Bhawanipatna: A remarkable transformation is unfolding in the traditionally underserved region of Kalahandi, driven by a focused skill development initiative from Vedanta Aluminium. The program, operating in Bhawanipatna and Lanjigarh, is fostering a new narrative of ambition and self-reliance, having already trained over 800 young individuals. Notably, the initiative is a significant step toward gender equality in the workforce, with women making up 55% of the trainees.
For decades, opportunity was scarce in Kalahandi, limiting the aspirations of its youth. Today, the Vedanta skill centers are changing this dynamic. Run in collaboration with the Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) and NABARD, the centers provide industry-aligned courses in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and food and beverage services. The blend of technical knowledge and hands-on training ensures the curriculum meets real-world demands.
The impact of this collaboration is evident in the program’s strong placement record. Of the 800-plus youth trained so far, 75% have secured employment, creating meaningful career paths.
Beyond the statistics, the program is giving individuals a renewed sense of purpose. Bighanasini Bisi, a 21-year-old from Bhatguda, is one such success story. After completing her training, she is now employed at Fiesta Barbeque Nation in Pune. “I had never stepped outside my village before this,” she shared. “The training gave me not just skills but the courage to step into a world I once thought was not in my reach.”
The program recently celebrated a major milestone when the 22nd batch of the Food and Beverage course achieved 100% placement. All 24 trainees have secured positions with reputable organizations including AVN Group in Madurai, Sodexo in Bangalore, Club Mahindra in Pune, and Asmita Holidays in Bhubaneswar.
These young professionals are now earning an average annual salary above the minimum wage threshold. For families where incomes were previously uncertain, these steady paychecks provide dignity and security, in turn inspiring more youth in the community to pursue the training.
Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO of Vedanta Alumina Business, highlighted the program’s core philosophy. “Empowering youth through skill development is central to our vision for growth. The fact that more than half of the 800 youth we have trained are girls underscores our commitment to gender equality and self-reliance in Kalahandi. This milestone, along with the phenomenal 100% placement of our latest batch, proves the transformative power of quality training and collaboration with the Odisha Skill Development Authority. We are trying to build a more equitable and prosperous future for the region,” he stated.
The initiative’s long-term vision extends beyond initial placement, aiming to nurture self-reliant communities. By combining quality training with assured employment or entrepreneurial pathways, the program equips rural youth to become self-sufficient contributors to the local economy.
The Vedanta Aluminium skill initiative aligns with global frameworks, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals on gender equality, poverty reduction, and decent work, serving as a model for corporate interventions that spark grassroots transformation. The company plans to scale its impact by expanding training modules, strengthening industry partnerships, and exploring new vocational streams that align with the evolving job market.
For Kalahandi’s youth, the skill program has evolved into a movement of empowerment, redefining the strength of rural India. From the classrooms in Lanjigarh to workplaces nationwide, the story of these 800 young achievers demonstrates that when opportunity meets determination, transformation follows