1

NEWS CLIPPING Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication The Times of India Date 23rd July 2010 Edition Bhubaneswar Page 10

2

NEWS CLIPPING Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication The Economic Times Date 23rd July 2010 Edition Kolkata Page 12

3

NEWS CLIPPING Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication Business Standard Date 22nd July 2010 Edition Bhubaneswar Page 12

4

NEWS CLIPPING Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication The Telegraph Date 24th July 2010 Edition Bhubaneswar Page 8

5

NEWS CLIPPING Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication Business Standard Date 2nd July 2010 Edition Bhubaneswar Page 7, Accent East

6

NEWS CLIPPING Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication Pioneer Date 2nd July 2010 Edition Bhubaneswar Page 4, Nation

7

NEWS CLIPPING Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication The Statesman Date 1st July 2010 Edition Bhubaneswar Page 11, Orissa Plus

8

NEWS CLIPPING Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication The New Indian Express Date 13th July 2010 Edition Bhubaneswar Page 4

9

NEWS CLIPPING Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication The New Indian Express Date 14th July 2010 Edition Bhubaneswar Page 15, Sport

10

NEWS CLIPPING Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication The Pioneer Date 24th July 2010 Edition Bhubaneswar Page 3, State

11

NEWS CLIPPING Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication The Pioneer Date 22nd July 2010 Edition Bhubaneswar Page 3, State

12

NEWS CLIPPING Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication The Statesman Date 24th July 2010 Edition Bhubaneswar Page 14, Orissa Plus

13

NEWS CLIPPING Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication Dainik Jagran Date 22nd July 2010 Edition Sambalpur/ Bhubaneswar Page 12 Headline Vedanta donates ambulance to Police

SYNOPSIS: Vedanta Aluminium Ltd (VAL) has donated an ambulance to the Jharsuguda police in

view of the growing need of meeting emergencies in road accidents and facilitating incidental first

aid treatment to patients. The ambulance customized with state-of-the-art medical equipments was

ceremoniously handed over to Jharsuguda SP Kavita Jalan by VAL CEO Pramod Suri in the

presence of Collector SN Mishra and CDMO Dr BN Das. Speaking at this occasion, Mr. Suri said

that Vedanta has taken up many initiatives for socio-economic development of the areas where it

operates. The company is making efforts to address the problems of the people of Jharsuguda. It is

because of the support of people of Jharsuguda that the company has been successful in giving

Jharsuguda a distinct place in world map in terms of the largest aluminium smelter and mega power

plant. He also mentioned that Vedanta will set up a 100-bed multi-specialty hospital in Jharsuguda

and make arrangements to install proper traffic-lighting system to curb the rate of road accidents. Mr.

Mishra and Ms. Jalan lauded the efforts of Vedanta and thanked for the various developmental

initiatives undertaken by the company. This initiative of Vedanta would help provide immediate

healthcare to the accident-victims and would help fulfill of the requirement of ambulance of the

Jharsuguda Police.

14

NEWS CLIPPING Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication Dainik Bhaskar Date 10th July 2010 Edition Sambalpur/ Bhubaneswar Page 11 Headline State-level Women’s Chess Championship to start from tomorrow

SYNOPSIS: Jharsuguda District Chess Association and Orissa Chess Ad hoc Committee,

Bhubaneswar are jointly going to organize the State Women’s Chess Championship in Jharsuguda

with the active and full support of Vedanta Aluminium Limited. Vedanta and District Chess

Association, Jharsuguda gave away this information during a press conference. The female chess

players of different age groups from the district and across the state can participate in this event,

which will be held from 11th July to 13th July. Addressing the press conference, the Secretary of

Jharsuguda District Chess Association Mr. Mangaraj Maharana said that the 4 selected players,

who would excel in this championship, will qualify to represent Orissa in the All India Chess

Championship to be held in Guwahati next month. Speaking at this occasion, the Chief Public

Relations Officer of Vedanta, Mr. Sivanand Mohanty said that Vedanta is committed towards the

development of sports and social upliftment. The championship is being organized in Jharsuguda

for the first time and it will promote hidden talents of the area, he added.

15

NEWS CLIPPING Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication Hindustan Date 22nd July 2010 Edition Sambalpur/ Bhubaneswar Page 6 Headline Vedanta’s initiatives laudable: Collector

SYNOPSIS: Vedanta Aluminium Ltd (VAL) has donated an ambulance to the Jharsuguda police in

view of the growing need of meeting emergencies in road accidents and facilitating incidental first

aid treatment to patients. The ambulance customized with state-of-the-art medical equipments was

ceremoniously handed over to Jharsuguda SP Kavita Jalan by VAL CEO Pramod Suri in the

presence of Collector SN Mishra and CDMO Dr BN Das. Speaking at this occasion, Mr. Suri said

that Vedanta has taken up many initiatives for socio-economic development of the areas where it

operates. The company is making efforts to address the problems of the people of Jharsuguda. It is

because of the support of people of Jharsuguda that the company has been successful in giving

Jharsuguda a distinct place in world map in terms of the largest aluminium smelter and mega power

plant. He also mentioned that Vedanta will set up a 100-bed multi-specialty hospital in Jharsuguda

and make arrangements to install proper traffic-lighting system to curb the rate of road accidents.

Admiring the initiative of Vedanta, Collector Mr. Mishra said that the company’s efforts towards the

development of the area are laudable. SP Ms. Jalan also lauded the efforts of Vedanta and thanked

for the various developmental initiatives undertaken by the company. This initiative of Vedanta

would help provide immediate healthcare to the accident-victims and would help fulfill of the

requirement of ambulance of the Jharsuguda Police.

16

NEWS CLIPPING

Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication Nav Bharat Date 22nd July 2010 Edition Sambalpur/ Bhubaneswar Page 14 Headline Vedanta donates ambulance to Police

SYNOPSIS: Vedanta Aluminium Ltd (VAL) has donated an ambulance to the Jharsuguda police in

view of the growing need of meeting emergencies in road accidents and facilitating incidental first

aid treatment to patients. The ambulance customized with state-of-the-art medical equipments was

ceremoniously handed over to Jharsuguda SP Kavita Jalan by VAL CEO Pramod Suri in the

presence of Collector SN Mishra and CDMO Dr BN Das. Speaking at this occasion, Mr. Suri said

that Vedanta has taken up many initiatives for socio-economic development of the areas where it

operates. The company is making efforts to address the problems of the people of Jharsuguda. It is

because of the support of people of Jharsuguda that the company has been successful in giving

Jharsuguda a distinct place in world map in terms of the largest aluminium smelter and mega power

plant. He also mentioned that Vedanta will set up a 100-bed multi-specialty hospital in Jharsuguda

and make arrangements to install proper traffic-lighting system to curb the rate of road accidents.

Admiring the initiative of Vedanta, Collector Mr. Mishra said that the company’s efforts towards the

development of the area are laudable. SP Ms. Jalan also lauded the efforts of Vedanta and thanked

for the various developmental initiatives undertaken by the company. This initiative of Vedanta

would help provide immediate healthcare to the accident-victims and would help fulfill of the

requirement of ambulance of the Jharsuguda Police.

17

NEWS CLIPPING Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication Hindustan Date 15th July 2010 Edition Sambalpur/ Bhubaneswar Page 6

Headline 4 participants for Chess Championship selected: Vedanta’s initiative laudable: Collector

SYNOPSIS: The State Women’s Chess Championship, being organized jointly by Vedanta

Aluminium Ltd (VAL) in association with Jharsuguda District Chess Association (JDCA) and Odisha

Chess Ad-hoc Committee has come to an end on 13th July. Aparajita Gochikar of Puri scored 5.5

points and emerged winner at the three-day long State Open Women Chess Championship which

concluded at Jharsuguda. Sradhanjali Jena of Jajpur scored five points, Smaraki Mohanty of

Kendrapara scored four points and Aakankhya Kabi of Bhubaneswar scored 3.5 points and finishes

second, third and fourth respectively. With this win these top four finalists will represent the State in

the forthcoming National Women Open Chess Championship to be held at Guwahati in Assam. The

Collector of Jharsuguda Mr. Siba Narayan Mishra, Chief of CSR Department, Vedanta Aluminium

Ltd Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Patnaik and Chief Public Relations Officer of Vedanta Mr. Sivanand

Mohanty graced the valedictory session. The Chief Guest, while handing over prizes to the winners,

lauded Vedanta’s initiative to organize Chess tournament in the area.

18

NEWS CLIPPING Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication Dainik Jagaran Date 31st July 2010 Edition Sambalpur/Bhubaneswar Page 9 Headlines Vedanta distributes kit to players

SYNOPSIS: To promote sports and budding talent among its areas of operation Vedanta

Aluminium Ltd (VAL) has sponsored 20 kickboxers including 12 girls belonging to different regions

of Jharsuguda to represent the State team for the coming National Kick-Boxing Championship to be

held at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata from August 2 to5.Senior vice president VAL DK Singh

felicitated and greeted the players in a function held at Hotel Green Villa Conference hall in

Jharsuguda on Friday and handed over track suits and kits during the function also announced that

the travelling costs will be borne by VAL. Among others Bijay Kumar Behera, Shivanand Mohanty,

Pranaya Satpathy, Navin Singh, Dileswar Rao and members of districts athletic association,

members of Jharsuguda Kickboxing association were present.

19

NEWS CLIPPING Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication Sambad Date 5th July 2010 Edition Bhubaneswar Page 6, Business News Headline First unit of Vedanta power plant becomes operational

SYNOPSIS: The first 600-MW unit of the 2,400 MW Independent Power Plant (IPP) being set up by

Sterlite Energy Ltd, a subsidiary of the Sterlite Industries, which is again a subsidiary of the London-

based Vedanta Resources Plc, at Jharsuguda in the State has been opened. The unit will start

power generation by September 2010. All the four units of 600 MW each are expected to be fully

operational by August 2011. Power will be distributed through the State’s power supply grid. The

IPP project envisages a total capital outlay of about Rs 8,200 crore. On the occasion of successful

lighting up of the first boiler, the CEO of Vedanta’s Aluminium operation M Siddiqi observed that

power was the thrust area for overall infrastructure and industrial development of India, which was

expected to get a boost by the Jharsuguda IPP. It is the largest power generating unit so far that

has been established by a private company. Further, it is first time that any power plant in India has

a hybrid ESP with fabric filter.

20

NEWS CLIPPING Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication The Samaya Date 2nd July 2010 Edition Bhubaneswar Page 13, Business Headline First unit of Vedanta’s IPP operational: Power generation to start from September

SYNOPSIS: The first 600-MW unit of the 2,400 MW Independent Power Plant (IPP) being set up by

Sterlite Energy Ltd, a subsidiary of the Sterlite Industries, which is again a subsidiary of the London-

based Vedanta Resources Plc, at Jharsuguda in the State has been opened. The unit will start

power generation by September 2010. All the four units of 600 MW each are expected to be fully

operational by August 2011. Power will be distributed through the State’s power supply grid. The

IPP project envisages a total capital outlay of about Rs 8,200 crore. On the occasion of successful

lighting up of the first boiler, the CEO of Vedanta’s Aluminium operation M Siddiqi observed that

power was the thrust area for overall infrastructure and industrial development of India, which was

expected to get a boost by the Jharsuguda IPP. It is the largest power generating unit so far that

has been established by a private company. Further, it is first time that any power plant in India has

a hybrid ESP with fabric filter.

21

NEWS CLIPPING

Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication The Samaja Date 22nd July 2010 Edition Bhubaneswar Page 11, Business Line Headline Vedanta donates ambulance to Jharsuguda Police

SYNOPSIS: Vedanta Aluminium Ltd (VAL) has donated an ambulance to the Jharsuguda police in

view of the growing need of meeting emergencies in road accidents and facilitating incidental first

aid treatment to patients. The ambulance customized with state-of-the-art medical equipments was

ceremoniously handed over to Jharsuguda SP Kavita Jalan by VAL CEO Pramod Suri in the

presence of Collector SN Mishra and CDMO Dr BN Das. Speaking at this occasion, Mr. Suri said

that Vedanta has taken up many initiatives for socio-economic development of the areas where it

operates. The company is making efforts to address the problems of the people of Jharsuguda. It is

because of the support of people of Jharsuguda that the company has been successful in giving

Jharsuguda a distinct place in world map in terms of the largest aluminium smelter and mega power

plant. He also mentioned that Vedanta will set up a 100-bed multi-specialty hospital in Jharsuguda

and make arrangements to install proper traffic-lighting system to curb the rate of road accidents. Mr.

Mishra and Ms. Jalan lauded the efforts of Vedanta and thanked for the various developmental

initiatives undertaken by the company. This initiative of Vedanta would help provide immediate

healthcare to the accident-victims and would help fulfill of the requirement of ambulance of the

Jharsuguda Police.

22

NEWS CLIPPING

Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication The Samaya Date 22nd July 2010 Edition Bhubaneswar Page 12 Headline Vedanta donates ambulance to Jharsuguda Police

SYNOPSIS: Vedanta Aluminium Ltd (VAL) has donated an ambulance to the Jharsuguda police in

view of the growing need of meeting emergencies in road accidents and facilitating incidental first

aid treatment to patients. The ambulance customized with state-of-the-art medical equipments was

ceremoniously handed over to Jharsuguda SP Kavita Jalan by VAL CEO Pramod Suri in the

presence of Collector SN Mishra and CDMO Dr BN Das. Speaking at this occasion, Mr. Suri said

that Vedanta has taken up many initiatives for socio-economic development of the areas where it

operates. The company is making efforts to address the problems of the people of Jharsuguda. It is

because of the support of people of Jharsuguda that the company has been successful in giving

Jharsuguda a distinct place in world map in terms of the largest aluminium smelter and mega power

plant. He also mentioned that Vedanta will set up a 100-bed multi-specialty hospital in Jharsuguda

and make arrangements to install proper traffic-lighting system to curb the rate of road accidents. Mr.

Mishra and Ms. Jalan lauded the efforts of Vedanta and thanked for the various developmental

initiatives undertaken by the company. This initiative of Vedanta would help provide immediate

healthcare to the accident-victims and would help fulfill of the requirement of ambulance of the

Jharsuguda Police.

23

NEWS CLIPPING Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication Sambad Date 22nd July 2010 Edition Sambalpur/ Bhubaneswar Page 4 Headline Vedanta Aluminium donates ambulance to Police

SYNOPSIS: Vedanta Aluminium Ltd (VAL) has donated an ambulance to the Jharsuguda police in

view of the growing need of meeting emergencies in road accidents and facilitating incidental first

aid treatment to patients. The ambulance customized with state-of-the-art medical equipments was

ceremoniously handed over to Jharsuguda SP Kavita Jalan by VAL CEO Pramod Suri in the

presence of Collector SN Mishra and CDMO Dr BN Das. Speaking at this occasion, Mr. Suri said

that Vedanta has taken up many initiatives for socio-economic development of the areas where it

operates. The company is making efforts to address the problems of the people of Jharsuguda. It is

because of the support of people of Jharsuguda that the company has been successful in giving

Jharsuguda a distinct place in world map in terms of the largest aluminium smelter and mega power

plant. He also mentioned that Vedanta will set up a 100-bed multi-specialty hospital in Jharsuguda

and make arrangements to install proper traffic-lighting system to curb the rate of road accidents. Mr.

Mishra and Ms. Jalan lauded the efforts of Vedanta and thanked for the various developmental

initiatives undertaken by the company. This initiative of Vedanta would help provide immediate

healthcare to the accident-victims and would help fulfill of the requirement of ambulance of the

Jharsuguda Police.

24

NEWS CLIPPING Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication The Samaja Date 10th July 2010 Edition Bhubaneswar Page 15, Sports & Sportsmen

Headline State-level Women’s Chess Championship to be held in Jharsuguda in association with Vedanta

SYNOPSIS: Jharsuguda District Chess Association and Orissa Chess Ad hoc Committee,

Bhubaneswar are jointly going to organize the State Women’s Chess Championship in Jharsuguda

with the active and full support of Vedanta Aluminium Limited. Vedanta and District Chess

Association, Jharsuguda gave away this information during a press conference. The female chess

players of different age groups from the district and across the state can participate in this event,

which will be held from 11th July to 13th July. Addressing the press conference, the Secretary of

Jharsuguda District Chess Association Mr. Mangaraj Maharana said that the 4 selected players,

who would excel in this championship, will qualify to represent Orissa in the All India Chess

Championship to be held in Guwahati next month. Speaking at this occasion, the Chief Public

Relations Officer of Vedanta, Mr. Sivanand Mohanty said that Vedanta is committed towards the

development of sports and social upliftment. The championship is being organized in Jharsuguda

for the first time and it will promote hidden talents of the area, he added.

25

NEWS CLIPPING

Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication Sambad Date 10th July 2010 Edition Sambalpur/ Bhubaneswar Page 12

Headline State-level Women’s Chess Championship to be held in Jharsuguda in association with Vedanta

SYNOPSIS: Jharsuguda District Chess Association and Orissa Chess Ad hoc Committee,

Bhubaneswar are jointly going to organize the State Women’s Chess Championship in Jharsuguda

with the active and full support of Vedanta Aluminium Limited. Vedanta and District Chess

Association, Jharsuguda gave away this information during a press conference. The female chess

players of different age groups from the district and across the state can participate in this event,

which will be held from 11th July to 13th July. Addressing the press conference, the Secretary of

Jharsuguda District Chess Association Mr. Mangaraj Maharana said that the 4 selected players,

who would excel in this championship, will qualify to represent Orissa in the All India Chess

Championship to be held in Guwahati next month. Speaking at this occasion, the Chief Public

Relations Officer of Vedanta, Mr. Sivanand Mohanty said that Vedanta is committed towards the

development of sports and social upliftment. The championship is being organized in Jharsuguda

for the first time and it will promote hidden talents of the area, he added.

26

NEWS CLIPPING

Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication The Samaja Date 12th July 2010 Edition Bhubaneswar Page 15, Sports Headline Vedanta State Women’s Chess Championship inaugurated

SYNOPSIS: State-level Women’s Chess Championship, being organized jointly by Vedanta

Aluminium Limited, State Ad Hoc Chess Committee and District Chess Association has been

inaugurated in Jharsuguda on 11th July. The event will continue till 13th July. The senior official of

Vedanta Mr. Ramseh Singh formally inaugurated the championship. The Chief Public Relations

Officer Mr. Sivanand Mohanty, Mr. G.C. Mohapatra of State Ad Hoc Chess Committee and Mr.

Mangaraj Maharana of District Chess Association were present at this occasion. Speaking at this

occasion, Mr. Mohapatra of State Ad Hoc Chess Committee lauded the initiative of Vedanta to

extend its support in the organization of the chess tournament.

27

NEWS CLIPPING

Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication Sambad Date 12th July 2010 Edition Sambalpur/ Bhubaneswar Page 12 Headline State Women’s Chess Championship inaugurated in Jharsuguda

SYNOPSIS: State-level Women’s Chess Championship, being organized jointly by State Ad Hoc

Chess Committee and District Chess Association in collaboration with Vedanta Aluminium Limited,

has been inaugurated in Jharsuguda on 11th July. The event will continue till 13th July. The senior

official of Vedanta Mr. Ramseh Singh formally inaugurated the championship. In his address during

the occasion, he reiterated the commitment of Vedanta towards the development of sports and all-

round development of Jharsuguda. More than 25 players are participating in this tournament. The 4

selected players, who would excel in this championship, will qualify to represent Orissa in the All

India Chess Championship to be held in Guwahati next month. The Senior Public Relations Officer

Mr. Sivanand Mohanty, Mr. G.C. Mohapatra of State Ad Hoc Chess Committee and Mr. Mangaraj

Maharana of District Chess Association were present at this occasion.

28

NEWS CLIPPING

Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication Dharitri Date 12th July 2010 Edition Sambalpur/ Bhubaneswar Page 15, Sports Headline State-level Women’s Chess Championship inaugurated

SYNOPSIS: State-level Women’s Chess Championship, being organized jointly by State Ad Hoc

Chess Committee and District Chess Association in collaboration with Vedanta Aluminium Limited,

has been inaugurated in Jharsuguda on 11th July. The event will continue till 13th July. The senior

official of Vedanta Mr. Ramseh Singh formally inaugurated the championship. In his address during

the occasion, he reiterated the commitment of Vedanta towards the development of sports and all-

round development of Jharsuguda. More than 25 players are participating in this tournament. The 4

selected players, who would excel in this championship, will qualify to represent Orissa in the All

India Chess Championship to be held in Guwahati next month. The Senior Public Relations Officer

Mr. Sivanand Mohanty, Mr. G.C. Mohapatra of State Ad Hoc Chess Committee and Mr. Mangaraj

Maharana of District Chess Association were present at this occasion.

29

NEWS CLIPPING

Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication Dharitri Date 14th July 2010 Edition Bhubaneswar Page 16

Headline State Women Chess Championship comes to an end: Aparajita emerges Champion, Sradhanjali runners-up

SYNOPSIS: The State Women’s Chess Championship, being organized jointly by Vedanta

Aluminium Ltd (VAL) in association with Jharsuguda District Chess Association (JDCA) and Odisha

Chess Ad-hoc Committee has come to an end on 13th July. Aparajita Gochikar of Puri scored 5.5

points and emerged winner at the three-day long State Open Women Chess Championship which

concluded at Jharsuguda. Sradhanjali Jena of Jajpur scored five points, Smaraki Mohanty of

Kendrapara scored four points and Aakankhya Kabi of Bhubaneswar scored 3.5 points and finishes

second, third and fourth respectively. With this win these top four finalists will represent the State in

the forthcoming National Women Open Chess Championship to be held at Guwahati in Assam. The

Collector of Jharsuguda Mr. Siba Narayan Mishra, Chief of CSR Department, Vedanta Aluminium

Ltd Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Patnaik and Chief Public Relations Officer of Vedanta Mr. Sivanand

Mohanty graced the valedictory session.

30

NEWS CLIPPING

Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication The Samaya Date 24th July 2010 Edition Bhubaneswar Page 7 Headline Vedanta to open Science College in Lanjigarh

SYNOPSIS: Vedanta Aluminium has announced to open a Science College at Lanjigarh of

Kalahandi district. In a move aimed at fulfilling the long cherished goal of the residents of the block

and its adjoining areas of Ambadola, Muniguda and Biswanathpur Vedanta Aluminum Limited (VAL)

has partnered with the DAV College Trust and Management society to start a Science College at

Lanjigarh. The college will start with undergraduate courses in physics, chemistry, mathematics,

zoology, botany and environment science. It will be funded by the Lanjigarh Project Area

Development Foundation (LPADF) — the special purpose vehicle formed for as per the advice of

the Supreme Court. VAL COO and LPADF Director Mukesh Kumar pointed out that the college

would be of great help to the students of the area who drop out of the education system due to lack

of facilities for higher studies. The quality of education in the college will be ensured by the DAV

College Trust and Management Society, which will manage the college.

31

NEWS CLIPPING

Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Publication Sambad Date 31st July 2010 Edition Sambalpur/Bhubaneswar Page 1 Headlines Vedanta felicitates kick boxers

SYNOPSIS: To promote sports and budding talent among its areas of operation Vedanta

Aluminium Ltd (VAL) has sponsored 20 kickboxers including 12 girls belonging to different regions

of Jharsuguda to represent the State team for the coming National Kick-Boxing Championship to be

held at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata from August 2 to5.Senior vice president VAL DK Singh

felicitated and greeted the players in a function held at Hotel Green Villa Conference hall in

Jharsuguda on Friday and handed over track suits and kits during the function also announced that

the travelling costs will be borne by VAL. Among others Bijay Kumar Behera, Shivanand Mohanty,

Pranaya Satpathy, Navin Singh, Dileswar Rao and members of districts athletic association,

members of Jharsuguda Kickboxing association were present.

32

NEWS CLIPPING Client Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. Website Orissadiary.com Date 14th July 2010

Headline Mining Project to bring development for Dongria Kondh People in Orissa says Jitu Jakasika

Lanjigarh: "Dongria Kondh Community want development and mining from Niyamgiri will bring a lot

socio-economic development opportunity for the tribals," says Jitu Jakasika, one of the few English

Speaking youths in the Kondh Community. However, few days before, He was well known for his

hardcore and stiff opposition for Vedanta and its mining project.

He had visited almost all Dongria Kondh villages to organize people to oppose the mining plan.

Continuous feeding of misleading facts and systematic brainwash made him to believe that

industrialization and development would dilute the originality and culture of Dongria Kondh tribe. He

left his education mid-way to join activists and vehemently opposed industrialization and associated

development in the locality.

However, one incident opened eyes of Jitu. He was in Bada Denguni village to organize people

against industrialization. The village has no motorable road. A pregnant lady suddenly became

critical and was required to be taken to the hospital. However, in absence of any ambulance or

vehicle, she was portered to the hospital. Jitu was also with her. On the way, she delivered a baby,

who died just after birth. Jitu was shocked by the incident. At that time, the lady told Jitu that due to

opposition to industrialization and development linked with it, her child died. If he would not have

opposed industry and development work carried out by it, there would have been motorable road to

the village and she could have gone to hospital in time. "This was a great learning for me. It forced

me to think, whether I am doing the right things by blocking development," said Jitu Jakasika.

He explored more on industry and development. He visited other industrial sites in the locality and

mainly the ongoing bauxite mining sites. He saw for himself that neither Bauxite mining is

ecologically hostile, nor it dries the spring and underground water. He also realized that

'industrialization and development do not dilute tribal culture or lifestyle'.

"We did not want mining at Niyamgiri. We were misguided by different NGOs and groups,' admits

Jitu. He reveals that different NGOs from different countries and political parties, who are working

33

NEWS CLIPPING only to fulfill their interests, were claiming that Vedanta's mining at Niyamgiri would destroy the hill

and would adversely affect the environment of the area and the lives of the tribals. Of late, he

realized that all these were false claims which were intended to instigate the poor and ignorant

tribals against Vedanta. They never want the development of the Dongria Kondhs.

Now, He has stopped to help the outsiders who campaign against industrialization and development

of tribal children. After seeing the social development initiatives of Vedanta in periphery villages, he

was convinced that development through industrialization can bring development for Dongria kondh

people by providing them basic services like, health, education, infrastructure and sustainable

livelihood. "I always wanted development of Dongria Kondh community and I believe

industrialization can bring rapid development for tribal people," says Jitu.

He also expressed his desired to resume his studies, so that he could know the mainstream world

better and work for development of his community. Vedanta Aluminium Limited, under its

Scholarship program provided support for his education. Jitu, a dongria kondh tribe, is now studying

at a reputed management college at Bhubaneswar in Bachelor of Business Admission (BBA)

program. In holidays, he comes to his villages and encourages fellow community members for

education and other development initiatives. He is now playing a key role in facilitating education

of tribal children from his villages in formal schooling and Colleges. To him "education alone can

remove superstition, reduce vulnerability to contamination and can bring empowerment and in turn

development".

Vedanta's venture into the aluminium sector of Orissa with signing MoU for an alumina refinery at

Lanjigarh in Kalahandi and an aluminium smelter at Jharsuguda was an important event in the

aluminium industry of the State. After 25 years, Vedanta set up the first Refinery in the state, which

is having more than 55% of India's Bauxite. And also, Vedanta is the only company that has rolled

in its project in Orissa as per its agreement with the State Government and has already started its

production partially from its Lanjigarh refinery. The company, which has placed itself in a significant

position in the global aluminium industry, is very well concerned towards carrying out its Corporate

Social Responsibility and has taken up several initiatives with the aim to bring qualitative

improvement in the lives of the community surrounding its plant. VAL has expressed and reiterated

its commitment towards socio-economic transformation has now reached 'the society at large'.

And fortunately, the particular society, to which it aimed to transform, has now realized the real

intention and motive of Vedanta and has now accepted it. This is very much evident from the

positive vibes coming from the statements of some tribal leaders including Jitu.

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