Tag: CSR

Business

Malabar Gold & Diamonds Reaffirms Commitment to Values, Transparency & Responsibility

Tanisha Cardozo

Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the world’s largest jewelry retailers, has reaffirmed its dedication to ethical conduct, cultural sensitivity, and transparency in an internal message to its 27,500 employees.

In an email seen by this publication, the company expressed immense pride in being rooted in India’s cultural heritage and guided by its core values of integrity, trust, and respect. “Our foundation of trust is built on values and strengthened by responsibility,” the company stated, adding that these principles define its identity and guide every decision.

The message came amid recent online discussions concerning a past marketing engagement that had generated strong public reactions. “Certain online narratives have circulated incomplete or misleading interpretations about the intent and context of a past marketing engagement, leading to impressions that do not reflect our true ethos or the principles that guide us,” the company clarified.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds also noted that upon learning of the issue, it acted immediately to discontinue the association and terminate the vendor relationship responsible for the campaign. “As an Indian brand, we consider it our moral duty to act with sensitivity, transparency, and respect,” the statement read.

This follows the Bombay High Court’s decision to grant ad-interim relief to Malabar Gold & Diamonds, directing the deletion of all defamatory social media posts, materials, and stories that made false claims against the company.

Reaffirming its identity as a brand that celebrates India’s craftsmanship and diversity, Malabar said, “Being Indian is reflected not only in our products and presence but in our mindset and moral compass. Our decisions are guided by principles, never by prejudice, and we deeply respect the varied perspectives expressed by our stakeholders.”

The company reiterated that it will continue to communicate with clarity and act responsibly. “We reaffirm our commitment to accountability, cultural sensitivity, and maintaining public trust. Malabar Gold & Diamonds will continue to uphold the values that have defined our brand since its inception.”

Established in 1993, Malabar Gold & Diamonds operates over 410 showrooms across 14 countries and employs more than 27,500 people globally. With a turnover of US$7.36 billion in FY 2024–25, it stands among the world’s top five jewelry retailers. The company’s continued growth is underpinned by its unwavering dedication to ethical practices, transparency, and social responsibility — values that remain at the heart of its success.

Social

Vedanta Sesa Goa Empowers Maem with New Tailoring and Computer Training Centres

Tanisha Cardozo

Vedanta Sesa Goa–Iron Ore Goa (IOG), under the aegis of the Vedanta Foundation, inaugurated the Vedanta Tailoring Training Centre and the relocated Vedanta Computer Centre at Village Panchayat Maem. These facilities aim to empower local women and youth through National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) certified training programs in tailoring and computer applications, thereby enhancing employability and self-reliance.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri Premendra Shet, Hon’ble MLA of Maem Constituency, along with Shri Vasudev Gaonkar, Sarpanch, Village Panchayat Maem, other panchayat members, and community representatives. From Vedanta, Mr. Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Deputy CEO, IOG, and Mr. Santosh Mandrekar, Head–North & Central Cluster, IOG, were present.

The event also featured a certificate distribution ceremony for students who completed the three-month NSDC-certified Diploma in Computer Application program from the Vedanta Computer Centre.

The newly launched Vedanta Tailoring Training Centre will focus on skill development for women, offering a three-month structured course combining theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice. This initiative seeks to enable women to take up entrepreneurial ventures and achieve financial independence.

The Vedanta Computer Centre, relocated from Haldanwadi to the Village Panchayat Maem premises, continues to offer both basic and advanced digital literacy programs. These training modules are designed to improve local youth’s computer proficiency and employability in an increasingly digital world.

Speaking at the event, Shri Premendra Shet, Hon’ble MLA of Maem Constituency, commended Vedanta’s efforts, saying, “I appreciate Vedanta Sesa Goa for its consistent efforts towards community welfare and capacity building. Establishing these centres is a progressive step aimed at empowering individuals through essential digital skills. It is evident that Vedanta feels a deep sense of responsibility for the progress and prosperity of this region, and initiatives like these demonstrate the company’s genuine commitment to inclusive growth.”

Mr. Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Deputy CEO of Vedanta IOG, emphasized the company’s social commitment, stating, “At Vedanta Sesa Goa, we strongly believe that true growth lies in the progress of the communities. Our skilling and empowerment initiatives are designed to ‘give back’ to society and create sustainable opportunities. The launch of the Tailoring and Computer Centres at Maem reinforces our commitment to building a self-reliant, skilled, and confident community.”

So far, more than 1,200 students have benefited from Vedanta’s computer centres in Bicholim. Through sustained initiatives in education, skill development, and empowerment, Vedanta Sesa Goa continues to drive meaningful transformation and contribute to the state’s long-term sustainable development.

Social

Vedanta Sesa Goa Crosses 1 Million Meals Mark Through #RunForZeroHunger Initiative

Tanisha Cardozo

Vedanta Sesa Goa has achieved a landmark milestone by contributing over 1 million meals since 2022 as part of the ongoing #RunForZeroHunger campaign. Aligned with the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon (VDHM), the initiative uses the ‘Step Set Go’ app where every kilometre logged translates into a meal donated—impacting lives across communities, children, and even animals in need.

In the 42-day 2025 edition, Vedanta Sesa Goa organised over 30 events across five states—Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Karnataka—demonstrating the company’s strong commitment to community welfare. In Goa, impactful local events were held in Bicholim, Amona, and Panjim, with over 20 individuals contributing more than 1,500 km, converting into direct meal support. The campaign reached its emotional high with the Funrise Walkathon at Divar Island, where a large crowd walked in solidarity for a world without hunger.

The campaign also integrated seamlessly with Swachhotsav – Swachhata Hi Seva 2025, an initiative led by the Indian Bureau of Mines and the Directorate General of Mines Safety. These joint efforts helped raise awareness about hygiene, cleanliness, and civic responsibility through walkathons and other outreach activities—further elevating the cause beyond hunger eradication.

Speaking at the culminating event, Navin Jaju, CEO of Sesa Goa, said, “Congratulations to the entire Sesa Goa family for their spirited participation in the #RunForZeroHunger. Across locations, the zest for a hunger-free world was visible. I thank everyone for their resolve to give back meaningfully to the world.”

Crucially, this campaign brought together a vibrant mix of employees, business partners, local communities, and students from schools and colleges, showing the power of collective action. By merging health, responsibility, and community service, Vedanta Sesa Goa has set a new benchmark in what corporate social responsibility can truly achieve—one kilometre, and one meal, at a time.

Social

CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Inaugurates Sesa Goa-Sponsored Artificial Turf Ground at Amona

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant step towards youth empowerment and grassroots sports development, Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, inaugurated a state-of-the-art artificial turf ground in Amona. The ground has been constructed by Vedanta Sesa Goa – Value Added Business, under its flagship YouTheChange, YouThePower initiative, with a project cost exceeding ₹1 crore.

Equipped with floodlights and a fenced playing arena, the facility promises to become a vibrant hub for community engagement, sports competitions, and youth development. The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of Mr. Saptesh Sardesai, CEO of Vedanta VAB, Shri Gopal Surlakar, Zilla Panchayat Member (Pale), Shri Sagar Kamlakant Fadte, Sarpanch, V.P Amona, panchayat members, community leaders, and enthusiastic locals. The event culminated in a friendly football match where CM Dr. Pramod Sawant himself took to the field, encouraging youth to utilise the facility.

Expressing gratitude, Dr. Pramod Sawant lauded Vedanta’s commitment to community welfare. “The long-standing wish of Amona’s youth has now been fulfilled. I appreciate Vedanta’s consistent efforts in infrastructure and skill development. This facility will play a vital role in promoting fitness and sports culture in the region,” he said.

Mr. Saptesh Sardesai emphasized the importance of physical fitness and leadership among the youth. “This turf ground is more than just infrastructure. It’s an investment in the future of our youth — promoting teamwork, health, and active lifestyles.”

This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s Fit India Movement and showcases Vedanta’s philosophy of #TransformingCommunities through impactful CSR projects that bring long-term value and progress to local communities.

Social

MoS Shri Shripad Naik Inaugurates IREDA’s 45 kW Solar Project Powering Goa’s Water Supply

Tanisha Cardozo

On 5th October 2025, Shri Shripad Naik, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, inaugurated a 45 kW On-Grid Solar Power System at a water pumping station in North Goa. The project has been implemented as part of IREDA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to promote sustainable and clean energy in public infrastructure.

The solar power system is expected to generate approximately 60,000 units of electricity annually, ensuring 100% solarization of the pumping station’s load. This initiative not only enhances energy efficiency but also sets a benchmark for renewable integration into essential public utilities like water distribution.

In a message, Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director of IREDA, emphasized that the project reflects the organization’s dedication to extending its clean energy vision beyond financial support into direct community impact. He noted that solarizing public services such as water pumping stations can serve as a scalable and replicable model for India’s broader sustainable energy transition.

The inauguration event was attended by key representatives from IREDA’s CSR team, the Goa Drinking Water Department, and local authorities, underscoring a collaborative effort toward building a greener future for India. This development is yet another step in aligning with the country’s commitment to achieving its renewable energy goals and promoting energy equity across all sectors.