7th September 2026: On International Literacy Day, and in line with this year’s theme, “Literacy for People, Prosperity and Planet,” Vedanta Iron and Steel Limited (VISL), a leading producer of iron and steel across India and Africa, reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to education, digital learning, scholarships and skilling opportunities across rural, remote and mining-belt communities.
Through Projects Vriddhi and Shiksha, VISL’s education initiatives have benefited more than 26,000 children across Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Jharkhand and Odisha since 2021, enabling greater access to learning opportunities and improved educational outcomes.
Expressing his thoughts on the occasion, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, CEO and Whole-Time Director, Vedanta Iron and Steel Limited, said:
“At Vedanta Iron and Steel Limited, we recognise the vital role education plays in building the foundations of a strong and progressive nation. Through our initiatives across states, we are committed to supporting learners at every stage of their educational journey, from early childhood education to higher studies and professional aspirations. On International Literacy Day, we reaffirm our belief that equitable access to quality education is key to empowering individuals, strengthening communities and creating sustainable pathways for long-term social and economic progress.”
Vedanta Iron and Steel Limited’s literacy journey begins with early childhood education through the Nand Ghar movement, established under the aegis of the Anil Agarwal Foundation. By transforming Anganwadis into modern learning spaces that promote foundational literacy and numeracy, the company currently supports over 150 Anganwadis across its operational communities.
To strengthen learning outcomes, Vedanta Iron and Steel Limited is improving access to academic support, school infrastructure, transportation and digital resources. In Jharkhand, Project Shiksha reached 1,548 students through six Learning Resource Centres during FY 2025-26, delivering a 100% Class 10 board examination pass rate, with 77.5% of students securing first division results. In Karnataka, a similar SSLC support initiative improved pass percentages from 62% to 97.3% and 74% to 94.7%, while one school achieved a 100% pass percentage. In Orissa, the School Bus Initiative started by the company in 2024, benefits more than 200 students annually.
Through the Vedanta ‘Utkarsh’ Scholarship Programme, VISL continues to bridge the gap between aspiration and opportunity. Since 2015, the initiative has supported more than 2,000 students from over 40 remote villages across states, helping them pursue higher education and meaningful careers.
“I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, and the Vedanta ‘Utkarsh’ Scholarship has been a valuable source of support in my academic journey. It has helped ease financial challenges and allowed me to focus more confidently on my studies and future aspirations. I am sincerely grateful to Vedanta Iron and Steel Limited for investing in the education and dreams of students like me., said Shreya Santosh Kudnekar, Vedanta ‘Utkarsh Scholarship Beneficiary.
Recognising the growing importance of digital literacy in building a #ViksitBharat, Vedanta Iron and Steel Limited is expanding access to technology-enabled learning. In Jharkhand, Vedanta AAS Vidyalaya has reached more than 1,700 students since inception and benefited over 1,100 students during FY 2025-26, while maintaining zero dropouts and a 100% board examination pass rate. Across Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra, six Vedanta Computer Centres (VCCs) and 19 Vedanta Computer Labs (VCLs) are equipping learners with digital skills and benefiting approximately 4,760 students annually.
VISL’s commitment to literacy extends beyond classrooms into employability and economic empowerment. In Goa, Sesa Technical School (STS) has nurtured industry-ready talent since 1994, benefiting more than 2,100 students since inception. Complementing this effort, the Vedanta ESL Skill School (VESS) has empowered ~850 youth in Jharkhand with industry-relevant skills.
Reflecting on the impact of the programme, Sohail Ansari, a student of the FTOHA (Field Technician and Other Home Appliances) course at ESL Skill School, said:
“The training I received through ESL Skill School gave me the skills and confidence to begin my professional journey. Today, I am employed at Tata Motors Ltd., Jamshedpur, while also pursuing a Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering. This opportunity has helped me build a more secure future, and I am grateful to ESL Steel Limited for supporting my growth.”
From foundational learning and academic excellence to digital inclusion, scholarships and employability, Vedanta Iron and Steel Limited continues to invest in education as a catalyst for opportunity, self-reliance and long-term community development.
