Vedanta Aluminium’s women-led Subhalaxmi Cooperative rewards academic brilliance in Jharsuguda

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

JHARSUGUDA, SEPTEMBER 26, 2025

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, announced the felicitation of 48 meritorious students by Subhalaxmi Cooperative, one of Odisha’s largest women-led cooperatives and self-help groups extensively supported by the company. The recognition formed part of an annual initiative dedicated to honouring academic brilliance and encouraging students to strive for higher scholastic achievements in the region.

Academic awards were conferred upon students who secured scores ranging between 70 percent and an outstanding 96.5 percent under the Mahila Kalyan Panthi Fund, a unique community-driven initiative created and managed entirely by the women of Subhalaxmi Cooperative. This fund not only provides financial support to families in need but also celebrates educational milestones, highlighting the role of empowered women in shaping a brighter future for the next generation.

The award ceremony was graced by dignitaries including Dr. Radhakanta Gartia, District Education Officer of Jharsuguda; Aditya Parida, Bank Manager, IDBI Bank; and senior members of Subhalaxmi Cooperative, who emphasized the transformative power of education in building stronger communities and enabling the youth to secure better futures.

Speaking on the occasion, C. Chandru, CEO of Vedanta Jharsuguda, said, “Education plays a vital role in shaping individuals and communities, and we are proud to support initiatives that make learning more meaningful. Through Subhalaxmi Cooperative, we see empowered women entrepreneurs creating opportunities not just for themselves, but also for the next generation. This felicitation ceremony is a powerful example of how community-led efforts can uplift entire ecosystems and drive long-term positive change.”

Echoing this sentiment, Pankajini Oram, President of Subhalaxmi Cooperative, remarked, “We are proud of every child honoured today. As women who have worked tirelessly to build better lives for our families, we deeply understand the value of education. The Mahila Kalyan Panthi Fund is our way of inspiring children to dream big and assuring them that we stand firmly by their side.”

Founded under Vedanta Aluminium’s community development initiatives, Subhalaxmi Cooperative has emerged as a formidable force for socio-economic empowerment, transforming the lives of over 5,000 women in rural Odisha through entrepreneurship development, skill-building, and financial inclusion. Beyond economic progress, the cooperative actively champions educational advancement, especially within underserved communities.

Vedanta Aluminium’s social interventions span education, healthcare, livelihood, skill development, grassroots sports, and art and culture, with a strong emphasis on women and child development. Reaching nearly 70 villages in and around Jharsuguda, these initiatives benefit over 3.5 lakh people annually, fostering grassroots growth while nurturing sustainable community development.

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest aluminium producer, contributing over half of the nation’s total aluminium output at 2.42 million tonnes in FY25. As a leader in value-added aluminium products with critical applications across core industries, the company has also earned the distinction of ranking second in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 for the aluminium sector, underscoring its commitment to sustainability. With world-class smelters, an alumina refinery, and power plants in India, Vedanta Aluminium continues to drive emerging applications of aluminium as the “Metal of the Future,” paving the way for a greener tomorrow.