DAV Vedanta International School launches NCC program, empowering youth in rural Odisha

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

LANJIGARH, NOVEMBER 21, 2025

In a landmark initiative aimed at fostering leadership, discipline, and community service among rural youth, Vedanta Aluminium has facilitated the induction of the prestigious National Cadet Corps (NCC) program at DAV Vedanta International School in Lanjigarh. This makes the school the first institution in the region to offer NCC training, serving students from the Lanjigarh, Muniguda, and Ambodala blocks.

The launch of the NCC program marks a significant milestone in the educational landscape of the area, with 50 seats allocated for the school’s students. The first batch of 25 cadets will be inducted in 2025, followed by another 25 cadets in 2026. From 2026 onwards, 50 cadets from classes VIII to X will join the program annually, ensuring the continuous growth of this transformative initiative.

The NCC program is designed to instill core values such as discipline, patriotism, and civic responsibility while complementing the school’s strong academic foundation. Beyond academics, it offers students the opportunity to develop crucial life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and perseverance — essential tools for personal and professional growth.

Expressing his enthusiasm at the ceremony, Vedanta Alumina Business  CEO Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya said, “Empowering young minds is essential for the socio-economic progress of any region. Through the introduction of the NCC program at DAV Vedanta International School, we are opening up new avenues for students to develop valuable life skills and pursue broader academic and career opportunities. This is a key step in our vision to build a confident, future-ready generation in Kalahandi.”

The induction ceremony was graced by Lieutenant Commander Darshan, Commanding Officer of the Odisha Naval NCC Battalion, Bhawanipatna, who encouraged the students to embrace the NCC’s values of discipline and service. As an added benefit, NCC cadets enjoy academic advantages, including preference in university admissions, scholarships, and enhanced opportunities in defence and civil service recruitments.

Vedanta Lanjigarh has long been committed to community empowerment, and this initiative reinforces the company’s vision of inclusive growth. Through programs like this, the company seeks to foster holistic education and provide the youth of rural Odisha with the tools needed to succeed in the modern world.

Established by Vedanta, DAV Vedanta International School is the first English-medium school in Lanjigarh, bridging educational gaps and nurturing a vibrant learning environment. The school has become a beacon of change, inspiring students to aspire for higher education and greater opportunities. With state-of-the-art facilities, including smart classrooms and dedicated science and computer labs, the school today serves nearly 1,400 students, most of whom come from local communities. Since its inception, the school has played a pivotal role in raising literacy levels in the region, which increased from 38.4 per cent in 2001 to 59.22 per cent in 2011, and continues to inspire local youth to dream big and lead change.