THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHAWANIPATNA,
JANUARY 19, 2026
Vedanta Aluminium made a compelling
impression at the 28th edition of Kalahandi Utsav – Ghumura 2026, as its
Lanjigarh refinery pavilion emerged as a major attraction, drawing over 30,000
visitors during the five-day cultural extravaganza in Bhawanipatna. The company
offered an immersive glimpse into its operations while underscoring its
deep-rooted commitment to the socio-economic development of the district.
A key highlight of Vedanta’s
participation was the detailed presentation of the bauxite-to-aluminium
manufacturing process, which generated keen interest among visitors and
stakeholders by demystifying aluminium production and showcasing its
wide-ranging applications. The platform also enabled the company to reiterate
its long-standing association with Kalahandi and its role as a catalyst for
inclusive growth in the region. The festival was graced by the presence of
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, adding to its significance.
Beyond industrial excellence, Vedanta
Aluminium’s exhibit powerfully narrated its community transformation journey.
Dedicated zones for Project ‘Sakhi’ and Project ‘Adikala’ stood out as vibrant
examples of grassroots empowerment. The Project Sakhi marketplace featured an
array of millet-based organic produce and handcrafted items created by over
4,000 women entrepreneurs from rural Odisha, reflecting the impact of sustained
livelihood initiatives.
Project Adikala, meanwhile, brought
Kalahandi’s rich tribal heritage to the forefront through live demonstrations
by artisans skilled in traditional Dhokra and Saura art forms. Through
continuous training, design innovation and market access, Vedanta Aluminium has
supported sustainable livelihoods for more than 200 artisan families, ensuring
that these age-old traditions continue to flourish in a modern economic
landscape.
The company also used the occasion to
celebrate academic excellence by conferring the Vedanta Gyanshree Awards on
eight Class X district toppers from Kalahandi, reinforcing its commitment to
education and youth development in rural areas. The awards were presented by
Anup Ranjan Pattnaik, District & Sessions Judge, Kalahandi; Sachin Prakash
Pawar, Collector & District Magistrate, Kalahandi; Madhusudan Das,
Collector of Nuapada; Nruparaj S. Sahu, Collector of Subarnapur (Sonepur); and
Pranab Kumar Bhttacharyya, CEO, Vedanta Alumina Business.
Speaking on the occasion, Pranab Kumar
Bhattacharyya, CEO, Vedanta Alumina Business, said, “Kalahandi Utsav is a
platform that celebrates the soul of this region. We are honoured by the visit
of the Chief Minister, which reaffirms our belief that industrial progress and
cultural preservation must go hand in hand, fostering an inclusive and
sustainable future for the people of Kalahandi.”
Through its impactful participation at
Kalahandi Utsav 2026, Vedanta Aluminium once again reinforced its position as a
responsible industry partner, steadfastly dedicated to cultural preservation,
social upliftment and the long-term economic progress of Kalahandi district.
