Copyright thehindubusinessline
Bighanasini Bisi, a 21-year-old girl from small village Bhataguda at Bastar district of Chhattisgarh never imagined that she would step out of her village in her lifetime. Thanks to the training provided by Vedanta Aluminium, Odisha Skill Development Authority and NABARD, she works at Fiesta Barbeque Nation in Pune. “I had never stepped outside my village before this. The training gave me not just skills but the courage to step into a world I once thought was not in my reach,” she said. The skill development centre and initiative of Vedanta Aluminium trains over 800 young people from Bhawanipatna and Lanjigarh. With 55 per cent female participation, the programme in Kalahandi is opening the doors to an avenue of opportunities for its people as well as boosting gender-inclusive employment and breathing new life into the region. From hospitality and retail to food and beverage services, each program is crafted to meet real-world demands and evolving roles. Of over 800 youth trained so far, 75 per cent have secured employment, reflecting a strong placement rate and the programme’s impact in creating meaningful career opportunities. The program’s 22nd batch of the Food and Beverage course recently achieved a landmark feat — 100 per cent placement. All 24 trainees have found employment with well-known organizations such as AVN Group in Madurai, Sodexo in Bangalore, Club Mahindra in Pune, and Asmita Holidays in Bhubaneswar. Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO, Vedanta Alumina Business, said the fact that more than half of the 800 youth trained are girls underscores the commitment to gender equality and self-reliance in Kalahandi. The 100 per cent placement of the latest batch, proves the transformative power of quality training and collaboration with the Odisha Skill Development Authority, he said. The company plans to expand training modules, strengthen industry tie-ups, and explore new vocational streams that match evolving market needs. Published on October 31, 2025
