Vedanta Ltd bags coveted CSR Innovative Project Award for Revival of Dhokra and Saura Art in Kalahandi

Lanjigarh: Vedanta Limited, Lanjigarh has been conferred with the most coveted CSR innovative project award for its community development initiative on ‘Revival of Dhokra and Saura Art’ in the region. In a glittering ceremony held at JW Marriott, Bangalore on 13th February, 2019, Vedanta Limited Lanjigarh was felicitated with the “Best CSR Innovative Project Award” at the CSR Summit & Awards 2019.

The sustainable initiative of the company focuses on patronizing the indigenous art forms and nurtures the creative potential of the rural artisans which remains unexplored with the mainstream world.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Rakesh Mohan, COO Vedanta Limited, Lanjigarh, said “We are committed to the sustainable well-being of people living in our vicinity. Our CSR initiatives on revival and promoting traditional art form focuses on identifying talents in the region and provide them a platform to reconnect with the learning process and help improve their standard of living. This award would not have been possible without the trust placed in us by the communities we work with and we thank them for this.”

Dhokra is an ancient folk-art tradition prevalent in India and the Dhokra craft objects are made through the process of non-ferrous metal casting using the lost-wax casting technique. Over 60 artisans in Kankeri village in Kalahandi district have been provided with tools and training from experts to make their products stellar and less time consuming.  The artisans have been facilitated with Government-artisan-ID cards, allowing them to exhibit their products in government exhibitions, folk fairs and market places. Inspired with the success, many artisan families who had left their home in their struggle for survival have returned and have started living with dignity pursuing their traditional profession.

Tribal Painting showcases the diminishing traditional art form – Saura, which is taught to the young local tribal girls. Training Programme is being conducted wherein over 30 local girls are learning the art form. The company is also supporting them explore various marketing platforms to display their products for commercial purposes to provide them with a sustainable livelihood.

CSR executives Ms. Suyashi Purwar and Ms. Anoushka Jha received the award on behalf of the company.  The event organized by UBS forums Bangalore was attended by distinguished gathering including various industry members and eminent personalities from the various fields. This annual CSR event provides a unique opportunity to the leaders and organizations with their operations in India, to talk and showcase the work being carried out in CSR domain and how it forms an integral part of the company’s contribution to society.

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