Bhubaneswar, December 14, 2024: Vedanta Aluminium, the leading aluminium producer in India, has scaled up its ‘Swarna Prashan’ drive, now benefiting over 6,400 students across 15 government schools in Odisha’s Rayagada and Kalahandi districts.
Mr. Sunil Gupta, COO 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 underprivileged regions. Supporting children’s growth is crucial for creating thriving communities, and we are pleased with the positive impact the program is having in Kalahandi and Rayagada.”
“The Swarna Prashan program has been enthusiastically adopted by the community, benefiting students in 25 government schools,” said Mr. Nitin Tiwari, CEO of Bauxite Mines, Vedanta Aluminium. “By expanding to Koraput, we intend to impact over 30,000 children—spanning all age groups from infants to teens—by the end of this year, reaffirming our commitment to the welfare of children and the development of our communities.”
The primary celebration of the Swarna Prashan initiative took place at GCD Zilla Girls’ High School, Rayagada, attended by dignitaries such as DEO Basant Kumar Nayak, Additional DEO Bhajan Lal Majhi, BEO Sudipta Kumar Das, Ayurvedic Doctor VJP Rao, and Atal Bihari Guru.
Speaking on the occasion, DEO Basant Kumar Nayak remarked, “Swarna Prashan is a traditional Ayurvedic practice known for its ability to enhance immunity and cognitive abilities in children. Vedanta Aluminium’s initiative to introduce such meaningful health programs to remote areas deserves appreciation.”
Since its inception in September 2024, in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, Vedanta Aluminium’s Swarna Prashan initiative has benefitted over 10,600 students in Odisha. Currently active in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts, the program is set to expand into the neighbouring Koraput district under the guidance of the Government of Odisha and the Ministry of AYUSH.
This ancient Ayurvedic method involves administering a mixture of gold particles, honey, and ghee to children, a formulation believed to boost memory, strengthen immunity, and support holistic growth during their formative years.
