Bhubaneswar, Nov 10: In a significant stride toward community-led sustainability, Vedanta Aluminium has launched a transformative initiative—Project Sampark—empowering over 1,000 women across rural Odisha to cultivate kitchen gardens and embrace organic living. The program, rolled out in the villages of Banjari, Kudaloi, and Piplimal, aims to improve nutrition, promote self-reliance, and foster environmental stewardship.

Cultivating Change

Each participating woman received a kitchen garden kit comprising 10 varieties of vegetable seeds and organic manure. More than 10,000 seed packets were distributed, including to Anganwadi workers, ensuring the initiative reaches families and children at the grassroots level. Interactive training sessions were conducted to teach simple techniques in planting, composting, and garden upkeep, encouraging women to transform their backyards into productive green spaces.

Voices from the Ground

Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, emphasized the company’s commitment to inclusive development: “Through Project Sampark, we are enabling women to take charge of their family’s nutrition and well-being. It’s a reflection of our belief that sustainable development begins with empowered communities.”

Sarojini Mahanad, a participant from Banjari village, shared her experience: “These sessions taught us how to grow vegetables at home. I now feel confident about providing fresh food for my family.”

Beyond Nutrition

Project Sampark is part of Vedanta Aluminium’s broader social impact strategy, which spans education, healthcare, rural infrastructure, and grassroots sports. By collaborating with local authorities and stakeholders, the company ensures its efforts lead to measurable socio-economic progress in its operational areas.