Vedanta Aluminium empowers women artisans in Jharsuguda through Project VedKala
Jharsuguda, Odisha; 22nd August 2026: As traditional art forms find renewed expression in contemporary markets, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for artisans has become an increasingly important aspect of preserving cultural heritage. Recognising this need, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, organised a three-day Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF) Craft & Skill Development Workshop under Project VedKala, its community livelihood initiative focused on empowering rural women artisans in Jharsuguda.
Conducted at the VedKala Experience Centre in collaboration with the First Sutra Foundation, Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM) and the Department of Handicrafts, Government of Odisha, the workshop trained over 60 women artisans in creating contemporary lifestyle and souvenir products such as MDF jewellery, decorative fridge magnets and key rings inspired by traditional Saura art. Designed to enhance livelihood opportunities, the programme concluded with the artisans being awarded the certification.
The workshop was conceived as an extension of Project VedKala’s larger endeavour to preserve Odisha’s artistic traditions while also channelling them into sustainable livelihood opportunities for women. Led by State Awardee Shri Gurakh Chandra Nayak, an accomplished exponent of tribal art, the workshop introduced participants to contemporary applications of traditional Saura art across products such as earrings, pendants, bracelets, fridge magnets and key rings. Through hands-on training in design, product development and market-oriented craftsmanship, artisans gained useful skills to broaden their product portfolio and tap new livelihood opportunities. Project VedKala currently supports over 100 artisans in Jharsuguda through training in Bamboo, Saura and Sabai Grass crafts, alongside market-access initiatives that promote sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking on the initiative, C Chandru, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium – Jharsuguda, said, “Odisha’s rich artistic traditions represent both an invaluable cultural legacy and a significant opportunity for community-led economic progress. Through Project VedKala, we are creating an ecosystem where women artisans can strengthen their skillsets, embrace contemporary design and access newer livelihood opportunities. Our endeavour is to enable these women to emerge as confident entrepreneurs while ensuring that indigenous art forms such as Saura continue to remain relevant, valued and economically sustainable for generations to come.”
Jharana Bhusan, a participating artisan from Patrapali, said, “This training showed us how the traditional art forms we have grown up with can be seamlessly adapted into everyday products. Learning these techniques has given us new ideas and the confidence to create products that can appeal to more customers. We hope these skills will help us earn in earning a sustainable livelihood while continuing to preserve the art that has been passed down to us.”
Through initiatives such as Project VedKala, Vedanta Aluminium is fostering women-led livelihoods while preserving Odisha’s rich artistic heritage. The programme forms part of the company’s broader community development efforts across sustainable livelihoods, women empowerment, education, healthcare, water and sanitation, community infrastructure, biodiversity conservation, and grassroots sports and culture, implemented in partnership with government agencies, civil society organisations and local communities. Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to Odisha extends well beyond its operations. In FY26 alone, its social impact programmes reached over 8 lakh beneficiaries across healthcare, education and livelihood enhancement. Vedanta Aluminium continues to contribute to inclusive growth and sustainable socio-economic development in the state.
