Vedanta Aluminium ignites educational revolution in Kalahandi, paving the way for a brighter future

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, MAY 28, 2025

Kalahandi district was once among the most poverty-stricken regions of Odisha, plagued by pervasive challenges such as poverty, low literacy rates, poor connectivity, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and limited access to safe drinking water. The area’s potential remained largely untapped due to a scarcity of small-scale industries, fragile livelihood options, and minimal educational and health facilities. However, since Vedanta’s alumina refinery was commissioned in 2003, the district has undergone a remarkable transformation.

Over the past two decades, Kalahandi has witnessed substantial progress: thousands of jobs have been generated through new industries and MSMEs, local artisans and women have found sustainable livelihoods, malaria cases have dropped thanks to proactive health interventions, sanitation improved through widespread toilet construction, and environmental restoration has been pursued via extensive tree planting and waste management efforts.

Most notably, education in Kalahandi has experienced a profound breakthrough. Before Vedanta’s intervention, there were no English-medium schools in the Lanjigarh block, and literacy remained a distant dream for many. Today, with the establishment of DAV Vedanta International School — the district’s first English-medium institution — and collaboration with the Odisha government to modernize 22 local schools, educational aspirations have soared. Literacy in Kalahandi improved from 38.4 per cent in 2001 to 50.9 per cent in 2011, while thousands of children have benefited from quality education, career counselling, and nutritional support. This transformation laid a strong foundation for the district’s flourishing story of change, anchored in education.

When DAV Vedanta International School opened in 2006 as the district’s first English-medium school, the vision was clear: education is the bedrock of progress. In a predominantly tribal region like Kalahandi, the need extended beyond classrooms; it was about building bridges to the wider world. From early childhood through senior secondary levels, the school became a nurturing space where dormant dreams began to awaken.

Today, with over 1,300 students — 83 per cent from surrounding communities — the school is empowering the next generation. Many students are first-generation learners stepping into a world enriched by computer labs and hands-on science experiments. Equipped with smart classrooms and a well-stocked library, the school has elevated the standard of education in this remote district.

The results speak volumes. In 2025, DAV Vedanta International School continued its legacy of excellence: the highest scorer in the 12th standard achieved 96.2 per cent, while the top student in the 10th standard secured an outstanding 97.2 per cent. These achievements are a testament to the dedication of teachers and the burgeoning potential of students.

A shining example of this impact is Lokesh Lal Majhi, a Class 10 student at DAV Vedanta International School, Lanjigarh. Lokesh recently brought pride to his village and school by winning two trophies at the national-level frontend coding hackathon, Skillsvarz 1.0, organized by Gravity Coding. Competing solo as “ByteCoder/Artist” against over 200 teams, Lokesh’s journey began with a simple YouTube notification and the encouragement of his parents. After advancing through three online rounds — including coding challenges and interviews — he reached the 24-hour final coding marathon held at Prestige Institute of Management and Research, Bhopal. There, he developed and presented a website that earned him the titles of “Young Best Developer” and “Best Presentation.” Lokesh’s achievement reflects his dedication, skill, and the educational opportunities created at DAV Vedanta International School, inspiring peers across his village to pursue careers in technology.

Education is a fundamental pillar of development, especially in remote and underserved regions. It empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the broader economy and society. In areas like Kalahandi, efforts are focused on expanding educational opportunities to integrate communities into the national mainstream. Beyond DAV Vedanta International School, collaborations with the Government of Odisha under the Mo School Abhiyan have facilitated the modernization of 22 schools, transforming them into cutting-edge centers of learning. Additional initiatives such as the Vedanta Mini Science Center and the Vedanta Gyanashree and Meritorious Scholarships further support the recognition of academic achievement and broaden access to science education. Together, these efforts are propelling the educational development of the region.

The impact of these initiatives extends far beyond the school’s boundaries, inspiring generations to dream bigger. The dust of Kalahandi, once a symbol of neglect, is now being stirred by the footsteps of educated, empowered youth. They are the architects of a new narrative, where education is not a privilege but a fundamental right. The gentle spark ignited in Lanjigarh is illuminating the entire region, proving that even in the most remote corners, change is possible — and education remains the enduring key.