Social

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.

National

Vice-President Of India Releases Commemorative Postage Stamp Honouring Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral National Desk

The Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today released a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II, also known as Suvaran Maran, at the Vice-President’s Enclave in New Delhi. The release marked an important step in recognising the contributions of historically significant Tamil rulers who have shaped India’s cultural and political heritage.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President appreciated the Government of India under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for its sustained efforts in promoting Tamil culture and language. He highlighted initiatives such as the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and the broader focus on acknowledging Tamil kings, leaders and freedom fighters who had not received due recognition in the past.

Shri Radhakrishnan noted that the commemorative postage stamp honouring Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II forms part of this ongoing process of cultural recognition. He emphasised that acknowledging unsung heroes is vital to restoring national pride and strengthening India’s civilisational consciousness as the country moves forward on its journey towards Viksit Bharat.

The occasion was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Hon’ble Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh, and Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. L. Murugan. Their presence underscored the significance of the event and the collective commitment to celebrating India’s diverse historical legacy.

The release of the commemorative postage stamp stands as a tribute to Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II and serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of preserving and honouring India’s rich cultural and historical narratives.

Human Interest

Sudarsan Pattnaik Pays Artistic Tribute to PM Modi on His 75th Birthday at Puri Beach


Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) honored Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday with a magnificent sand sculpture at Puri Beach, Odisha, complemented by an installation of 750 lotus flowers.

Titled “Bharat Ki Udaan, Modi Ke Saath”, the artwork symbolizes India’s aspirations for unity, growth, and global leadership under PM Modi’s guidance. The installation celebrates the country’s progress over the past decade, highlighting achievements in infrastructure, digital innovation, healthcare, renewable energy, defence, and space.

From landmark projects like Chandrayaan-3 and Digital India, to flagship welfare schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala, and Jan Dhan, along with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local, the sand sculpture reflects India’s rising confidence and determination.

Crafted using approximately 6 tons of sand, the 5-foot-high sculpture of PM Modi is accompanied by 750 intricately arranged lotus flowers, each representing a year of service, leadership, and dedication. Students from Pattnaik’s Sand Art Institute participated in completing the installation, demonstrating teamwork, seva, and creativity.

Commenting on the tribute, Pattnaik said:

“I wish Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji a very happy 75th birthday and pray for his continued service to the nation.”

A globally acclaimed artist, Sudarsan Pattnaik has represented India in over 65 international sand art championships and festivals, winning numerous awards and bringing global recognition to Indian sand art. Beyond celebratory installations, Pattnaik’s works have addressed important issues such as HIV/AIDS, climate change, COVID-19, plastic pollution, and peacebuilding, showcasing the power of art as a medium for awareness and change.

This installation at Puri Beach is not only a tribute to a leader but also a testament to India’s artistic excellence and the enduring impact of cultural expression in celebrating national achievements.

Business

India-UK Free Trade Agreement Marks a Major Leap for ‘Make in India’, Says TVS Motor


New Delhi / London, July 24, 2025 — The recently signed India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK, has been met with enthusiastic support from India’s industrial sector. Among the most prominent endorsements came from TVS Motor Company, which hailed the FTA as a “pivotal moment” in India’s rise as a global manufacturing powerhouse.

The agreement is expected to double bilateral trade from the current USD 60 billion to USD 120 billion by 2030, marking a major win under the Government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Viksit Bharat’ visions.

📣 TVS Motor Responds with Optimism

Speaking on the development, Mr. Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director of TVS Motor Company, said:

“We are deeply inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat and his unwavering commitment to making India a global manufacturing and design powerhouse. The signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement is a pivotal moment — it opens new frontiers for Indian companies to take ‘Make in India’ to the world.”

“We are particularly excited given the launch of new Norton vehicles this year, which will benefit from the strengthening of trade links between India and the UK. It energises our global ambitions and strengthens our resolve to build world-class products and brands.”


🏍️ Norton Motorcycles: A Strategic Fit

TVS Motor acquired the iconic British motorcycle brand Norton in 2020, and the FTA now gives the company a clear competitive edge in the UK and European markets. With the launch of next-gen Norton models planned for later this year, TVS expects both manufacturing synergy and brand resonance in a post-FTA trade environment.


🌍 A Bigger Platform for Indian Innovation

The India-UK FTA is more than a trade agreement. It reflects a broader strategy to:

  • Encourage exports of Indian-engineered products
  • Boost bilateral investments
  • Strengthen design and R&D collaboration
  • Enhance supply chain efficiency

For companies like TVS Motor, it sets the stage for deeper integration with global markets while showcasing Indian excellence on the world stage.


📖 Stay updated on trade, policy, and business news at allycaral.com

Social

From Aspiration to Achievement: Over 1 lac+ Youth Skilled by Sesa Goa


As India gears up to achieve its economic aim of being a $7 trillion economy by 2030, the manufacturing sector is identified as a key enabler for achieving this aim. The National Policy on Skill Development envisages skilling of over 500 million individuals to meet the demands of India’s growing economy. Due to the sustained efforts of multiple agencies employability among Indian graduates has increased by 7% this year, reaching 54.81% in 2025, up from 51.25% last year, reveals Wheebox ETS India Skills Report 2025, in collaboration with CII, Taggd, AICTE, and AIU.

With around 65% of the population >35 years, India Skills Report identifies the age group of 22-25 with the highest employability and in order to maximise this potential, skilling targets need to be met integrating the programmes being instituted by corporate or private entities. Prioritising youth skilling, Vedanta Sesa Goa has rolled out several initiatives in diverse streams such technical, digital, sports and entrepreneurial skills, leading to over 1lac+ youth benefitting for the same progressively.

The Sesa Technical School (STS) in Goa, established in 1994, has helped create an industry-ready workforce.In its 31 years, the STS has achieved a near 100% placement record with over 2,000 technically qualified youth powering India’s economic surge. Specially curated courses for women trainees have also been commenced with the Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA) course building further on inclusivity aims. Scholarships are also extended to encourage & spur women participation.

The India Skills Report 2025 identifies that 50% of secondary and tertiary students are likely to benefit vocational training imparted to them. The STS has recently initiated short term vocational training courses, which are expected to create over 1000 skilled youth in three years.

Expressing his thoughts on the contribution of Sesa Goa in the field of skilling, Mr Navin Jaju, CEO, Sesa Goa said ‘’For a rapidly evolving and progressive India, a skilled workforce is essential to achieve the aims of #ViksitBharat. We,at Vedanta Sesa Goa, prioritise skilling of our youth through technical training, digital skilling, sports and vocational training as a key part of our core philosophy of ‘giving back’ meaningfully to the society. Our endeavours such as the Sesa Technical School, Sesa Football Academy, Vedanta Computer Centres and Labs and Vedanta Tailoring Centres have contributed to the skilling of over 1 lac youth since 2018.”

Mr Pradip Sarmokadam , Member Secretary Goa State Biodiversity Board & Chief Guest stated during a visit to the STS in Jun ’25 that “I would like to extend heartiest congratulations to STS & SFA for their contribution in shaping the futures of the youth from the villages & mining belt. I also compliment them for their efforts towards skilling the youth as upskilling is extremely important for building self-confidence”
As per Teuila Hampson, Chief People’s Officer, LinkedIn, by 2030 the skills needed to do work in India would have undergone a change by 64% with innovation , digital and AI-based skills driving the change. This necessitates that the digital divide is bridged and Sesa Goa with 8 Vedanta Computer Centres & 18 Vedanta Computer Labs has since 2018, ‘digitally’ enabled over 80000 students across locations. The emphasis on digital skilling recognises the decisive trends in skilling & aligns with the World Youth Skills Day 2025 with its theme – “Youth Skills for the Digital Era.”

Vedanta Sesa Goa’s focus on skilling extends to developing entrepreneurial and sporting skills.The Sesa Football Academy (SFA) in Goa has emerged as a powerful talent hub, with over 230+ graduates among whom are 11 who have donned India colours at the international level. The Vedanta Women’s League has had a massive impact on women’s football in Goa, with cumulatively over 1400 women players having found a platform to develop skills in the sport.

Aspects such as developing entrepreneurial skills as part of Project ‘Jeevika’ and mentoring youth through placement-linked skill training also form a vital part of Sesa Goa’s contribution to skilling.

A holistic approach to skilling will contribute to creating a powerful ecosystem of opportunity for India’s youth. Digital & AI fluency along with technical, vocational and other skills will ensure the fulfilling of the vision of a #ViksitBharat.