Goa Khabar : The Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), the social impact arm of Vedanta Limited, has announced its impactful social initiatives for FY2023-24, contributing ₹437 crore to transform the lives of over 1.73 crore individuals across India. The Foundation’s annual Social Impact Compendium, titled “Nurturing, Transforming, Leading: India’s Growth Story”, showcases its 153 high-impact social projects, which spanned over 1,200 villages and focused on key areas including education, healthcare, women and child development, skilling and livelihood, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.
Vedanta Sesa Goa, a prominent Indian iron ore miner that has expanded into pig iron, coke, and clean energy production with operations across Goa, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Odisha. Vedanta Sesa Goa transformed 60,000 lives through initiatives spanning youth skilling, sustainable livelihood, healthcare, sports, etc.
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Ltd. and Non-Executive Director of Vedanta Ltd, emphasized the Foundation’s holistic approach to community development, “At Vedanta, our core philosophy of Artha (the value we create) and Dharma (the value we give back) guides our commitment to empowering communities. Every initiative we undertake—from child nutrition and healthcare to skills development & livelihood to sports promotion, cultural preservation and more—aligns with our vision of an empowered, inclusive India.”
In the field of animal welfare, AAF’s The Animal Care Organization (TACO) extended its impact by providing care to over 1.48 lakh animals in multiple states across India. In Goa, TACO partnered with the Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) to boost animal welfare efforts through Animal Birth Control (ABC) program, orthopedic training for veterinarians, awareness sessions for school children, and a free OPD camp. This initiative promotes compassionate animal care and fosters community involvement.
The Foundation’s sports initiatives also celebrated significant achievements. In Goa, the Sesa Football Academy (SFA) plays a crucial role in developing young athletes, offering comprehensive coaching and world-class amenities. Established in 1998, SFA has trained over 230 footballers till date, with 11 SFA graduates representing the Indian National Team and other players in the prestigious I-League clubs, contributing significantly to Goa’s vibrant football culture. The academy also promotes women’s participation in the sport with 140+ women footballers participating in the 7th Vedanta Women’s League.
A notable case of the academy’s success is Shridharnath Gawas, who joined the Sesa Football Academy as a young 14-year-old and quickly showcased his immense talent and dedication. Over four years, he advanced from the U-15 to the U-18 teams, eventually earning a promotion to the SFA Senior Team and competing in the Goa Professional League. In 2022, Shridharnath played a pivotal role in SFA’s historic victory in the Goa Police Cup. The 2023-2024 season was a breakthrough, with him helping the team finish as runners-up in the Goa Professional League, securing a spot in the I-League Division III and a place in the Goa State Santosh Trophy Team. As the captain for the 2024-25 season, Shridharnath exemplifies resilience and leadership, embodying the academy’s mission of nurturing young talent.
Sesa Goa focuses on uplifting socio-economic conditions through youth skilling programs at the Sesa Technical School (STS) and Vedanta Vocational Centres. STS which equips local youth with the skills, knowledge, and technical expertise needed to excel in trades such as Machinist, Fitter, Electrician, and Instrument Mechanic and more, provided 100% placement assistance, with 61 students successfully placed in various MNCs in FY 2024.
Sesa’s project Gram Nirmaan initiative enhances livelihood prospects, sanitation infrastructure, and access to clean drinking water, while the Aarogya program promotes health and well-being through mobile health services, Community Medical Centres (CMC) in Amona and Navelim, and awareness campaigns. Over 3,000 people benefitted from 13 special health camps, which offered specialised medical care and screenings. By empowering women and fostering community ownership through partnerships with NGOs and government bodies, Vedanta Sesa Goa ensures a holistic and sustainable impact in its operational areas. Through its programmes, 11 Micro Enterprises with women and SHGs in Amona, Navelim, and Maina villages generated an extra income of ₹10,23,064.
Anil Agarwal Foundation’s flagship women & child project Nand Ghar reported a network of 6,044 upgraded and modern Anganwadis centres across 14 states which includes 23 in Goa.Nand Ghars across India lend support to 238,161 children and 178,620 women with essential services like early childhood education, nutrition, healthcare, and skill development for women.
Vedanta Ltd., one of the world’s leading players in critical minerals, energy, and technology, continues to make a tangible social impact through its 19 subsidiaries, with an operational presence in multiple states across India. The company has committed to a ₹5,000 crore investment over the next five years to deepen its CSR initiatives and strengthen its focus on creating a sustainable, inclusive future.
Key Statistics of AAF’s Social Impact in FY2023-24:
- ₹437 crore invested in over 153 social projects across India
- Benefited 1.73 crore individuals in 1,200+ villages
- Supported 6,044 Nand Ghars, impacting 238,161 children and 178,620 women
- Benefitted 1.48 lakh animals through its animal welfare projects
- Contributed to the success of over 140 women footballers; won 11 national level medals at the 13th All India Karate Championship 2024
- Supported 17 lakh individuals through healthcare initiatives
- Improved community infrastructure for 5.22 lakh people
Key Highlights of Vedanta Sesa Goa’s CSR Projects in Goa:
- Established 23 Nand Ghars providing essential community services
- TACO partnered with Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) for comprehensive animal welfare initiatives including ABC program and orthopedic training for veterinarians.
- Sesa Football Academy (SFA) trained over 230 footballers, enhancing Goa’s football culture
- 11 SFA graduates represented the Indian National Team
- The Sesa Technical School provided 100% placement assistance to trained youth
- 7,195 farmers across Goa and Karnataka adopted sustainable and advanced agricultural methods like bio-fertilisers, crop rotation, and solar insect traps under Gram Nirmaan project.
