Social

Over 800 Participants Celebrate Health & Fitness at Republic Run 2026, Bicholim


Bicholim, January 2026: Commemorating National Youth Day and promoting a healthy lifestyle, the Republic Run 2026 was organised by the Lions Club of Bicholim and Leo Club of Bicholim, supported by Vedanta Sesa Goa. The event drew over 800 participants, showcasing vibrant energy, teamwork, and a commitment to fitness across all age groups.

The annual Republic Run has become a key community fitness initiative, encouraging citizens to embrace active lifestyles. This year marked the third consecutive year of support from Vedanta Sesa Goa under its “YouTheChange, YouThePower” initiative.

The event was graced by Shri Chandrakant Shetye, Hon’ble MLA for Bicholim Constituency, who praised the organisers and partners for providing a platform that promotes health, discipline, and community well-being.

Mr Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Deputy CEO, Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Goa, said:
“The Republic Run has evolved into a meaningful community initiative that encourages people across age groups to adopt active and healthy lifestyles. The enthusiastic participation reflects a growing awareness around well-being and the importance of staying physically active.”

The Republic Run 2026 featured three categories:

  • 2 km – children aged 8–13 years
  • 3.5 km – open category for participants above 13 years
  • 10 km – open category for participants above 13 years

Participants enjoyed a spirited day of competition, camaraderie, and community engagement. Mr Naveen Hirekar, a participant, shared:
“It was encouraging to see so many children taking part. Such initiatives motivate people of all ages to step outdoors and engage in physical activity.”

Winners across categories:

  • 2 km: Vaibhav N. Chodankar (Boys), Garvi Kalangutkar (Girls)
  • 3.5 km: Parashuram Ghadi (Men), Dhriti Madkaikar (Women)
  • 10 km: Udesh Majik (Men), Vaishnavi Wadar (Women)

The Republic Run 2026 successfully fostered fitness, discipline, and unity, reinforcing the importance of community-driven health initiatives.

Social

Vedanta Sesa Goa Enhances Road Safety with Reflective Collars for Stray Cattle


Written by Tanisha Cardozo

In a unique and impactful step towards enhancing road safety and community well-being, Vedanta Sesa Goa – Value Added Business (VAB) has rolled out a reflective collar drive for stray cattle in the villages of Amona and Navelim, Goa. The initiative is part of Vedanta’s TACO (Towards A Conscious Operation) program and was conducted in partnership with Maina Dairy Society.

Titled “Lighting the Way to Safer Roads,” the initiative targets one of the most overlooked yet dangerous causes of night-time road accidents in rural areas — stray cattle. With the increasing number of vehicles on rural roads, cattle wandering at night pose serious safety risks. The reflective collars make the animals highly visible in low-light conditions, significantly reducing the risk of accidents for both drivers and animals.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the local community, traffic officials, and Vedanta employees. Notable attendees included Mr. Saptesh Sardesai, CEO of VAB, Mr. Sadanand, PSI of the Traffic Cell, and Maina Dairy Society representatives Mr. Shivanand Naik and Mr. Sundar Naik. Their presence underscored the collective effort required to address such critical issues.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Saptesh Sardesai remarked,

“This initiative is not just about preventing accidents — it’s about valuing every life, human or animal, and fostering safer communities through simple yet effective interventions.”

The drive is part of Vedanta’s larger commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability, combining safety, innovation, and local partnerships to solve grassroots challenges.

By focusing on collaborative problem-solving and community-led awareness, Vedanta continues to demonstrate how responsible corporate action can make a tangible difference in the everyday lives of people.

As roads across India become busier, initiatives like this offer a scalable model for rural safety and welfare, reminding us that impactful change often begins with small, thoughtful steps — or in this case, a collar that glows in the dark.