Sundargarh, Odisha, 07/08/2025: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, recently conducted a week-long initiative aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene and adolescent health among school children in rural Odisha. The programme reached over 1,100 students across 18 schools in the villages of Jamkhani, Kuraloi, and Ghogharpalli, focusing on students from classes 6 to 10.
The sessions were designed to break societal taboos around menstruation and foster open, age-appropriate conversations on puberty and menstrual health. Through interactive learning modules, students, particularly adolescent girls were provided with information on managing menstruation safely and confidently. Educational tools, including Menstrupedia booklets, heat bags, and gender-sensitisation materials, were distributed to make learning engaging and practical.
Employees of Vedanta Aluminium actively participated in these sessions, creating a supportive environment where students felt comfortable asking questions and discussing concerns without hesitation. The initiative aimed to equip children with not only knowledge but also the confidence to manage menstrual health hygienically and with dignity, an essential component of overall adolescent well-being.
Speaking about the programme, Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, said, “Educating young minds about menstrual hygiene is key to breaking myths and promoting a healthier, more inclusive society. Our commitment lies in empowering adolescents, especially girls, with the right information and resources to grow into confident, healthy individuals. This initiative is a step towards normalising menstrual health conversations in schools and communities.”
The initiative also emphasized gender sensitization, helping both boys and girls understand the physiological and social aspects of adolescence. By involving all students in open discussions, Vedanta aims to create a more informed and empathetic generation capable of challenging misconceptions and supporting peers in their communities.
This menstrual hygiene programme is part of Vedanta Aluminium’s broader commitment to community development, which spans education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and skill-building initiatives across Odisha and other regions. Over the years, the company has invested in programmes that not only provide immediate benefits to communities but also foster long-term social transformation and inclusive growth.
Community leaders and school authorities appreciated the initiative, noting that such programmes help instill healthy practices and awareness at a young age, contributing to improved school attendance, confidence, and overall well-being of adolescents.
By integrating education with practical resources and supportive guidance, Vedanta Aluminium’s initiative is contributing to the normalisation of menstrual health education, reinforcing the importance of creating safe, stigma-free spaces for discussions on adolescent health in rural schools.
