Education / VAML Coal Mines backs Suravi 2026, empowers over 1,000 students in rural Odisha

Sundargarh, Nov 3: Reinforcing its commitment to education and holistic development, VAML Coal Mines extended support to the Cluster-Level Suravi 2026 programme, enabling more than 1,000 students from over 30 schools across Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts to showcase their academic, literary and cultural talents.

VAML, India’s largest aluminium producer, supported the Government of Odisha’s flagship educational and cultural talent festival across communities surrounding its Kuraloi, Jamkhani and Ghogharpalli coal mining operations. The initiative brought together students, teachers and community stakeholders from the Hemgir and Lakhanpur blocks, providing a wider platform for young learners to express their abilities beyond the classroom.

Held at Luabahal Higher Secondary School and Banjari Ashram School, the programme witnessed enthusiastic participation in a diverse range of competitions, including quiz, debate, essay and creative writing, mathematics race, drawing, painting, singing and dance.

The festival encouraged students to explore their interests, develop confidence and gain exposure through healthy competition while advancing to higher stages of the event.

Speaking on the initiative, Amares Kumar, CEO, VAML Coal Mines, said, “Young people thrive when they are given the right opportunities to learn, participate and express themselves. Suravi creates an important platform for students to step beyond the classroom, showcase their abilities and gain confidence through new experiences. At VAML Coal Mines, we are committed to supporting such opportunities that enable children in our neighbouring communities to broaden their horizons and aspire for more.”

Highlighting the significance of the programme, Rajendra Prasad, Block Education Officer, Lakhanpur, said Suravi helps students discover their potential beyond academics and contributes to their confidence, creativity and overall development. He added that VAML Coal Mines' support has helped widen access to such opportunities, particularly in rural communities.

The initiative builds on VAML Coal Mines’ long-standing focus on educational development in its operational areas. Under Project Vidya, more than 39,000 students have benefited from educational interventions across Kuraloi, Jamkhani and Ghogharpalli through additional teaching support, learning resources and extracurricular activities.

VAML stated that its broader community development initiatives have positively impacted over two lakh people across 26 villages in Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts through programmes focused on education, healthcare, livelihoods and social development.