Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka renewed its commitment towards the people of Karnataka by commemorating the 68th Karnataka Rajyotsava with traditional grandeur at Meghalahalli Complex, Bheemasamudra. Over 1500 attendees gathered to mark the occasion including employees, staff, and business partners, along with the community members.
Chief Guest and Lamp Lighting Ceremony
R. Tarini Shubhadayini, Kannada poet & Asst. English Professor Govt Arts College, Chitradurga, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest for the event. The celebrations were kickstarted by the lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest along with Shrishaila Gouda, CEO – Iron Ore Karnataka, R. Pothilingam, CHRO Iron Ore Karnataka, Umapathi T. R. Union Leader, in presence of the union workmen and other dignitaries.
Emphasis on Kannada Language and Culture
On the occasion, R. Tarini spoke about the importance of speaking in the Kannada language and nurturing the culture of Karnataka. “It is extremely important for today’s youth and young adults to realise the significance of speaking in Kannada and carrying forward the Kannada culture, values, and traditions, wherever they go. The more we speak the language, the more it gets propagated within the society that we live in. Today, our state capital Bengaluru is recognized as an international city with significance because of the multi-cultural diversity, but it’s important to nurture the true Karnataka traditions and culture, at all times,” said R. Tarini at the event.
IOK’s Commitment to Local Communities
IOK reiterated its support for the local communities and pledged to work towards the upliftment of the surrounding 24 villages. On the whole, over 5000 farmers have benefitted from the Alternative Livelihood Opportunity Project (ALOP). The company has laid a strong foundation for the development of youth and women empowerment in local villages by establishing computer training centers and various other skills centers for unemployed youth and women of the Chitradurga district.
CEO’s Perspective on Community Engagement
Shrishaila Gouda, CEO – Iron Ore Karnataka, said: “Giving back to society is always at the heart of our business operations. We share a synergetic relationship with our local communities, who have been supporting us in every step. This celebration stands as a testament to the bond we share with our workforce and local communities, who are our extended family. Together, we are marching towards achieving new milestones in our transformational journey for the greater good of our communities.”
Union Leader’s Gratitude and Sense of Family
T R Umapathi, Union Leader & AITUC Karnataka State Vice President – said, “I would like to thank the management of Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka who has been supporting our livelihoods by providing employment and being invested in holistic development of the surrounding 24 villages. We consider every member of the company as our family and celebrating Karnataka Rajyotsava with them gives us immense joy. Vedanta never hesitates to go the extra mile to ensure the safety and prosperity of not only its workforce but also the communities around through its CSR initiatives like Nand Ghar, classrooms and sanitation blocks, skills centers for SHG women, etc.”
Vedanta’s High-Impact CSR Initiatives in Karnataka
Vedanta’s Iron Ore Karnataka has implemented various high-impact CSR initiatives in Karnataka, especially in the villages of Chitradurga such as Nand Ghar, medical infrastructure and equipment donations, alternative and sustainable livelihood opportunities to local farmers, tailoring centers for SHG women, Skill development centers for local youth, scholarship distribution, construction of classrooms and school compound walls, etc., for a holistic development of the state and its people. The measures instituted are in line with Vedanta’s philosophy of contributing to the welfare and prosperity of the communities it operates with and being a partner in nation-building.
