavering commitment to the development of Odisha has resulted in significant progress in education, healthcare, livelihood, skill development, sports, art & culture, benefiting over 2.5 lakh individuals in more than 130 villages across Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Kalahandi, Rayagada, and nearby districts.
Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium i.e., 2.28 million tonnes in FY23. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks 2nd in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) 2022 world rankings for aluminium industry, a reflection of its sustainable development practices. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.
