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Vedanta Sesa Goa Empowers Para-Athlete Sakshi Kale Ahead of World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 in Paris


Panaji, Goa | May 26, 2025
In a heartwarming and empowering event held at Sesa Ghor, Vedanta Sesa Goa extended its strong support to Goa’s rising para-athletics star Ms. Sakshi Kale, congratulating her on her selection to represent India at the prestigious World Para Athletics Grand Prix (WPAGP) 2025 in Paris. The interaction was led by Mr. Navin Jaju, CEO of Vedanta Sesa Goa, who lauded Sakshi’s achievements and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent under its #IronLadies25 initiative.

Sakshi, a Khelo India Gold Medalist and international silver medalist, has become a beacon of hope and inspiration, especially for the differently-abled community in Goa. Her remarkable performances — Gold at the 2nd Khelo India Para National and Silver at the WPAGP 2025 – Delhi in the 100m sprint — paved the way for her inclusion in the Indian contingent heading to Paris. She is the only Goan selected among 23 athletes representing the country, and will compete in the 400m and 1500m events.

During the interaction, Mr. Navin Jaju praised Sakshi’s determination and expressed pride in her achievements:

“I wish Ms. Sakshi Kale the very best for the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025. She is a role model and an #IronLady who inspires us with her spirit and enthusiasm. At Vedanta Sesa Goa, we are extremely proud of her selection. Supporting her through our #IronLadies25 initiative aligns with our mission to bridge the gap between opportunity and aspiration,” he said.

The event also saw the presence of Mr. Sudesh Thakur, Secretary of the Goa Paralympic Association, who acknowledged Sakshi’s potential and Vedanta’s continued support for sports:

“We are confident in Sakshi’s ability to perform at the highest level. Her dedication is commendable, and we thank Vedanta Sesa Goa for backing her. Their efforts in sports development through the Sesa Football Academy and other initiatives are exemplary.”

A resident of Usgao, Goa, and student of GCASC, Khandola, Ms. Sakshi Kale has overcome visual impairment to become a powerhouse in para-athletics. She has made consistent appearances in both junior and senior national championships and is known for her performance in middle-distance runs.

Expressing her gratitude, Sakshi said:

“Representing India at the international level is a dream come true. I thank the Government of India, the Goa Paralympic Association, and especially Vedanta Sesa Goa for their unwavering support. Their encouragement has strengthened my resolve to train harder and bring glory to the nation.”

Vedanta Sesa Goa has long championed the cause of sports development and inclusion. The Sesa Football Academy (SFA) and Vedanta Women’s League (VWL) have nurtured young talent across Goa, while the Vedanta Ultimate Badminton League has further expanded the state’s sporting horizon. The company actively supports marathons, cricket tournaments, and community events, promoting physical fitness and youth engagement.

The recent victory of the SFA Senior Women’s Team in the 8th edition of the VWL is a testament to Vedanta’s vision of creating a holistic and inclusive sports ecosystem.

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Wheelchair Warrior Dr. Sai Kaustuv Dashgupta and Family Honoured at Prestigious Global Book of Excellence Award 2025 in Goa


In a landmark moment that brought pride to the nation, Dr. Sai Kaustuv Dasgupta , India’s first differently-abled Certified Happiness Coach, was bestowed with the prestigious Global Excellence Award 2025 and crowned Global Icon of Inspiration 2025 by the Global Book of Excellence, England (GBE). The star-studded ceremony, held at The Fern Hotels & Resorts, Goa, recognized trailblazers from across the globe. Dr. Sai’s outstanding contribution to disability inclusion, accessibility, happiness and mental wellness earned him this global honour, standing as a powerful symbol of resilience, transformation, and limitless potential.

Adding a deeply emotional layer to this moment, his mother Dr Shila Dasgupta , a renowned Numerologist, Special Children Counsellor and Stress-Free Life Coach, and younger brother Dr. Kushaal Dasgupta , a Guinness World Record-holding filmmaker and visual designer, were also honoured with Global Excellence Awards for their respective contributions in community. This rare feat of three family members receiving international acclaim together touched hearts across the audience — a true story of unity, perseverance, and excellence that’s now inspiring the world. The event echoed with pride as this trio redefined what it means to turn personal challenges into powerful platforms of change.

Dr. Sai Kaustuv , a 90% disabled National Awardee, TEDx Global Speaker, UN-recognized disability youth leader and founder of Happiness Unlimited, has touched millions through his inspiring journey, song and creative excellence. Dr. Kushaal, a media and design prodigy, has led groundbreaking visual campaigns, shortfilms that inspire inclusivity and youth empowerment, while Dr. Shila ’s transition from a homemaker to a world record-holding life coach is a shining beacon of courage for women and parents of specially-abled children. Together, their impact spans continents and causes — proving that when passion meets purpose, greatness follows.

The awards were presented by Dr. Manish Kumar , President of the Global Book of Excellence, alongside notable film and television personalities including Himani Shivpuri, Karan Mehra, Sachin Parikh, Susheel Parashar, Hanif Aslam, Akshita Mudgal, Nikhlesh Rathore, Varunn Jain, Rupali Sharma and other distinguished guests. The event was not just a celebration of achievement but a declaration of hope, inclusion, and human potential.