THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, MAY 27, 2026
“Education is the most powerful
weapon which you can use to change the world.” Guided by this transformative
vision and inspired by Nelson Mandela’s timeless words, Hindalco Industries
Limited has emerged as a catalyst for educational empowerment in Odisha’s
Hirakud region, touching the lives of thousands of students through a series of
impactful initiatives aimed at strengthening school infrastructure, enhancing
digital learning, and creating equal opportunities for children from
underserved communities.
Reinforcing its vision of inclusive and sustainable development, Hindalco
Industries Limited, the metals flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, has
undertaken a wide range of education-focused interventions during FY 2025-26 to
support students from underserved communities. Through infrastructure
development, digital learning support, scholarships, transportation facilities,
and student engagement programmes, the company has significantly strengthened
access to quality education for thousands of children in the region.
As part of these initiatives, Hindalco distributed books, notebooks, and
school kits to more than 5,100 students across 23 schools. The company also
supplied over 230 dual-desk benches to 13 schools, benefitting nearly 2,500
students and substantially improving classroom infrastructure and the overall
learning environment.
Highlighting the impact of these efforts, the Block Education Officer
(BEO), Dhankauda, Karan Sharma said, “Support of this scale — reaching over
5000 students and strengthening infrastructure across 23 schools by developing
digital classrooms under Project Anwesha, where Odisha Board-approved course
material has been provided to address teacher shortages, has significantly
improved the overall learning environment and increased student participation
in rural areas. Furthermore, first-aid kits have been provided in all schools
in Hirakud. An e-library has also been established as a unique initiative.
Under the Government Convergence Scheme and earlier under Mo School, boundary walls have been constructed in two schools and
an additional classroom in one school. Apart from this, three new classrooms,
toilets, and school upgradation work has been completed. Scholarships have also
been awarded to 10 students this year.”
Sharma further added, “To provide a platform for students to showcase
their talent, Hindalco has supported Suravi,
the Government of Odisha's talent hunt programme, as well as annual sports
activities. Children's Day is celebrated every year by inviting students from
nearby schools to participate, interact, and exchange ideas, with more than 300
students taking part annually. Through awareness sessions for adolescent girls
and fire safety training, over 2,000 students have been reached.”
In another major initiative aimed at improving access to education, two
buses have been deployed to provide transportation facilities for students of
Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya. Responding to requests from students and parents,
Hindalco has also launched foundation-level coaching for Class VIII, IX, and X
students in both Odia and English medium schools, a programme expected to
benefit more than 300 students.
Commenting on the initiatives, Kailash Pandey, Head of Hindalco Hirakud
Cluster and Mining Business Head, said, “Education is the most powerful
catalyst for social transformation. At Hindalco, we are committed to creating
meaningful opportunities for every child by strengthening school
infrastructure, enhancing access to quality learning resources, and nurturing
talent at the grassroots. By supporting more than 5,000 students and improving
facilities for nearly 3,900 learners, we are working to reduce educational
disparities and create equal opportunities for students in Hirakud. We will
continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure that every child enjoys
the benefit of education.”
Sharing his experience, student beneficiary Partha Sarathi Tripathy said,
“The improved learning environment and access to quality study materials have
significantly enhanced our ability to learn and stay engaged in school.”
Through its focused and community-centric approach, Hindalco continues to
strengthen the education ecosystem in Hirakud. Aligned with the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG
10 (Reduced Inequalities), the company remains committed to fostering inclusive
and sustainable development in the region.
Rajashree Birla draws inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s timeless words: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
As a responsible corporate citizen driven by a deep commitment to social welfare, the Aditya Birla Group in Odisha reaches out to more than five lakh people, impacting over two lakh lives across 128 villages. The Group’s CSR initiatives are conducted under the aegis of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, chaired by Mrs. Rajashree Birla. The Group’s vision is to actively contribute to the social and economic development of the communities in which it operates, while building a better and more sustainable way of life for the weaker sections of society and contributing towards improving the country’s human development index. Its CSR vision is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals aimed at eliminating poverty and ensuring freedom from hunger.
