Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral
Reaffirming its commitment to education and youth empowerment, Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Goa (IOG), under Project ‘Vriddhi’, organised the Vedanta ‘Utkarsh’ Scholarship Programme for the financial year 2025–26 at Bicholim. The initiative aims to support meritorious students from mining-affected and rural communities in pursuing higher education and building sustainable futures.
The programme, held at the Bicholim Municipality Hall, saw nearly 30 students from villages across Bicholim Taluka being felicitated and extended financial support through the Vedanta Utkarsh Scholarship. The event was graced by Ms. Shridevi B. V., IPS, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Bicholim, along with Mr. Vijay Natekar, Chairperson of the Bicholim Municipal Council, Mr. Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Deputy CEO – Iron Ore Goa, and Mr. Santosh Mandrekar, Head Operations – North and Central Cluster.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Shridevi B. V., IPS, highlighted the transformative role of education, stating that when organisations invest in education, they contribute directly to nation-building. She noted that the Vedanta ‘Utkarsh’ Scholarship is a meaningful intervention that empowers students to rise above limitations and pursue their aspirations with confidence and discipline.
Mr. Vijay Natekar, Chairperson of the Bicholim Municipal Council, emphasised the importance of sustained educational support for community progress. He appreciated Vedanta Sesa Goa’s consistent community development efforts, noting that such initiatives create opportunities for deserving students while strengthening the region’s social fabric.
Reflecting on the programme’s impact, Mr. Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Deputy CEO – Iron Ore Goa, said education plays a critical role in transforming lives and communities. Through the Vedanta ‘Utkarsh’ Scholarship, he said, the company seeks to ensure that students from areas surrounding its operations receive the necessary support to pursue higher education, reinforcing Vedanta Sesa Goa’s commitment to meaningful and inclusive growth.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries, scholarship recipient Ms. Sadiya Choudhary, a B.Com student at Narayan Zantye College of Commerce, shared that the scholarship had significantly eased her financial burden. She noted that while she had been conducting tuition classes alongside her studies to support her education, the scholarship has allowed her to focus more fully on her academic goals and support her family.
To date, the Vedanta Utkarsh Scholarship has benefited over 1,200 students across Vedanta Sesa Goa’s operational areas. The company’s initiatives under Project ‘Vriddhi’ continue to reflect its long-term commitment to education, youth development and inclusive socio-economic progress within the communities it serves.
