Lanjigarh, Kalahandi District, Odisha, January 24, 2025: Vedanta Limited, Lanjigarh, Kalahandi, one of India’s leading producers of smelter-grade alumina and a subsidiary of Vedanta Aluminium, felicitated nine outstanding youth from Kalahandi district for their exceptional academic achievements during the third day of the 27th Kalahandi Utsav – Ghumura 2025.
The awards, presented by Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO – Alumina Business, Vedanta, along with senior officials from the district administration, recognized the district’s brightest students for their performance across multiple academic boards. The Gyan Shree Award, instituted by Vedanta Aluminium, celebrates academic excellence and honors top achievers from the State Board, CBSE, ICSE, and other educational streams. In addition to the awards, the nine students were gifted laptops to support their continuing educational pursuits.
The ceremony also recognized the accomplishments of young archers from the Vedanta Archery Initiative, who have excelled in both state and national competitions. These athletes exemplify the potential of Kalahandi’s youth and highlight the impact of Vedanta’s targeted programs to nurture talent in sports, complementing its broader community development efforts.
Speaking at the event, Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya emphasized the company’s dual focus on education and cultural preservation, stating, “At Vedanta’s Lanjigarh operations, we are deeply committed to nurturing the talent and potential of Kalahandi’s youth while preserving the cultural heritage that defines this region. Initiatives like the Gyan Shree Awards and our archery program empower the community to excel and build a brighter future.”
Ghumura, the annual cultural festival of Kalahandi, celebrates the region’s vibrant heritage through art, music, and traditional performances. This year, the festival attracted thousands of visitors, providing a platform to showcase local talent and traditions. Vedanta Aluminium’s participation included a dedicated stall that brought together science, art, and technology in an engaging display of the company’s manufacturing capabilities and innovations, aptly named the “World of Aluminium.”
The stall and the awards ceremony together underscored Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to community-centric development, blending educational initiatives, sports promotion, and cultural engagement. Dignitaries, industry leaders, professionals, students, customers, business partners, and the general public visited the event, witnessing first-hand the company’s efforts to foster academic excellence, support youth, and celebrate the rich cultural legacy of Kalahandi.
By combining recognition of academic and athletic achievements with cultural celebrations, Vedanta Aluminium continues to strengthen its role as a catalyst for holistic development, ensuring that the youth of Kalahandi are equipped to achieve their potential while remaining deeply connected to their heritage.
