Community programs, sports tournaments, SHG empowerment sessions, and cultural activities marked the celebrations
Bhubaneswar, March 10, 2026: ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) celebrated International Women’s Day with great enthusiasm across its operational locations in Odisha. This year’s celebrations were aligned with the the global theme ‘Give to Gain’, emphasizing the spirit of empowering women at the grassroots level. The events witnessed active participation from more than 1,000 women including, SHGs, students, and members of the local community.
At Paradeep, in the celebrations organised in the Nuagarh Gram Panchayat, women from nearby villages participated in debate, quiz, and singing competitions, with winners felicitated for their talents. Representatives from Self-Help Groups (SHGs), village health workers, Anganwadi supervisors, and sanitation workers joined the program. Five SHGs, namely Jagruti, Kohinoor, Jay Sreeram, Nilamadhab, and Padma Variety Producer Groups, were recognised for their outstanding contributions to women’s development. Distinguished guests including Shri Debendra Rout, Sarpanch, Nuagarh, Smt. Golaprani Sahoo, eminent writer and social worker, Captain Amit Kumar, Pilot, Paradeep Port Authority, and Sarita Sahoo, Master Bookkeeper (MBK), Nuagarh, graced the occasion and shared their insights on women empowerment.
At Thakurani, an interschool football tournament was organised by AM/NS India between Saheed Ratan Pradhan School, Barbil and Dalki Upper Primary School, Barbil to encourage sports participation among girls. The match was played with great enthusiasm, with Dalki UP School emerging victorious by 1-0. Individual awards were presented to outstanding players including Ankita Purty (best player), Heena Das (best goalkeeper), Surti Munda (best defender), Alia Parween (best scorer), and Santoshi Lohar (best midfielder). The event was graced by Shri Debendra Nath Pingua, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Barbil, along with other dignitaries, who emphasized the importance of empowering young girls through education and sports.
At Dabuna, a dedicated CSR program was organised for SHGs of Katupali, Purunadihi, and Dabuna villages. The event served as a platform to evaluate ongoing livelihood activities and explore new pathways for economic empowerment. Discussions on entrepreneurship, skill development, and emerging business opportunities fostered renewed enthusiasm among members to scale their enterprises, reinforcing the power of collective action in achieving financial independence.
At Sagasahi, celebrations at Bhanjapali brought together over 100 women and girls from the local community. The event featured spirited games and a vibrant Rangoli competition, with winners felicitated for their creativity. Smt. Rani Lohar, Sarpanch of Kasira gram panchayat, delivered an inspiring address on women’s leadership and active community involvement.
AM/NS India reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating women’s empowerment through these diverse initiatives across its operational locations in Odisha.
