THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

JHARSUGUDA, AUGUST 25, 2026

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, is strengthening pathways to sustainable livelihoods for local youth through its flagship skilling initiative, Vedakshata. The company recently organised the valedictory ceremony for the latest batch of trainees at its Vedakshata Skill Development Centre in Jharsuguda, marking the successful completion of industry-aligned Food & Beverage training by 30 youths from the district. The programme is designed to equip young people with practical skills, professional competencies and workplace readiness, enabling them to confidently pursue emerging employment opportunities.

The ceremony was presided over by Amit Kumar from Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA), Jharsuguda. Addressing the graduating trainees, he congratulated them on successfully completing the programme and encouraged them to put their newly acquired skills into practice to build rewarding and sustainable careers.

Vedakshata is one of Vedanta Aluminium’s key skill development programmes in Odisha, focused on enhancing employability and expanding livelihood opportunities for youth from local communities. The initiative provides participants with practical, industry-relevant training, hands-on learning, workplace readiness and career-oriented mentorship. Currently, the programme prepares young people for employment opportunities in sectors such as hospitality and mobile phone repair, helping bridge the gap between local talent and evolving industry requirements.

Since its inception, Vedakshata has trained over 90 youths, with several participants going on to secure employment and pursue sustainable livelihood opportunities. By continuously aligning its training programmes with industry needs, the initiative is contributing to skill development, economic empowerment and greater self-reliance among youth in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, C Chandru, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium – Jharsuguda, said, “We believe that empowering young people with relevant skills is integral to building resilient communities and a future-ready workforce. Through Vedakshata, our endeavour is to equip local youth with industry-relevant capabilities, practical exposure and the confidence to translate their aspirations into meaningful careers. We remain committed to strengthening the skilling ecosystem in Odisha and creating more pathways towards community self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.”

Sharing her experience under the Vedakshata programme, Jasoda Budula from Pudheidhi, Kirmira Block, Jharsuguda, said, “The training at Vedakshata has given me a deeper understanding of the Food & Beverage sector while significantly improving my professional skills and confidence. The programme has prepared me to explore employment opportunities with greater clarity, and I look forward to applying what I have learnt as I begin my career.”

Vedanta Aluminium’s social impact initiatives in Odisha span education, healthcare, skilling, women empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, sports, culture and community infrastructure. In partnership with local communities, government institutions and implementation partners, the company undertakes programmes aimed at addressing critical development needs and creating opportunities for inclusive growth. In FY26 alone, these initiatives reached more than 8 lakh beneficiaries across healthcare, education and livelihood enhancement, reinforcing Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to creating meaningful and sustainable impact across Odisha.

Vedanta Aluminium Metal Limited is one of the world’s leading producers of aluminium, ‘the Metal of the Future’ powering advanced manufacturing, the energy transition, and next-generation technologies. As India’s largest aluminium producer, the Company operates integrated, world-class assets including a state-of-the-art alumina refinery, one of the world’s largest aluminium smelter complexes in Odisha, and the iconic Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO). With a diverse portfolio of high-quality aluminium products, Vedanta Aluminium caters to discerning customers across more than 60 countries and plays a vital role in global industrial supply chains. The Company is recognised among global peers for its sustainability leadership, as reflected in its strong performance in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment. By advancing the possibilities of aluminium — the Metal of the Future — Vedanta Aluminium continues to enable next-generation industries while creating enduring value for customers, communities and shareholders.