Bhawanipatna, Dec 9: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, reaffirmed its commitment to education and youth empowerment by felicitating 22 meritorious students of DAV Vedanta International School, Lanjigarh, under its flagship Vedanta Merit Scholarship Awards for the academic year 2024–25.

The felicitation ceremony was held in the presence of Shri Animesh Pradhan (IAS), Block Development Officer (BDO), Lanjigarh. The initiative recognised toppers across multiple standards, with students of Classes X and XII scoring above 90 per cent receiving ₹10,000 each. Those securing above 90 per cent in individual subjects were awarded ₹5,000, while toppers from Classes VI to IX were honoured with ₹8,000 each.

Speaking on the occasion, Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO of Vedanta Alumina Business, said, “Education is the strongest foundation for a progressive society. Through the Vedanta Merit Scholarship Awards, we aim to recognise excellence, inspire ambition, and empower young minds to pursue their aspirations with confidence. These students represent the future of the Kalahandi region, and we are proud to be a part of their journey.”

Shri Animesh Pradhan lauded the initiative, noting that such programmes play a vital role in motivating students from diverse backgrounds to excel academically. He commended Vedanta Lanjigarh’s consistent efforts in supporting education and urged students to remain focused, disciplined, and determined in their pursuits.

The scholarship programme forms part of Vedanta Lanjigarh’s broader social development agenda, aimed at promoting quality education and building an enabling ecosystem for youth development in the region.

Established by Vedanta Lanjigarh, DAV Vedanta International School is the region’s first English-medium institution. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, smart classrooms, science and computer laboratories, and a vibrant learning environment, the school today nurtures nearly 1,400 students, most of whom hail from local communities.

Over the years, the institution has emerged as a beacon of educational transformation, contributing to a significant rise in literacy levels in Kalahandi—from 38.4 per cent in 2001 to 59.22 per cent in 2011—and inspiring a generation of students to dream big and lead change.