New Delhi, October 4, 2024: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, celebrated National Nutrition Month 2024, with community-driven health initiatives across its operations. The campaign specially curated to engage children, adolescents and mothers, emphasising the significance of a balanced diet and the right choice of food to ensure nutritional intake. Every year, this month is observed by the Government of India and this year’s theme is ‘Nutritious diet for everyone’.

Commenting on the initiatives, Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer, Vedanta Aluminium, said, “Nutrition is vital to the well-being of our communities, and at Vedanta Aluminium, we are dedicated to creating a lasting impact. By engaging with local communities, we aim to raise awareness about nutritious food and encourage the adoption of healthier practices. Our efforts during National Nutrition Month reflect our commitment to sustainability and our vision of a healthier future for all.”

• At Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), India’s iconic aluminium producer, and a part of Vedanta Aluminium, POSHAN Maah was marked by initiatives to enhance nutrition and health awareness in Nand Ghars, modernized anganwadis supported by Vedanta. Activities included ‘Take Home Ration’ recipe training, health camps for anemia screenings, and special care for pregnant and lactating mothers. A community recipe competition and discussions with fathers highlighted the importance of family nutrition. On 30th September 2024, the POSHAN Maah Samaapan Samaaroh celebrated these efforts, honoring “Champion Mothers” and launching the “Poshan Talks” video series and the ‘Poshan Patrika’ newsletter, aimed at promoting lasting nutritional practices.

D.S Maravi, Deputy Director, Women and Child Development, Raipur, while addressing the Samaapan Samaaroh, spoke about the significance of collaboration between government and industry in advancing community health and empowerment. He remarked, “At the Women and Child Development Department, we are deeply committed to improving the nutritional health and empowerment of women and children. It is encouraging to see companies like BALCO taking these initiatives forward through comprehensive programs that address critical issues like nutrition awareness and community engagement. Such collaborations not only strengthen our efforts but also empower local communities by promoting sustainable and healthy practices that benefit generations to come.”

• At Vedanta Aluminium’s Lanjigarh refinery operations, the month-long activities engaged children, adolescents, and mothers in promoting the importance of a balanced diet and nutritious food choices, in line with the Government of India’s theme, ‘Nutritious diet for everyone.’ Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Zero Hunger and Good Health, the activities included food exhibitions, cooking competitions, and health sensitization drives. Additionally, the ‘Pehli Udaan’ project addressed adolescent health by launching an anemia eradication program with screenings and community-driven initiatives like vegetable garden and orchard planting. Protein shakes and nutrition kits were distributed across modernized Nand Ghars, benefiting over 700 people so far.

• In Jharsuguda, the company provided 17,500 units of millet protein shakes to the District Welfare Officer, who will oversee their distribution across 175 Nand Ghars, ensuring nutritional support for children and mothers in the community.

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 FY24. 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.