EduConnect

Vedanta Sesa Goa Champions Girl Child Empowerment and Education Through Student Engagement Initiatives


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Vedanta Sesa Goa, one of India’s most established mining companies with a seven-decade legacy in Goa, observed National Girl Child Day and the International Day of Education by conducting meaningful student-centric programmes at Shri Mahamaya High School, Maem. The initiative reflected the company’s continued focus on empowering girls and promoting holistic educational development among young learners.


As part of the engagement, students interacted with Ms. Simran Narvekar, a player from the Sesa Football Academy, who shared her personal journey in sports. Her story of perseverance and self-belief served as a source of motivation, especially for girl students, encouraging them to pursue their aspirations with confidence, resilience, and determination.

The session was followed by an interactive quiz competition, providing students with an opportunity to showcase their knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and enthusiasm for learning in a lively and engaging environment.

Speaking on the occasion, Navin Jaju, CEO of Vedanta Sesa Goa, said that the company remains committed to empowering the nation’s future through inclusive education, skills development, and equal opportunities. He highlighted initiatives such as Project Vriddhi, Vedanta Utkarsh Scholarships, the Sesa Technical School, and the Sesa Football Academy as key platforms enabling youth—especially young girls—to realise their potential and aspirations, while contributing to the vision of a developed India.

Suman Gaonkar, Principal of Shri Mahamaya High School, expressed her appreciation for the initiative, noting that the interaction with Ms. Narvekar was highly motivating for students, while the quiz encouraged active participation and critical thinking. She added that such engagements play a significant role in building confidence and supporting the overall growth of children.

In a parallel educational initiative, students and teachers from Holy Cross High School, Siolim–Bardez, visited the Sesa Technical School and the Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines. The exposure visit offered valuable insights into vocational and technical education pathways, along with sustainable mining and land reclamation practices, enriching the participants’ academic understanding.

Through continued engagement with schools and educational institutions, Vedanta Sesa Goa remains focused on fostering learning, inclusion, and youth empowerment. These initiatives underline the company’s commitment to creating enabling environments that encourage education, confidence, and positive social impact across communities.

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Bicholim Free Legal Aid Cell Organises Successful Jan Seva Camp at Sal Village Panchayat


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

The Bicholim Free Legal Aid Cell successfully organised a one-day “Jan Seva Camp” at the Village Panchayat Hall, Sal, Goa, providing a range of essential public services to local residents. The initiative witnessed active participation from the community, with over 80 residents availing benefits during the camp.


The camp offered assistance for several key services, including Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) registration, Aadhaar card correction, and ABHA card issuance. In addition, citizens received support for online residence certificates, divergence certificates, DDSSY card renewal, PAN card services, and drafting of affidavits, among others.

The programme was conducted under the guidance of Faculty In-charge, Assistant Professor Rhucha Garde, and coordinated efficiently by students-in-charge Miss Diya Deulkar and Miss Maithili Gawas. The camp also received support from Sarpanch Mrs. Neeta Raut, whose presence added to the smooth conduct of the event.

The Jan Seva Camp served as an effective platform to bring government schemes and legal assistance closer to the people, reaffirming the Free Legal Aid Cell’s commitment to community service and access to justice at the grassroots level.

EduConnect

Through Education and Inclusion, Vedanta Sesa Goa Reaffirms Commitment to Nation Building


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji, January 2026: On the twin occasions of National Girl Child Day and the International Day of Education, Vedanta Sesa Goa reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive growth through education, skills and empowerment initiatives aimed at building resilient communities and enabling nation building.



The company’s flagship CSR programme, Project Vriddhi, continues to be a cornerstone of its social impact initiatives, with a strong focus on promoting education in remote and underserved regions, particularly for the girl child. Through the Vedanta Utkarsh Scholarship, over 1,300 meritorious students have been supported since 2018 to pursue education from Class 10 through professional courses, with girls accounting for nearly 50 per cent of beneficiaries.

Several beneficiaries have witnessed life-changing outcomes through the programme. Leela Parab from Mulgao, Goa, was able to continue her B.Pharma degree despite personal loss, while Riya Dattaram Naik from Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, pursued her passion for fashion design. Lanchana M, a resident of remote Chitradurga, successfully followed her dream of studying computer engineering with the support of the Vedanta Utkarsh Scholarship.

Speaking on the occasion, Navin Jaju, CEO of Vedanta Sesa Goa, said the company remains committed to empowering the future through inclusive education and opportunity. He said initiatives such as Project Vriddhi, Vedanta Utkarsh Scholarships, the Sesa Technical School and the Sesa Football Academy reflect the organisation’s belief in investing meaningfully in communities to build a prosperous and inclusive future.

Vedanta Sesa Goa’s education-to-employment initiatives have also played a significant role in shaping livelihoods. The Sesa Technical School (STS), established in Sanquelim, Goa, in 1994, has trained over 2,000 youth in various technical trades, maintaining a near-100 per cent placement record. Girls are increasingly encouraged to enrol in technical courses at the institute, supported through scholarships. Alumni such as Chetan Salelkar, who went on to establish his own enterprise after graduating from the fitter trade, stand testimony to the programme’s long-term impact.

Digital inclusion forms another key pillar of Vedanta’s social interventions. Under the aegis of the Vedanta Foundation, seven computer centres and 19 school-based digital labs across Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka have empowered thousands by bridging the digital divide, including learners with visual impairments. Nearly 65 per cent of beneficiaries of these initiatives are girls and women.

Infrastructure support has further strengthened access to education. The Back-to-School initiative in Karnataka supports over 3,000 children annually by providing essential school kits, while more than 120 Anganwadis have been upgraded under the Nand Ghar initiative with smart kits, solar power and digital tools. Dedicated transport facilities in Karnataka and Odisha ensure safe access to education for children from remote locations.

Extending its commitment beyond academics, Vedanta Sesa Goa has also invested in sports development through the Sesa Football Academy. The academy has empowered girls from rural areas with structured training and competitive exposure, with its senior women’s team qualifying for the Indian Women’s League 2026. Players such as Aaroshi Govekar and Pearl Fernandes, who have earned national call-ups, exemplify how opportunity and mentorship can transform potential into achievement.

Together, these initiatives underline Vedanta Sesa Goa’s long-term vision of empowering girls and youth not merely as beneficiaries, but as agents of change. By strengthening access to education, skills, infrastructure and opportunity, the company continues to support the creation of confident individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to an inclusive and sustainable future.

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Vedanta Sesa Goa Empowers Over 1 Lakh Youth Through Skilling, Education and Sports


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

National Youth Day, celebrated every year on January 12, honours the potential of young minds to drive positive change. The theme for 2025, “Ignite the self, impact the world,” resonates strongly with Vedanta Sesa Goa’s sustained efforts in youth empowerment. Since 2018, the company has impacted over one lakh youth through initiatives spanning skilling, education, sports and digital learning.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Navin Jaju, CEO, Vedanta Sesa Goa, emphasised the organisation’s focus on enabling young minds through education and skill development. He highlighted that initiatives such as the Sesa Football Academy, Sesa Technical School, and digital education and scholarship programmes have played a critical role in building an empowered and enabled society, while contributing to the larger vision of a Viksit Bharat.

Among Vedanta Sesa Goa’s flagship initiatives is the Sesa Football Academy, which since 1999 has nurtured the footballing aspirations of over 8,000 players. More than 230 players have benefitted directly from its residential programme, with 14 players, including boys and girls, representing India at the international level. The Academy’s senior women’s team currently represents Goa at the Indian Women’s League, while the senior men’s team continues to perform strongly in the Goa Premier League.

Reflecting on this impact, Aaroshi Govekar, a player at the Sesa Football Academy and a recent selection for the Indian football team, described wearing the Indian jersey as a dream come true. She credited the Academy for providing not just training, but discipline, exposure and confidence to compete at the highest level.

Another cornerstone of Vedanta Sesa Goa’s youth development efforts is the Sesa Technical School, established in 1994. The institute has provided industry-ready technical training to over 2,000 youth, particularly from rural and mining belts of Goa. Affiliated with NCVT and ITI, the school offers courses across five trades and maintains a near 100 percent placement record, with graduates employed by leading organisations across sectors. Special focus is placed on encouraging girls through scholarships and dedicated training programmes.

Alumnus and entrepreneur Laxman Dalvi shared that the school gave him more than technical skills—it instilled confidence, discipline and direction, enabling him to build a self-reliant future.

Under Project Vriddhi, Vedanta Sesa Goa has also strengthened access to education and digital learning by establishing Vedanta Computer Centres and Labs across multiple states. Since 2018, these initiatives have benefitted over 80,000 students and youth, helping bridge the digital divide and build essential skills for the modern workforce.

Complementing these efforts is the Vedanta Utkarsh Scholarship Programme, which has supported over 1,300 students in pursuing higher education, with 50 percent of scholarships reserved for meritorious girls. Beneficiaries like Leela Parab from Mulgao credit the programme for helping them move closer to their aspirations and contribute positively to society.

Together, these initiatives embody the spirit of National Youth Day by equipping young people with skills, confidence and opportunities to shape their own futures. As Vedanta Sesa Goa continues its mission of transforming communities, youth empowerment remains at the heart of its journey toward inclusive and sustainable progress.

EduConnect

JCI Sanquelim Hosts JCSAT for 100 Students; Applauded by Local Educators


In a significant step toward promoting student aptitude and scholarship opportunities, JCI Sanquelim hosted the National Level JCSAT (JCI Scholarship and Aptitude Test) for 100 students from three prominent institutions: Progress High School Sankhali, Government Higher Secondary School Sankhali, and Government Higher Secondary School Valpoi.

The JCSAT aims to identify and encourage young minds through a structured aptitude test while also opening avenues for scholarships and further academic support. This impactful event reflects JCI India’s commitment to youth empowerment and education at the grassroots level.

The initiative received high praise from Shri Shrikrishna Naik, Principal of GHSS Sankhali and GHSS Valpoi, who commended JCI Sanquelim’s efforts in bringing such a valuable platform to rural and semi-urban students. Teacher Daya Tendulkar from Progress High School Sankhali also expressed gratitude, emphasizing how these opportunities create a positive shift in the academic motivation of students.

Such collaborations between educational institutions and civic organizations like JCI are crucial to nurturing talent and ensuring every student gets a fair chance at success.