Great Achievement: Vedanta’s Project Vidya reaches 1,185 students

Initiative provides reference books to Class IX, X and XII students to strengthen learning and board examination preparedness

By Rupanwita Mihsra

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 14: Vedanta Aluminium’s coal mining operations in Odisha have extended academic support to 1,185 students across government schools by distributing curriculum-aligned reference books under Project Vidya, an education initiative aimed at improving learning outcomes and strengthening board examination preparedness.

The programme covers government schools in the operational areas of Kuraloi, Jamkhani and Ghogharpalli in Sundargarh and Jharsuguda districts. It focuses on students of Classes IX, X and XII, providing them with additional learning resources to improve subject knowledge, analytical abilities and self-learning skills.

During the current academic year, 551 students from seven government schools in Hemgir and Lakhanpur blocks have benefited from the distribution of reference books, according to the company. The resources are designed to support both objective and subjective learning and help students prepare more effectively for their examinations.

The initiative has also brought together teachers, students, School Management Committee members and employee volunteers, reflecting a collaborative approach towards improving the quality of education in the mining-affected regions.

“Education is one of the most powerful drivers of long-term social and economic progress. Through Project Vidya, we are committed to strengthening access to quality education and supporting students with the resources they need to excel. With over 41,000 students benefiting from the programme so far, we are proud to contribute to academic excellence and help young learners pursue their aspirations with confidence,” said Amares Kumar, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines.

Nabnita Naik, principal of Government Higher Secondary School, Luabahal, said the reference books would help students strengthen their understanding of key subjects and prepare better for board examinations.

Such academic support, she said, would boost students’ confidence, encourage regular learning and enable them to perform to their full potential. She appreciated the company’s continued support for education and its efforts to create better opportunities for young learners.

Since its inception, Project Vidya has reached more than 41,000 children across the Kuraloi, Jamkhani and Ghogharpalli operational areas through a range of educational interventions. These include the deployment of additional teachers in government schools, distribution of learning materials, career guidance programmes, science fairs, creative learning activities and student engagement initiatives.

The reference book distribution is part of Vedanta Aluminium’s wider community development programme, which, according to the company, has benefited more than two lakh people across 26 villages in Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts. Its interventions cover education, healthcare, livelihood promotion and social development.

Through these initiatives, the company aims to strengthen access to essential services and create sustainable development opportunities in communities surrounding its mining operations.