Tag: Vedanta Sesa Goa

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

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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.

Human Interest

NSS Students Join Vedanta Sesa Goa in Promoting Environmental Sustainability

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As part of its ongoing #IronWill4GreenerPlanet campaign, Vedanta Sesa Goa organized an educational visit to the Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines (SRM) for students of the National Service Scheme (NSS) from Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce (GCASC), Khandola, along with employees of the company. This visit aimed to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices & provided a valuable learning experience for all participants.

During the visit, the group explored the expanse of the SRM and discovered how an erstwhile while mine cluster has been sustainably reclaimed and converted into a verdant & lush ‘green-scape’ supporting endemic flora & fauna. The SRM today comprises the ‘Nakshatra Van’, a medicinal garden that combines the beauty of nature with the healing power of plants, and the ‘Charak Vatika’, another garden focused on traditional medicinal plants. The visiting group also familiarised themselves with the ‘Pisciculture Pond’, which promotes water conservation and sustainable fish farming, demonstrating Vedanta Sesa Goa’s commitment to eco-friendly agricultural practices. The students were particularly impressed by the ‘Bamboo Pavilion’, an eco-friendly structure built using sustainable materials, which highlights the company’s innovative approach to creating green, sustainable spaces.

The students were introduced to the Sesa Football Academy and Sesa Technical School, both established on the reclaimed land utilising the one time workshop and other built up area at the erstwhile mine cluster. As part of this initiative, the NSS students from GCASC have volunteered to become #SesaGreenWarriors, and will play an active role in spreading awareness about eco-conscious behaviors and sustainable practices within their communities around Goa.
The SRM was developed by Sesa Goa in the late 90s when no regulatory or statutory requirements existed for mine closure, today the SRM has emerged as a mode mine closure project having earned accolades at national & international level. Recently, Shri G Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for Coal & Mines, Govt of India, had visited the SRM and praised the effort having gone into the project, terming it as a role model for all mining companies.

Dr. Sapna, NSS In-Charge at GCASC, shared, “The visit to the Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines was an eye-opening experience for our students. It demonstrated how industry can contribute to environmental conservation and biodiversity restoration. By empowering our NSS students as #SesaGreenWarriors, we are equipping them with the knowledge and passion to drive positive change in their communities and inspire others to adopt sustainable practices.”

Mr Rajesh Kumar, Head ESG, Vedanta Sesa Goa, said, “The #IronWill4GreenerPlanet campaign is about more than just corporate responsibility; it’s about empowering the community to actively engage in the protection of our environment. By partnering with the GCASC NSS students and involving them in this transformative experience, we’re creating future leaders who will champion sustainability. The Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines is a testament to how industry and nature can work in harmony, and through initiatives like these, we reaffirm our commitment to environmental stewardship.”

Through such initiatives, Vedanta Sesa Goa continues to reinforce its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. The company’s efforts are part of a larger vision to contribute to Swayampurna Goa and #ViksitBharat, ensuring ecologically sustainable businesses are also economically viable. Vedanta Sesa Goa’s commitment to innovative mining practices, renewable energy, and community engagement highlights the company’s role in driving a greener future for Goa, India, and the world.

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Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble CM, Goa, Inaugurates Vedanta Sesa Goa’ Special Projects for the Youth of Goa

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In a significant step towards youth empowerment and community development, Dr Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble CM, Goa inaugurated the Atal Tinkering Lab at Govt. High School, Amona, & laid the foundation stone for an artificial football turf at the Village Panchayat Ground, Amona for the communities in Amona & adjoining areas. These special initiatives have been undertaken by Vedanta Sesa Goa – Value Added Business (VAB) in partnership with the Govt. High School, Amona & VP Amona. The initiative is aimed at promoting, skilling, sports & fitness among the youth of Goa & to provide them updated and modern facilities in various fields.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed enthusiastic participation from the local community and stakeholders. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, who highlighted the significance of holistic development for students through the integration of science, technology, and sports. He was accompanied by Mr. Saptesh Sardesai, CEO – VAB; Shri Sagar Fadte, Sarpanch, VP Amona; Shri Rohidas Kansekar, Sarpanch, V.P. Navelim; Shri Rama Naik, President, BJP Mandal, Sanquelim, Ms Leena Verenkar, Head CSR, Sesa Goa along with other company executives, representatives from the Amona Panchayat, and the school leadership team.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Pramod Sawant expressed his appreciation for Vedanta Sesa Goa’ proactive role in advancing education and sports at the grassroots level. “I extend my congratulations to Vedanta VAB for developing the Artificial Turf Football Ground for the Amona Gram Panchayat and establishing the Atal Tinkering Lab at Government High School, Amona. Vedanta VAB has consistently undertaken impactful initiatives for the welfare of Amona village and remains a strong supporter of the local community. These two projects are particularly valuable for the youth, aligning with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Clean India, Fit India, and Skill India.”

Mr. Saptesh Sardesai, CEO – VAB, said, “We at Sesa Goa Value Added Business are deeply committed to empowering communities, especially the youth, through sustainable and impactful initiatives. By establishing the ATL and the artificial football turf, we are ensuring that the youth of Goa have access to the best of the facilities. These efforts reflect our long-term vision of driving social transformation through education, skill development, and sports. Sesa Goa has been investing extensively in bringing up men’s and women’s football development in Goa. The SFA and the various football centres are focussed on developing the game and contributing to it. Taking forward the Vedanta philosophy of ‘giving back’ meaningfully, I am confident that these initiatives will serve the communities well & contribute to their holistic progress.”

The newly established Atal Tinkering Lab will be useful in fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation among school students. The artificial turf football ground, once completed, will feature floodlights & facilitate all weather games. The facility will serve as a platform for nurturing sporting talent & promoting physical fitness. The initiative is also aligned with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s visionary missions of Clean India, Fit India, and Skill India.

Vedanta Sesa Goa remains committed to the all-round development of the communities it operates in & to #TransformingCommunities through education, sports, and skill development, exemplifying the Company’s dedication to creating long-term, positive impact in Goa.

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Students at Amona, Bicholim Join Vedanta Sesa Goa’ Initiative for a ‘Greener’ Planet

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Aimed at inculcating sustainable and environment friendly habits & In a bid to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders, Vedanta Sesa Goa has launched its month-long #IronWill4GreenerPlanet campaign. The initiative will be pursued through awareness sessions about renewable energy, environmental sustainability, and eco-friendly practices. The campaign kicked off with interactive awareness sessions at Amona High School and Ideal High School, reaching over 270 students, helping them understand the importance of a sustainable future.

The inaugural sessions at Amona High School and Ideal High School, Piligao, reaching over 270 students, engaged students with interactive discussions on the importance of renewable energy, the role of solar and wind power in a sustainable future, and simple, actionable ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Students showed keen interest in understanding how sustainable behaviors—such as energy conservation, waste reduction, and eco-friendly transportation—can make a big difference. These students are now poised to act as #GreenWarriors, spreading the message of sustainability in their communities.

The #IronWill4GreenerPlanet campaign is aligned with the objectives of the government initiatives like Swayampurna Goa and Viksit Bharat, which focus on creating sustainable and self-reliant communities. Launched to coincide with the global observance of Earth Day 2025, the initiative will also witness college students partnering to spread the message of greater absorption of RE & EVs as also focus on encouraging communities to reduce plastic usage as well as usage of fossil fuels.By engaging students in schools and colleges, Vedanta Sesa Goa is aiming to bring to fore the innate abilities & potential of the youth in leading transformational changes.

Navin Jaju, CEO of Vedanta Sesa Goa, said, “At Sesa Goa, we are deeply committed to reducing our carbon footprint and driving sustainability across every aspect of our operations. From our Waste Heat Recovery Power Plant, which is 100% powered by sustainable energy, to our efforts in reducing emissions and promoting energy efficiency, we are taking decisive steps toward achieving ‘net zero’ by 2050. The #IronWill4GreenerPlanet campaign reflects our determination to lead by example and demonstrate that collective action, fueled by iron will, can drive meaningful environmental change. I encourage everyone to play their part in making small, impactful actions that together can create a brighter, greener future for generations to come.”

Ms. Sadhna, Headmistress Ideal Highschool said, “We are thankful to Vedanta Sesa Goa for conducting such an insightful and engaging awareness session with our students. The session on renewable energy and sustainable living has opened up new perspectives for our students on the importance of protecting our environment. It has not only educated them about the urgent need for adopting clean energy solutions but also inspired them to take responsibility for the planet’s future and lead by example in their communities.”

Vedanta Sesa Goa’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond education and awareness. The company is integrating sustainable practices across all aspects of its operations, from utilizing sustainable energy solutions in its daily operations to fostering eco-consciousness within local communities, Vedanta Sesa Goa is building the foundation for a more sustainable future. Through initiatives like #IronWill4GreenerPlanet, the company is not only contributing to a greener Goa and India but is also driving global progress toward a more sustainable and resilient planet. Vedanta Sesa Goa remains committed to Transforming Planet, ensuring that every step taken today leads to a cleaner, brighter tomorrow.

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Vedanta Sesa Goa Committed to Constructive Resolution of Issues Raised by Pilgao and Sarmanas Communities

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In connection with the recent disruption to ore transportation operations in the Sarmanas jetty area, Vedanta Sesa Goa reaffirms its longstanding commitment to responsible mining operations and constructive engagement with local communities.

Mining operations in the Bicholim region have been conducted for over four decades with land usage agreements in place with various entities, including local Devasthan committees and private landholders. Additionally, Vedanta Sesa Goa holds possession and valid rights over a significant portion of the operational land, which includes areas under tenancy. All supporting agreements and documentation remain in the company’s possession and have been maintained in accordance with applicable statutory requirements.

While these matters have historically been considered settled, Vedanta Sesa Goa has consistently responded to periodic representations from community members. In recent months, in spite of the settled settlements, fresh settlement terms have been initiated in consultation with the parties, under the facilitation of the Deputy Collector. As part of this process, approximately 50% of the affected farmers have formally consented to the agreed settlement terms recorded during these official meetings, with several already receiving settlement payments.

The current disruption has arisen from demands by a section of the affected parties seeking revised settlement terms. Vedanta Sesa Goa continues to actively engage with all concerned stakeholders to address these matters in a fair, transparent, and mutually agreeable manner.

Vedanta Sesa Goa reiterates that unplanned disruptions to transportation operations not only cause inconvenience to the local population but also results in avoidable losses to the state exchequer and adversely affects the livelihoods of mining dependents and allied businesses in the region.

The company urges all concerned parties to extend their cooperation and actively participate in the ongoing engagement processes to arrive at mutually acceptable solutions in the larger interest of the community and the state.

Vedanta Sesa Goa remains dedicated to operating as a responsible,environmentally conscious corporate citizen and contributing meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Goa through sustained, lawful, and community-driven practices.