Project Vidya: Vedanta Coal Mines distributes reference books to 1,185 students

Bhubaneswar, Nov 13: VAML Coal Mines, a unit of Vedanta Aluminium, has distributed curriculum-aligned reference books to 1,185 students of Classes IX, X and XII under Project Vidya, its flagship education initiative, officials said on Friday.

The programme aims to strengthen classroom learning, enhance board examination preparedness and improve academic performance among students in the operational areas of Kuraloi, Jamkhani and Ghogharpalli in Odisha.

Across the operational areas of Kuraloi, Jamkhani and Ghogharpalli, the programme is strengthening educational outcomes by providing curriculum-aligned reference books to students. During the current academic year, 551 students from Classes IX, X and XII across seven government schools in the Hemgir and Lakhanpur blocks of Sundargarh and Jharsuguda districts have benefited from the initiative.

Designed to support both objective and subjective learning, the books help strengthen subject knowledge, enhance analytical skills, encourage self-learning and improve preparedness for board examinations. The programme witnessed active participation from students, teachers, School Management Committee (SMC) members and employee volunteers, reflecting a shared commitment towards academic excellence and creating an enabling environment for sustained learning.

Speaking on the initiative, Amares Kumar, CEO, Vedanta Coal Mines, said, “Education is one of the most powerful drivers of long-term social and economic progress. Through Project Vidya, we are committed to strengthening access to quality education and supporting students with the resources they need to excel. With over 41,000 students benefitting from the programme so far, we are proud to contribute to academic excellence and help young learners pursue their aspirations with confidence.”

Sharing her experience, Nabnita Naik, Principal, Government Higher Secondary School, Luabahal, said the reference books would play an important role in helping students prepare for board examinations and strengthen their understanding of key subjects. She noted that such academic support enhances students’ confidence, encourages consistent learning and helps them realise their full potential.
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Since its inception, Project Vidya has positively impacted more than 41,000 children across Kuraloi, Jamkhani and Ghogharpalli through initiatives focused on learning enhancement and holistic development. Key interventions include additional teacher deployment, learning resource support, career guidance programmes, science fairs, creative learning activities and student engagement initiatives.

The initiative forms part of VAML Coal Mines’ broader community development efforts, which have positively impacted more than two lakh people across 26 villages in Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts through interventions in education, healthcare, livelihoods and social development.