Vedanta Aluminium showcases rural women entrepreneurs at Vikas Mela 2025, empowering Kalahandi through ‘Project Sakhi’

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

LANJIGARH, JULY 10, 2025

In a powerful showcase of grassroots entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, spotlighted the success of rural women entrepreneurs from Kalahandi district at the Vikas Mela 2025. Organized to mark the first anniversary of the Odisha government under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, the event served as a platform for development initiatives across the state.

At the heart of Vedanta Aluminium’s participation was Project Sakhi, the company’s flagship women empowerment initiative. The exhibit drew widespread attention with its vibrant display of handmade products crafted by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) led by local women. These products, ranging from handicrafts to sustainable homeware and agro-based items, reflected the entrepreneurial energy and creative ingenuity of Kalahandi’s women, who are transforming their lives and communities through enterprise.

The Vedanta stall attracted dignitaries including Shri Pawar Sachin, District Magistrate of Kalahandi, as well as senior representatives from the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS), the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), and the District Planning and Monitoring Unit (DPMU). Visitors praised the high quality, aesthetic appeal, and market-readiness of the products, applauding the initiative as a strong example of corporate-supported, community-driven development.

Speaking on the occasion, Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO – Vedanta Alumina Business, remarked, “The development of Kalahandi is intrinsically linked to the empowerment of its people. At Vedanta Aluminium, we believe women are the cornerstone of inclusive growth. Through Project Sakhi, we are enabling them to become self-reliant entrepreneurs and active agents of socio-economic change.”

The Vikas Mela 2025 offered these women more than just visibility—it provided a valuable opportunity to establish new market linkages, interact with institutional buyers, and gain direct customer feedback. The exposure further emboldened the women entrepreneurs to dream bigger and scale their businesses, strengthening the rural economy from the grassroots level.

Launched in 2016, Project Sakhi has evolved into a powerful platform for women’s development in Kalahandi district, home to Vedanta’s world-class alumina refinery in Lanjigarh. The initiative currently supports over 4,900 women across 4,701 SHGs, working across both farm and non-farm sectors. These women receive training, financial literacy support, leadership mentoring, and market access, allowing them to build sustainable enterprises and become financially independent.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Project Sakhi represents Vedanta Aluminium’s larger vision for regional transformation. The company continues to invest in sustainable livelihoods, quality healthcare, inclusive education, grassroots sports, culture, and rural infrastructure — initiatives that together are reshaping the socio-economic landscape of Kalahandi.

Vedanta’s participation in Vikas Mela not only amplified the voices of rural women but also underscored its commitment to inclusive development. As Kalahandi embraces a future of opportunity and progress, Vedanta Aluminium remains a dedicated partner in this journey — empowering communities, nurturing aspirations, and building a self-reliant, resilient region.