22-Nov-2024
Bhubaneshwar(PR), Dt.21.11.2024 Vedanta Aluminum, India’s largest aluminum producer, in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, has expanded its ‘Swarna Prashan’ initiative to reach over 6,400 students across 15 government schools in Rayagada and Kalahandi districts of Odisha. This ancient Ayurvedic practice involves administering a blend of gold particles, honey, and ghee to children, a formulation renowned for enhancing memory, boosting immunity, and supporting holistic development during their critical growth years.
The main event, held at GCD Zilla High and Girls’ High School in Rayagada, was graced by dignitaries including District Education Officer (DEO) Basant Kumar Nayak, Additional DEO Bhajan Lal Majhi, Block Education Officer Sudipta Kumar Das, Ayurvedic Doctor VJP Rao, and Atal Bihari Guru.
Since launching the initiative in partnership with the Ministry of AYUSH in September 2024, Vedanta Aluminium has positively impacted more than 10,600 students in Odisha. Under the guidance of the Government of Odisha and senior officials from the Ministry of AYUSH, the program currently operates in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts, with plans to extend to Koraput district.
Mr. Sunil Gupta, COO - Vedanta Aluminium, said, “Through our collaboration with the Government of Odisha and the Ministry of AYUSH, we aim to promote the health and well-being of children in underserved regions by leveraging time-tested traditional practices. Investing in children’s development is critical for shaping vibrant and thriving communities, and we are excited to witness the program’s positive impact in Kalahandi and Rayagada.”
Mr. Nitin Kumar Tiwari, CEO - Bauxite Mines, Vedanta Aluminium, added, “The Swarna Prashan initiative has been warmly received by the community, benefiting students across 25 government schools. With plans to extend the program to Koraput, we aim to reach more than 30,000 children, from infants to 16-year-olds, by the end of the year. This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering child health and holistic community development.”
Basant Kumar Nayak, DEO, highlighted, “Swarna Prashan is a time-honoured Ayurvedic practice with proven benefits in boosting immunity and cognitive function in children. Vedanta Aluminium’s efforts in bringing such impactful health interventions to remote regions are highly commendable.”
The Swarna Prashan initiative is a testament to Vedanta Aluminium’s dedication to community-centric development. By improving child health through sustainable and scientifically backed interventions, the company fosters long-term benefits for families in the region.
Vedanta Aluminium remains committed to driving transformation in Odisha through strategic initiatives spanning education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, rural infrastructure, and grassroots sports and culture. Collaborating closely with local authorities and community stakeholders, the company ensures its interventions lead to tangible socio-economic progress.
Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium i.e., 2.37 million tonnes in FY2024. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks 1st in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 world rankings for the aluminium industry, a reflection of its leading sustainable development practices. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.