Vedanta Aluminium empowers youth through martial arts colour belt promotion exam

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

JHARSUGUDA, OCTOBER 28, 2025

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, recently hosted a prestigious martial arts colour belt promotion exam at the Vedanta Martial Arts Centre in Jharsuguda, marking a pivotal milestone in its ongoing mission to empower local children and youth. This event is part of the company’s broader youth development and skill-building programmes, which underscore its commitment to fostering holistic growth through grassroots sports and skills training.

The exam saw the participation of 130 young martial artists, who demonstrated their skills through a series of rigorous tests assessing physical fitness, technique, focus, and determination. As a result, 108 students earned promotions to the next colour belt, making significant strides in their martial arts journey. The event was attended by several esteemed guests, including Biwalochan Bhoi, Secretary of the National Karate Federation (NKF); Bibekananda Mishra, Founder of the District Disabled School; Nibodito Pani, Headmaster of Vikas Techno School; and was conducted under the expert guidance of L. Nageswar Rao, Head Examiner for the Belt Promotion exam.

Reflecting on the importance of the initiative, C Chandru, CEO of Vedanta Jharsuguda, said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, we believe that true empowerment comes from equipping the youth with the tools and skills they need to forge their own paths in life. Through the Vedanta Martial Arts Centre, we are not only providing physical training but also instilling core values such as discipline and perseverance — qualities that help shape confident individuals and responsible citizens.”

Nageswar Rao, Head Coach and Examiner, praised the participants for their dedication, noting, “Every belt earned today is the result of months of hard work, patience, and persistence. Martial arts goes beyond combat and competition; it’s about exploring the full potential of oneself. These students have proven that with focus and determination, excellence is achievable at any stage of life.”

Founded as part of Vedanta’s community development initiatives, the Vedanta Martial Arts Centre provides structured training for children and youth in and around Jharsuguda. Over time, the Centre has evolved into a transformative programme, benefiting more than a hundred students on a regular basis. The Centre’s mission is to channel youthful energy into productive outlets, cultivating mental resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills. Under the guidance of experienced coaches, students engage in rigorous training sessions alongside their peers.

The event also saw significant participation from the students’ parents and guardians, whose presence added warmth and encouragement to the day. Many expressed gratitude for Vedanta’s efforts in providing structured extracurricular activities that not only enhance fitness but also foster qualities like confidence and discipline — traits that benefit students in both academics and life.

Through initiatives like the Vedanta Martial Arts Centre, the company continues to make a lasting impact on youth empowerment and inclusive community development. In addition to its sports-based programmes, Vedanta Aluminium’s community initiatives in Jharsuguda extend to education, healthcare, skill development, women’s empowerment, and livelihood creation, collectively benefiting more than 3.5 lakh people.

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, accounting for more than half of the country’s aluminium production — 2.42 million tonnes in FY25. The company is a leader in producing value-added aluminium products for critical industries. It ranks second in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 for the aluminium sector, a recognition of its commitment to sustainable development. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery, and power plants in India, Vedanta Aluminium is committed to advancing the use of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.