THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

TIKIRI, MARCH 8, 2026

Aditya Alumina Refinery, Kansariguda, a unit of Hindalco Industries Limited under the Aditya Birla Group, celebrated International Women’s Day 2026 with remarkable enthusiasm and community participation under the global theme “#GiveToGain.” The vibrant programme brought together more than 600 women, including female employees, members of nearby communities, and employees’ spouses, creating a meaningful platform to honour the strength, leadership, and invaluable contributions of women across society.

The celebration was graced by distinguished guests including renowned Indian sprinter Dutee Chand, Col. Shweta Prabhati of the Indian Army, and noted social leader Heena Beig. Their inspiring presence added immense value to the occasion and motivated participants with powerful messages on determination, leadership, and the importance of empowering women to achieve their dreams.

Several prominent local leaders also joined the celebration, highlighting the strong connection between the refinery and the surrounding communities. Among them were Saraswati Majhi, Zilla Parishad Chairman of Rayagada; Swai Kulesika, Chairman of Laxmipur Block; Pinki Himirika, Zilla Parishad Member; and Lilabati Mandinga, Sarpanch of Podapadi. Their participation reflected the collective commitment of community leaders and industry in advancing women’s leadership and empowerment at the grassroots level.

During the programme, Dutee Chand, Col. Shweta Prabhati, and Heena Beig delivered inspiring addresses, sharing their personal journeys of perseverance, courage, and success. They encouraged women to believe in their abilities, break barriers, and continue striving for excellence despite challenges. Their stories resonated deeply with the audience and reinforced the message that determination and self-confidence can transform lives.

The event also featured an engaging interactive session where female employees and women from nearby villages actively participated in a lively question-and-answer interaction with the guests. This dialogue created an open and encouraging platform for discussion, inspiration, and learning, allowing participants to connect directly with the distinguished panelists and gain valuable insights from their experiences.

Adding colour and vibrancy to the celebration were cultural performances presented by lady teachers, female security personnel, and members of the local community. The performances highlighted the creativity, talent, and cultural richness of women from different backgrounds. As part of the celebration, several women who have made significant contributions in the fields of health, education, livelihoods, and community mobilisation were felicitated in recognition of their dedicated service and impactful work.

On the occasion, Mazhar Beig, Unit Head and President of Aditya Alumina Refinery, Kansariguda, shared a message underscoring the importance of collective progress and inclusivity. He emphasised that the theme “Give to Gain” reflects a powerful belief—that when individuals and organisations invest in empowering women and strengthening communities, the entire society benefits and grows stronger. He appreciated the enthusiastic participation of employees, partners, and community women, and reaffirmed the refinery’s continued commitment to promoting gender equality, skill development, and sustainable community empowerment.

The celebration concluded on an inspiring note with a shared message that empowering women ultimately leads to stronger families, more resilient communities, and a more inclusive future — perfectly capturing the true spirit and purpose of International Women’s Day 2026.