Tag: Vedanta Sesa Goa

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

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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.

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

Tanisha Cardozo

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.

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Powering Futures: Vedanta Honours Bicholim Scholars at ‘Utkarsh’ Event

Tanisha Cardozo

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.

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Vedanta Sesa Goa Conducts ‘Raktadaan Abhiyaan’, Donates ~150 Units of Blood Across Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Vedanta Sesa Goa, in collaboration with Goa Medical College, Bambolim, successfully organised blood donation drives across various locations in Goa as part of its ‘Raktadaan Abhiyaan’ initiative. Conducted under the company’s CSR programme Project Aarogya, the initiative brought together employees, business partners and students of Sesa Technical School, resulting in the collection of approximately 150 units of blood.

The donation camps were organised at Amona, Sankhli and Bicholim, witnessing enthusiastic participation from volunteers who came forward to contribute to this life-saving cause. The initiative reflects Vedanta Sesa Goa’s continued commitment to community welfare through active volunteerism and healthcare support.

According to Government of India data, the country requires nearly 14.6 million units of blood annually, with over 70 per cent of the requirement fulfilled through voluntary donations. In line with this national need, Vedanta Sesa Goa has organised over 35 blood donation camps between 2023 and 2025, contributing close to 2,000 units of blood across states.

Expressing his thoughts, Navin Jaju, CEO of Vedanta Sesa Goa, said it was a matter of immense pride to see employees, business partners and students stepping up for the noble act of blood donation. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to giving back meaningfully to the communities it operates in, highlighting the milestone of over 2,000 units donated since 2023.

Representing the medical fraternity, Dr Sanjay from Goa Medical College appreciated the collaboration and thanked the volunteers for making the initiative a success. He noted that Vedanta Sesa Goa’s efforts play an important role in addressing critical healthcare needs while strengthening community engagement.

Beyond blood collection, the camps also served as awareness platforms on HIV-AIDS and the importance of voluntary blood donation. Through Project Aarogya, Vedanta Sesa Goa has positively impacted more than 82,000 lives in FY 2024 and FY 2025 through initiatives such as multispecialty mega health camps, mobile health units, health awareness sessions and medical equipment distribution, reinforcing its holistic approach to community healthcare and wellbeing.

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Vedanta Sesa Goa Inaugurates 42nd Annual Mines Safety Week at Bicholim Mines

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Vedanta Sesa Goa Iron Ore Goa (IOG) inaugurated the 42nd Annual Mines Safety Week 2025–26 at Block 1 of its Bicholim Mines under the aegis of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Goa Region, and the Mines Safety & Productivity Council (MSPC). The week-long observance will focus on reinforcing safety measures, regulatory compliance and behavioural safety across mining operations, in line with the company’s ‘Safety is Us’ philosophy.

The opening ceremony was attended by senior officials from DGMS and MSPC, with Mr. Ramesh Walikar, Director of Mines Safety, West Zone, Goa Region, gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, and Mr. Deepak Chandramukhi, Deputy Director of Mines Safety, West Zone, as Guest of Honour. Other dignitaries present included Mr. Dhiraj Kumar Jagdish, Vice President, Mines Safety & Productivity Council and Nominated Owner of Bicholim Mine; Mr. Sandeep Morajkar, Secretary, Mines Safety & Productivity Council; and Mr. Santosh Mandrekar, Agent, Bicholim Mines.

The programme commenced with a ceremonial flag hoisting followed by a safety oath-taking ceremony, symbolising the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in ensuring a safe and secure working environment. The proceedings continued with Deep Prajwalan and the National Anthem, formally marking the inauguration of Mines Safety Week.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ramesh Walikar emphasised the importance of Mines Safety Week as a key platform to reinforce safe mining practices and regulatory awareness. He noted that the regional observance would see participation from over 50 mines across Sindhudurg, Goa, Kolhapur and Ratnagiri, covering iron ore, silica and bauxite mines as well as stone quarries. He highlighted that sustained safety performance depends on strong leadership, strict adherence to statutory provisions, continuous capacity building and the active involvement of every individual working in the mining ecosystem. He also underscored the need for focused awareness on new labour codes to ensure compliance and safeguard workforce welfare.

Mr. Deepak Chandramukhi, Deputy Director of Mines Safety, highlighted the dynamic nature of mining safety and the importance of continuous vigilance. He stated that proactive hazard identification, timely corrective actions and consistent compliance with safety standards are essential to achieving zero harm, and that initiatives like Mines Safety Week play a crucial role in embedding safe work practices at all levels.

Speaking on behalf of Vedanta Sesa Goa, Mr. Dhiraj Kumar Jagdish reiterated the company’s unwavering commitment to safety. He said that safety is deeply embedded in Vedanta’s operational philosophy and decision-making processes, and that the ‘Safety is Us’ approach reflects the belief that safety begins with individual responsibility and is strengthened through collective ownership. Through Mines Safety Week, the company aims to further promote behavioural safety and ensure that every employee returns home safely at the end of each working day.

A key highlight of the inauguration was the flagging off of the Safety Publicity and Propaganda Vehicle, an outreach initiative designed to extend safety awareness beyond mine premises. The vehicle will travel across mining clusters and surrounding areas during the week, disseminating critical safety messages through audio-visual aids, posters and interactive communication. The initiative aims to reach employees, contract workers and local stakeholders, reinforcing statutory safety practices and encouraging safe behaviour across the wider mining ecosystem.

The ceremony concluded with a plantation drive undertaken by the dignitaries, reflecting Vedanta Sesa Goa’s integrated approach to safety, sustainability and responsible mining. The 42nd Annual Mines Safety Week 2025–26 will feature a series of safety awareness programmes, training sessions and employee engagement initiatives aimed at strengthening safe work practices and promoting a culture of zero harm across the company’s mining operations.