Megha Das 
In honour of National Nutrition Week, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium manufacturer, hosted a number of activities open to staff, family, and friends to bring attention to the importance of good nutrition. The firm combined its awareness efforts with the #RunForZeroHunger campaign, a social impact effort associated with the forthcoming Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2023, to increase community involvement and participation in the cause.
Events were held at the company’s massive aluminium smelter in Jharsuguda, Odisha; its world-class alumina refinery in Lanjigarh, Odisha; and at BALCO, India’s renowned aluminium manufacturer in Chhattisgarh, in support of National Nutrition Week. Acyclothon was one of them, and it was designed to get people thinking about how important it is to make good food choices and exercise regularly. Over 1500 young people showed up to the event, which was held in conjunction with the All India Marwari Yuva Manch. The firm sponsored a healthy baby competition, a demonstration of traditional food recipes that are helpful to moms, and a sapling plantation push in Lanjigarh to measure community knowledge of child health.
A ‘Morning Walkathon’ and a ‘Health Walk’ were held at BALCO, and over 400 workers and business partners took part, walking over 2,000 km in total to benefit the #RunForZeroHunger campaign. Throughout the month of September, the firm is also holding a number of events to raise awareness about anaemia and nutrition, such as seminars, quizzes, and cooking contests, in honour of Poshan Maah, a Government of India programme.
Mr. Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Ltd.’s Aluminium Business, remarked, “At Vedanta Aluminium, we are totally devoted to pursuing the collectivemission of contributing to the welfare of humanity. We are driven to eliminate health and education inequalities in our society by our steadfast dedication to comprehensive community development, especially for women and children. Better nutrition and educational opportunities are two examples.
Mr Rajesh Kumar, CEO and Whole-time Director, BALCO, chimed in, saying, “The #RunForZeroHunger initiative is purposely designed to combat malnutrition in our nation by uniting individuals who share our commitment.” The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon is sure to have another great year. Our unwavering dedication to enhancing the nutritional health of our neighbourhoods represents the materialisation of our shared dream of a more prosperous and vibrant India.
Children and women, in particular, have benefited greatly from Vedanta Aluminium’s community outreach efforts, which have improved their access to education and healthcare. The organisation helps pregnant women, newborns, and young children get the care and nourishment they need through its Nand Ghars, which are like updated versions of traditional anganwadis that serve as centre for women and child development.
On October 15, 2023, the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon will be conducted for the second time. Runners who take part in the #RunForZeroHunger Challenge will get one meal from Vedanta for every kilometre they cover. Vedanta’s major social impact programme, Nand Ghar, will deliver them to kids in rural regions. No kid should ever go to bed hungry, and that is the stated goal of the RunForZeroHunger initiative. More than seven million meals were donated to the cause last year thanks to the work of Vedanta Aluminium. Those who wish to sign up for the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2023 can do so either online or via a mobile app:
