TFP Bureau, Korba, March 12, 2025: Bharat Aluminum Company Limited (BALCO), part of the Vedanta Group, hosted the ‘Unnati Utsav’ under its ‘Unnati Project’ on the occasion of World Women’s Day 2025. The event, attended by Korba Mayor Sanju Devi Rajput as the chief guest, recognized the achievements of women in self-help groups who have made significant contributions at the national and local levels. Mrs. Manisha Kumar, President of BALCO Ladies Club, was also present as a special guest. Over 1,200 participants from various self-help groups attended the celebration.
Recognizing Exceptional Women for Their Contributions
The highlight of the event was the recognition of 16 outstanding women who have achieved notable success with their contributions. These women have established a strong identity through their dedication and efforts, both locally and nationally. The awards were presented in the presence of senior BALCO officials and the Chief Guest.
The festival also included food and jewelry stalls, set up with support from the district administration and under BALCO’s community development projects. These stalls provided an excellent platform for women from self-help groups to showcase their businesses. Among the unique attractions were the henna application stall and a pottery-making stall, which captivated the visitors. Traditional craftsmanship displays, along with interactive games like snakes and ladders, archery, and tug of war, added to the festive atmosphere. Prizes were awarded for outstanding participation.
Cultural Celebrations and Empowerment
In addition to the stalls, the cultural program featured performances by women, including a flash mob by the Vedanta Skill School girls, which highlighted the message of gender equality and empowerment. Traditional dances like Karma Nritya and Rajasthani dance from Chhattisgarh further celebrated cultural diversity and inclusiveness.
The Unnati Utsav is a manifestation of BALCO’s ongoing commitment to empowering women through financial independence, self-reliance, and self-expression. The women recognized at the event shared how BALCO’s support has positively impacted their lives. With increased self-reliance, they have contributed to their families and played active roles in addressing social issues and eliminating longstanding myths.
BALCO’s Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
BALCO CEO and Director, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, praised the success of the Unnati Utsav and reaffirmed the company’s dedication to positively changing society. He emphasized that BALCO’s ‘Unnati Project’ offers women numerous opportunities for financial empowerment, helping them establish independent identities. He encouraged women to continue contributing to their families, society, and the nation’s progress.
Korba Mayor Sanju Devi Rajput also lauded the ‘Unnati Project’ for its role in sustainable livelihood promotion and empowerment. She urged women in self-help groups to connect with government schemes to enhance their opportunities and expressed confidence that the project would reach new heights with the active participation of women.
Project Unnati: Empowering Women for Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Livelihoods
The ‘Unnati Project’ aims to enhance the skills and abilities of women in self-help groups, enabling them to create sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship opportunities. To date, more than 5,800 women from over 534 self-help groups have benefitted from various training programs offered by the project. Additionally, micro-enterprises like the ‘Unnati Cafe on Wheels’ and ‘Chai Bihaan’ tea shop have provided women with the means to earn a livelihood and become self-reliant.
The event also showcased the initiatives of several community development projects, including Vedanta Skill School, Nayi Kiran, Arogya, and Nand Ghar, providing detailed information on child development, free health check-ups, and medicines.
The ‘Unnati Project,’ operated in collaboration with GPR Strategies and Solutions, continues to play a crucial role in the empowerment of women, fostering independence and self-reliance across the region.
