Jharsuguda, Mar 21: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, hosted Dr. Kiran Bedi at its Jharsuguda mega plant on Saturday.

The visit was part of the company’s extended Women’s Day 2026 celebrations, where Dr. Bedi addressed a special town hall attended by more than 1,000 employees, partners, families, and community members.

Recognized globally for her pioneering role as India’s first woman IPS officer, UN Civilian Police Adviser, and former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Bedi shared her insights on leadership, inclusivity, and purposeful work. A Ramon Magsaysay Award recipient, she emphasized the importance of integrity, empathy, and ownership in professional life.

Speaking at the event, Bedi described Vedanta as “a diamond of this country,” urging participants to focus on learning, empathy, and meaningful contributions rather than chasing recognition. She highlighted the critical role of women in building resilient workforces, noting their steady mindset and drive to deliver.

Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director of Vedanta Limited and Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Limited, underscored the company’s commitment to inclusion, pointing out that women now make up over 23% of Vedanta’s workforce. She also celebrated milestones such as India’s first all-women potline, operated by Vedanta.

C Chandru, CEO of Vedanta Jharsuguda, reflected on the significance of Bedi’s visit, noting that the plant was the first in India to run an all-women potline and the first in Odisha to allow women to work night shifts. He praised Dr. Bedi’s career as a symbol of action-driven leadership that inspires Vedanta’s inclusive journey.

During her visit, Bedi interacted with members of Project Subhalaxmi, Western Odisha’s largest self-help group cooperative, and presented offer letters to specially-abled professionals joining Vedanta’s operations. She also toured the aluminium manufacturing facilities, meeting women professionals from India’s first all-women potline, Odisha’s first all-women power operations, and Vedanta’s all-women locomotive team.