Over 800 participants join annual festival highlighting women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship and community development
TFP Bureau, Korba, March 31, 2026: A grand celebration of women’s empowerment and community development was held at Balkonagar as Bharat Aluminium Company Limited organised its annual ‘Unnati Utsav 2026’ under the Unnati Project. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 800 people, including members of women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs).
The programme was attended by BALCO Chief Executive Officer and Director Rajesh Kumar, President of the BALCO Ladies Club Manisha Kumar and several senior officials of the company.
The festival began with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp and Saraswati Vandana. Guests later visited a series of stalls set up by initiatives such as Vedanta Skill School, Mor Jal Mor Maati, Arogya, Unnati, Archery and Nand Ghar, where information about various community development programmes, especially those focused on children and women, was showcased.
Among the key attractions were demonstrations of traditional pottery-making using the potter’s wheel and weaving of sarees from Kosa silk, reflecting the region’s cultural heritage and craftsmanship.
As part of the celebration, 15 women were honoured for their outstanding contributions in different fields and for setting inspiring examples in society. The awards were presented by the BALCO CEO and senior officials along with chief guest Manisha Kumar.
During the event, BALCO unveiled the ‘Kosakari’ brand film and website, an initiative aimed at promoting the region’s traditional Kosa silk and bringing it to wider recognition. The programme also witnessed the release of the first magazine of the Unnati Mahasangh titled ‘Srishti’, which documents the success stories and achievements of women associated with the initiative.
Cultural performances added vibrancy to the festival, including the traditional Karma dance of Chhattisgarh, highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage and spirit of inclusivity.
Addressing the gathering, BALCO CEO Rajesh Kumar said the Unnati Utsav is not merely a celebration but a symbol of women’s strength, confidence and self-reliance. He said the objective of the Unnati Project is to empower women economically and provide them a strong platform to showcase their abilities.
Highlighting the objectives of the initiative, Anuradha Singh said the platform connects women with opportunities for entrepreneurship and self-reliance. She noted that various training programmes under the project are helping women develop skills and create sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking on the occasion, BALCO Ladies Club President Manisha Kumar praised the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives and said the Unnati Project has brought meaningful and lasting changes in the lives of women by helping them become self-reliant.
The event concluded with an energetic flash mob presented by girl students of Vedanta Skill School, delivering an inspiring message on women’s empowerment.
The Unnati Project focuses on mobilising women into Self Help Groups and strengthening their capabilities through skill development and entrepreneurship training for sustainable livelihoods. Currently, more than 561 Self Help Groups involving over 6,003 women are benefiting from various training programmes under the initiative.
Implemented in collaboration with the Group Social Revival of Urban Rural and Tribal, the project is considered a strong example of community-driven development aimed at empowering women and building an inclusive and progressive society.
