Kalahandi, 10/04/2025: Vedanta Aluminium, a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited and India’s leading producer of smelter-grade alumina, recently hosted Parichay — an exuberant celebration highlighting the vibrant cultural traditions of Kalahandi and the strength of its rural communities. Drawing over 2,000 women from 60 villages, the event became a colorful melting pot of tradition, talent, and togetherness.
The month-long festivities leading to Parichay were marked by interactive games, cultural exchanges, and community activities organized by Vedanta’s Lanjigarh operations. These engagements not only deepened local connections but also created a platform for rural women to step forward with confidence and pride.
“Women are the backbone of inclusive development,” noted Mr. Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya, CEO – Vedanta Alumina business. “Through our Project Sakhi, we are fostering local entrepreneurship and building a future where women lead the way to prosperity. Parichay is a celebration of that journey.”
With 18 self-help groups (SHGs) showcasing handcrafted and organic products — from millet-based snacks to eco-friendly cleaners — Parichay was a marketplace of tradition and innovation. Highlights included Sakhi Rasoi, a live kitchen run by SHG members, and cultural performances like folk dances and Dhokra art, which brought the spirit of Kalahandi alive.
The event concluded with a heartwarming felicitation of 11 women achievers, each a torchbearer of local enterprise and empowerment.