Hindustan Zinc's Art Movement Revives Roots, Empowers People
ECONOMY & POLICY

Hindustan Zinc's Art Movement Revives Roots, Empowers People

Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, reaffirms its commitment to preserving India’s rich artistic legacy while empowering communities through inclusive and sustainable development initiatives. Rooted in the belief that art and culture are powerful vehicles for social change, Hindustan Zinc has consistently invested in the revival of timeless Indian art forms—from Ajrakh block printing and tribal Gavri dance, to the resonant beats of the Pakhavaj. These initiatives are part of a broader vision to blend cultural preservation with livelihood generation, enabling communities to thrive while keeping heritage alive.

Leveraging Artisan Networks

In partnership with artisan networks and NGOs, Hindustan Zinc has established a block printing unit in Ajmer, employing 18 women who have been trained by skilled experts in traditional techniques. The company has also launched an Ajrakh printing initiative to further promote heritage textile art. Both these efforts contribute to Hindustan Zinc’s homegrown clothing brand, Upaya, which celebrates traditional craftsmanship while enabling sustainable livelihoods, reflecting on our commitment to preserving India’s cultural heritage and empowering rural women with skills, income, and pride in their craft.

“Bringing our traditional art to life with my own hands fills me with pride. Being part of this initiative has not only taught me a skill but also helped me stand on my own feet.” says Sharmila, a trainee from Sakhi block printing unit.

This fusion of art and economic empowerment not only preserves India’s creative traditions but also uplifts rural communities with dignified, sustainable livelihoods.

Preserving and Promoting Performing Arts

Hindustan Zinc also continues to promote performing arts through large-scale events like the Vedanta Udaipur World Music Festival—a vibrant convergence of Indian and international musicians across genres including folk, classical, rock, and fusion. The festival not only amplifies Rajasthan’s cultural identity but also revives forgotten instruments and fading musical traditions.

Initiatives like Srajan – The Spark elevate Indian art and culture on global platforms, while Smritiyaan, a tribute to tabla maestro Pandit Chatur Lal, helps preserve India’s classical music heritage for future generations.

In 2025, Hindustan Zinc hosted Sakhi Utsav across Zawar, Rampura Agucha, Chanderiya, Dariba, and Pantnagar—celebrating the strength of over 7,000 women through performances by Self-Help Groups (SHGs), wellness sessions, sports activities, financial literacy camps, and nukkad nataks (street plays).

Addressing Societal Issues through Nukkad Natak & Village Roadshows

The ongoing Uthori campaign, launched in 2021, has reached over 11,000 students in 180 schools, addressing critical social issues such as menstrual hygiene, domestic violence, and child marriage through interactive performances and storytelling.

With over 2,000 SHGs active across 200 villages, the Sakhi initiative has empowered more than 25,000 rural and tribal women, promoting leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial independence.

These initiatives are part of Hindustan Zinc’s holistic social impact framework, which spans education, healthcare, nutrition, water, sanitation, skill development, sports, and culture. With the conviction that individual empowerment leads to community transformation, Hindustan Zinc has impacted over 2 million lives across nearly 4,000 villages.

Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and is amongst the top 5 silver producers globally. The company supplies to more than 40 countries and holds a market share of about 77% of the primary zinc market in India. Hindustan Zinc has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category for the second consecutive year by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024, reflecting its operational excellence, innovation, and leading ESG practices. The company also launched EcoZen, Asia's first low carbon 'green' zinc brand. Produced using renewable energy, EcoZen has a carbon footprint of less than 1 tonne of carbon equivalent per tonne of zinc produced, about 75 per cent lower than the global average. Hindustan Zinc is also a certified 2.41 times Water-Positive company and is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. Transforming the lives of 2.3 million people through its focused social welfare initiatives, Hindustan Zinc is among the Top 10 CSR companies in India. As an energy transition metals company, Hindustan Zinc is pivotal in providing critical metals essential for a sustainable future.

Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, reaffirms its commitment to preserving India’s rich artistic legacy while empowering communities through inclusive and sustainable development initiatives. Rooted in the belief that art and culture are powerful vehicles for social change, Hindustan Zinc has consistently invested in the revival of timeless Indian art forms—from Ajrakh block printing and tribal Gavri dance, to the resonant beats of the Pakhavaj. These initiatives are part of a broader vision to blend cultural preservation with livelihood generation, enabling communities to thrive while keeping heritage alive.Leveraging Artisan NetworksIn partnership with artisan networks and NGOs, Hindustan Zinc has established a block printing unit in Ajmer, employing 18 women who have been trained by skilled experts in traditional techniques. The company has also launched an Ajrakh printing initiative to further promote heritage textile art. Both these efforts contribute to Hindustan Zinc’s homegrown clothing brand, Upaya, which celebrates traditional craftsmanship while enabling sustainable livelihoods, reflecting on our commitment to preserving India’s cultural heritage and empowering rural women with skills, income, and pride in their craft.“Bringing our traditional art to life with my own hands fills me with pride. Being part of this initiative has not only taught me a skill but also helped me stand on my own feet.” says Sharmila, a trainee from Sakhi block printing unit.This fusion of art and economic empowerment not only preserves India’s creative traditions but also uplifts rural communities with dignified, sustainable livelihoods.Preserving and Promoting Performing ArtsHindustan Zinc also continues to promote performing arts through large-scale events like the Vedanta Udaipur World Music Festival—a vibrant convergence of Indian and international musicians across genres including folk, classical, rock, and fusion. The festival not only amplifies Rajasthan’s cultural identity but also revives forgotten instruments and fading musical traditions.Initiatives like Srajan – The Spark elevate Indian art and culture on global platforms, while Smritiyaan, a tribute to tabla maestro Pandit Chatur Lal, helps preserve India’s classical music heritage for future generations.In 2025, Hindustan Zinc hosted Sakhi Utsav across Zawar, Rampura Agucha, Chanderiya, Dariba, and Pantnagar—celebrating the strength of over 7,000 women through performances by Self-Help Groups (SHGs), wellness sessions, sports activities, financial literacy camps, and nukkad nataks (street plays).Addressing Societal Issues through Nukkad Natak & Village RoadshowsThe ongoing Uthori campaign, launched in 2021, has reached over 11,000 students in 180 schools, addressing critical social issues such as menstrual hygiene, domestic violence, and child marriage through interactive performances and storytelling.With over 2,000 SHGs active across 200 villages, the Sakhi initiative has empowered more than 25,000 rural and tribal women, promoting leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial independence.These initiatives are part of Hindustan Zinc’s holistic social impact framework, which spans education, healthcare, nutrition, water, sanitation, skill development, sports, and culture. With the conviction that individual empowerment leads to community transformation, Hindustan Zinc has impacted over 2 million lives across nearly 4,000 villages.Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and is amongst the top 5 silver producers globally. The company supplies to more than 40 countries and holds a market share of about 77% of the primary zinc market in India. Hindustan Zinc has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category for the second consecutive year by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024, reflecting its operational excellence, innovation, and leading ESG practices. The company also launched EcoZen, Asia's first low carbon 'green' zinc brand. Produced using renewable energy, EcoZen has a carbon footprint of less than 1 tonne of carbon equivalent per tonne of zinc produced, about 75 per cent lower than the global average. Hindustan Zinc is also a certified 2.41 times Water-Positive company and is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. Transforming the lives of 2.3 million people through its focused social welfare initiatives, Hindustan Zinc is among the Top 10 CSR companies in India. As an energy transition metals company, Hindustan Zinc is pivotal in providing critical metals essential for a sustainable future.

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