On World Tribal Day, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, marked the remarkable transformation of Kalahandi from one of Odisha’s most deprived districts into a model for tribal-led development. Once contributing less than 1% to the state’s GDDP in 2001, with per capita income around Rs 19,000, the district now leads in Health & Nutrition and ranks second in Education under NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Programme. Between 2003 and 2015, Kalahandi’s GDDP growth exceeded 16%, over twice the state average.

At a recent NITI Aayog review, Kalahandi achieved 100% success in five of six key indicators, including women and child health, nutrition, education, and agriculture. Vedanta Aluminium CEO Rajiv Kumar said the company’s mission extended beyond business to inclusive and sustainable rural development.

Flagship initiatives include the DAV Vedanta International School, educating over 1,300 students—83% from tribal communities—with NEET and JEE coaching; the Lanjigarh hospital serving 60,000 annually plus 20,000 via mobile units; and grassroots sports, where 300 tribal archers have won 40 medals under Olympian mentorship.

Cultural revival through Project Adikala has empowered 120 artisans in Saura and Dhokra crafts, while Project Sakhi supports 4,900 women in 471 SHGs engaged in 1,500 income activities. Skill programmes with NABARD train youth in trades and modern agriculture. The integrated approach has fostered economic resilience while preserving tribal identity.