Bhubaneswar, Nov 6: In a proud moment for Kalahandi, two Class XI students from DAV Vedanta International School, Lanjigarh—Lokesh Lal Majhi and Amay Prasad Mahakud—clinched the top prize at the prestigious ATL Spark Tank – Future Maker Ideathon 2025, hosted by KIIT University, Bhubaneswar.

Their groundbreaking innovation, DHRISHTI – An AI-Powered Personal Assistant for the Visually Disabled, stood out among 108 entries from schools across Odisha. Designed to help visually impaired individuals navigate indoor and outdoor environments independently, the solution harnesses artificial intelligence to promote accessibility and social inclusion.

The duo’s project earned them a spot among the Top 15 finalists and ultimately the Champion’s title, along with a cash prize of Rs15,000 and a trophy. Their achievement has brought immense pride to their school and the Vedanta Aluminium Business, which supports the institution.

Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya, CEO of Vedanta Alumina Business, lauded the students, stating, “Lokesh and Amay’s success embodies the spirit of creativity, compassion, and purpose-driven innovation that we strive to nurture through our education initiatives.”

DAV Vedanta International School, established by Vedanta Lanjigarh, is Kalahandi’s first English-medium school. With modern infrastructure and a focus on holistic learning, it serves nearly 1,400 students, most from local communities. The school has played a pivotal role in raising literacy levels in the region—from 38.4% in 2001 to 59.22% in 2011—and continues to inspire rural youth to dream big.

This milestone reflects Vedanta’s commitment to empowering communities through education and innovation, and sets a shining example of how young minds can leverage technology for social good.