The company supported over 32 artisans in completing acomprehensive six-month training, helping preserve a traditional craft while creating new livelihood opportunities
Jharsuguda, Odisha; 5thOctober 2026:Rooted in the cultural fabric of Odisha, Sabai grass weaving has supported rural livelihoods for decades. As consumer demand grows for handcrafted, sustainable products, exploring newinnovations could help traditional artisans access additional economic opportunities. Recognizing this opportunity, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has supported 32 artisans in Jharsuguda through a six-month Foundational Sabai Grass Craft Training Programme at the Kumudapali Sabai Training Centre.
Sabai grass, a versatile natural fiber, can be woven by hand into a variety of eco-friendly products, including baskets, utility items, home décor pieces and lifestyle accessories. The craft reflects the skill and patience of artisans who transform a simple natural resource into unique products that are both functional and aesthetically appealing. Beyond supporting livelihoods, Sabai craft remains an important part of the state’s cultural landscape, reflecting the knowledge, creativity and craftsmanship of rural artisan communities.
Speaking on the initiative, CChandru, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium – Jharsuguda, said, “Traditional crafts are an integral part of Odisha’s cultural heritage and hold significant potential for creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural communities. By strengthening artisanal skills and improving access to markets, we can help traditional craft forms remain relevant in an evolving economy. Through our VedKala initiative, we are committed to preserving local craft traditions while enabling artisans to build sustainable livelihoods.”
The training programme was undertaken under the aegis of Project VedKala, Vedanta Aluminium’s community development initiative aimed at preserving traditional crafts and strengthening rural livelihoods. Engaging more than 175 artisans across Sabai grass craft, bamboo craft and Saura art in Jharsuguda, the initiative combines skill development, product enhancement and market access to help artisans expand their livelihood opportunities while keeping local art traditions alive.
Meena Ping from Kumudapali Village,one of theSabai Grass participantsin the training programme, said, “Sabai weaving has been part of our lives for generations, and this training has helped us further enhance the skills passed down to us. Along with learning new techniques and designs, we gained a better understanding of how our products can reach a wider market. This has given us confidence to continue the craft with renewed purpose and explore new opportunities to support our families through our work.”
During the Programme, Sarmistha Paricha, Block Programme Coordinator (BPC), Jharsuguda Block, Odisha Livelihoods Mission added,“The future of Sabai craft lies not only in preserving traditional skills but also in strengthening the entire value chain, from raw material availability to market access. By promoting Sabai grass cultivation and creating opportunities to showcase local products, we can help artisans build sustainable livelihoods while keeping this rich tradition alive.”
Vedanta Aluminium continues to drive inclusive development in Jharsuguda through initiatives focused on livelihoods, education, healthcare, agriculture, entrepreneurship and cultural preservation. Through its wide-ranging community development programmes,Vedanta Aluminium is positively impacting over 10 lakh people across Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
