Bhubaneswar : Hindalco Industries Limited, the metals flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, has taken a number of initiatives to foster better learning at Hirakud in Sambalpur district.
During FY 2025-26, the company undertook a series of targeted interventions aimed at supporting students from underserved communities by enhancing school infrastructure, providing essential learning resources, and promoting inclusive education.
As part of these endeavours, Hindalco distributed books, notebooks, and school kits to more than 5,100 students across 23 schools. The company also supplied over 230 dual-desk benches to 13 schools, which benefitted nearly 2,500 students. This substantially improved classroom infrastructure and the overall learning environment.
Highlighting the impact of these efforts, the Block Education Officer (BEO) Dhankauda- Mr. Karan Sharma said, “Support of this scale — reaching over 5000 students and strengthening infrastructure across 23 schools by developing digital classrooms under Project Anwesha, where Odisha Board-approved course material has been provided to address teacher shortages, has significantly improved the overall learning environment and increased student participation in rural areas. Furthermore, first-aid kits have been provided in all schools in Hirakud. An e-library has also been established as a unique initiative. Under the Government Convergence Scheme and earlier under MO School, boundary walls have been constructed in two schools and an additional classroom in one school. Apart from this, three new classrooms, toilets, and school upgradation work has been completed. Scholarships have also been awarded to 10 students this year.”
Mr Sharma further added, “To provide a platform for students to showcase their talent, Hindalco has supported Suravi, the Government of Odisha’s talent hunt programme, as well as annual sports activities. Children’s Day is celebrated every year by inviting students from nearby schools to participate, interact, and exchange ideas, with more than 300 students taking part annually. Through awareness sessions for adolescent girls and fire safety training, over 2,000 students have been reached.”
In yet another major initiative, two buses have been deployed to provide transportation facilities to students of Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya. Responding to requests from students and parents, Hindalco has also launched foundation-level coaching for Class VIII, IX, and X students in both Odia and English medium schools, which will be valued by more than 300 students.
Commenting on the initiatives, Mr Kailash Pandey, the Head of Hindalco Hirakud Cluster and the Mining Business Head said, “Education is the most powerful catalyst for social transformation. At Hindalco, we are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for every child by strengthening school infrastructure, enhancing access to quality learning resources, and nurturing talent at the grassroots. By supporting more than 5,000 students and improving facilities for nearly 3,900 learners, we are working to reduce educational disparities and create equal opportunities for students in Hirakud. We will continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure that every child enjoys the benefit of education.
Sharing his experience, a student beneficiary Partha Sarathi Tripathy said, “The improved learning environment and access to quality study materials have significantly enhanced our ability to learn and stay engaged in school.”
Through its focused, community-centric approach, Hindalco continues to strengthen the education ecosystem in Hirakud. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), the company remains committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable development in the region. Mrs. Rajashreeji Birla believes in Nelson Mandela, who said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
As a responsible corporate citizen and driven by the constant motivation to give back to society, in Odisha, the Aditya Birla Group reaches out to more than 5 lakhs people touching over 2 lakh lives in 128 villages. The Group’s CSR is conducted under the aegis of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development chaired by Mrs. Rajashree Birla. The Group’s vision is to actively contribute to the social and economic development of the communities in which we operate. In doing so, build a better, sustainable way of life for the weaker sections of society. And raise the country’s human development index. The Group’s CSR vision is aligned with UNSDG goals to eliminate poverty and ensure freedom from hunger.
