Kalahandi (Odisha), May 17, 2025: In a bid to nurture entrepreneurship among the rural women, India’s largest aluminium producer Vedanta has extended vital support to the self-help groups (SHGs) of Gunpur village in Odisha’s tribal-dominated Kalahandi district.
By providing essential machinery for chappal (slipper) making, paper plate production and rice milling, this initiative of the company is designed to drive income generation, promote microenterprise development and enable long-term financial independence for women in the region.
The company also organized a comprehensive workshop on financial independence for 45 women from three SHG groups. This workshop focussed on key areas such as income-generating activities, marketing and sales skills.
Guided by experts, the sessions imparted participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to manage their enterprises effectively as well as confidently work towards achieving financial autonomy.
In her reactions, Maa Lankeswari SHG Secretary Kalendiri Dhangada Majhi said, “We are grateful to Vedanta’s dedication to empowering women SHGs economically and helping secure livelihoods. The support has not only provided us necessary equipment, but has also armed us with the requisite skills to build up sustainable businesses.”
Vedanta Aluminium Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sunil Gupta emphasized, “We are steadfast in our commitment to empowering women to realise their full potential. Our initiatives in Kalahandi and across Odisha reflect our dedication to fostering gender inclusivity and nurturing women entrepreneurs.”
“In regions where women were once forced into heartbreaking choices, like selling their children for survival, they are now stepping into roles as confident and financially independent change-makers by transforming not just their own lives, but also their entire communities,” averred the COO.
Today, Kalahandi is home to one of the most comprehensive CSR ecosystems in the region.
Through programmes, like ‘Project Panchhi’ and ‘Project Shree Shakti’, Vedanta Aluminium continues to empower women from rural and marginalized communities with education, employment opportunities and flexible workplace policies.
