Vedanta Aluminium serves over two lakh devotees as Rath Yatra begins in Puri

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JULY 1, 2025

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, marked the commencement of the iconic Rath Yatra festival in Puri with a host of thoughtful and inclusive initiatives aimed at fostering community welfare, cultural reverence, and spiritual devotion. The company’s contributions once again reinforced its unwavering commitment to preserving Odisha’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

Every year, the coastal town of Puri becomes a confluence of faith, tradition, and devotion as millions of devotees gather to witness the sacred journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. To support the massive influx of pilgrims and enhance their experience, Vedanta Aluminium established an Anna Chhatra (community kitchen) near the Jagannath Temple, serving hot, wholesome meals and drinking water to more than two lakh devotees.

In a gesture that combined care with cultural sensitivity, the company also provided chandan-kapoor-infused water — a mix of sandalwood and camphor — to soothe and refresh the devotees, while enhancing the sanctity of the surroundings. A dedicated team of 50 volunteers from Vedanta Aluminium assisted the pilgrims, ensuring smooth crowd movement, helping the elderly, and managing distribution points.

Adding to its community service efforts, Vedanta Aluminium collaborated with WATCO and the local administration to distribute free bottled water, thereby promoting hydration and hygiene amid the summer heat and dense crowds. The company also put a strong emphasis on cleanliness and public health by implementing robust sanitation measures. All food preparation and serving areas were disinfected regularly, distribution counters were sanitized at frequent intervals, and hygiene protocols were strictly followed. To ensure a clean environment, a dedicated waste management crew worked alongside the municipal authorities to handle garbage collection and maintain cleanliness around the Anna Chhatra and surrounding areas.

The initiative drew appreciation from several notable personalities who graced the Bhandara, including Padma Shri Pramod Bhagat, Paralympic champion from Odisha; Bobby Mishra, noted actor in the Odia film industry; and Manas Kumar Sahoo, an acclaimed sand artist. The dignitaries lauded Vedanta Aluminium for its continued dedication to social and spiritual causes and for playing a meaningful role in the success of such a large-scale event.

In continuation of its efforts to engage with the community during this spiritually significant time, Vedanta Aluminium is also organizing Mahaprasad distribution and Bhajan Sandhya on July 4, further enriching the religious and cultural experience for devotees.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, said, “Vedanta Aluminium has been proudly supporting the Rath Yatra for many years, an event that is not merely a festival but is also a profound expression of Odisha’s cultural and spiritual identity. At Vedanta Aluminium, we are honoured to contribute to this sacred occasion through meaningful initiatives that serve the community and celebrate our shared heritage. Our efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to enriching lives and preserving the vibrant legacy.”

Vedanta Aluminium’s support for the Rath Yatra is an extension of its larger mission to create long-term, sustainable value for communities. Beyond religious and cultural events, the company is deeply engaged in transformative social development initiatives that span quality education, accessible healthcare, livelihood enhancement, rural infrastructure development, and promotion of grassroots sports and culture. These programs are designed in close collaboration with community stakeholders and local authorities, ensuring relevance, impact, and scalability.

With a reach that has touched the lives of over five lakh people across Odisha, Vedanta Aluminium’s social responsibility initiatives embody the ethos of care, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Whether it’s through spiritual service or community empowerment, the company continues to be a key driver of progress in the region.

A business of Vedanta Limited, Vedanta Aluminium produced 2.42 million tonnes of aluminium in FY2025, contributing over half of India’s total aluminium output. As a leader in value-added aluminium products used in infrastructure, automotive, aerospace, and clean energy, the company plays a vital role in nation-building. Its commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices was reaffirmed as it ranked 2nd globally in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 for the aluminium industry. Through its operations and outreach, Vedanta Aluminium continues to champion aluminium as the “Metal of the Future” for a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.