Bhubaneswar, Odisha, December 14, 2024: Vedanta Aluminium,which is India’s largest aluminium producer, has expanded its Swarna Prashan initiative, now reaching more than 6,400 students across 15 government schools in Odisha’s Rayagada and Kalahandi districts. The program, rooted in Ayurvedic traditions, seeks to strengthen immunity and cognitive development among children in underprivileged regions.
Highlighting the company’s focus on child health and community development, Mr. Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Aluminium, said, “Our collaboration with the Government of Odisha and the Ministry of AYUSH focuses on leveraging traditional practices to improve children’s health in underserved areas. Supporting children’s growth is central to building thriving communities, and we are encouraged by the positive outcomes of the program in Kalahandi and Rayagada.”
Echoing this commitment, Mr. Nitin Tiwari, CEO of Bauxite Mines at Vedanta Aluminium, noted that the initiative has been warmly welcomed by parents, as well as educators, and local communities. “This program has benefited students in 25 government schools. By extending it to Koraput, we aim to impact over 30,000 children across age groups—from infants to teenagers—by the end of this year. This reinforces our pledge to support children’s well-being and foster holistic community development,” he said.
The central celebration of the program was held at GCD Zilla Girls’ High School in Rayagada, in the presence of dignitaries including District Education Officer (DEO) Basant Kumar Nayak, Additional DEO Bhajan Lal Majhi, Block Education Officer Sudipta Kumar Das, Ayurvedic practitioner VJP Rao, and community leader Atal Bihari Guru.
Addressing the gathering, DEO Basant Kumar Nayak said that the cultural and medical significance of the initiative. “Swarna Prashan is an Ayurvedic practice acclaimed for enhancing immunity and cognitive abilities in children. Vedanta Aluminium’s efforts to bring such meaningful health programs to remote regions deserve commendation,” he also said.
Launched in September 2024 in partnership with the Ministry of AYUSH, Vedanta Aluminium’s Swarna Prashan initiative has already benefitted more than 10,600 students in Odisha. Currently operational in Rayagada and Kalahandi, the program will soon expand to Koraput, under the guidance of the Government of Odisha and the Ministry of AYUSH.
The practice of Swarna Prashan involves administering a formulation of gold particles, honey, and ghee to children. Deeply rooted in Ayurveda, it is believed to aid memory retention, boost immunity, and promote holistic growth during the formative years. With the expansion of this initiative, it aims to touch thousands more lives and contribute meaningfully to child health in Odisha’s tribal heartlands.
