Lanjigarh, August 12, 2026: Celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Odisha’s tribal communities, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, marked World’s Indigenous Peoples Day with community-led programmes at Boringpadar and Palberi villages in Kalahandi district. Bringing together over 350 tribal community members, including elders, women, youth and children, the celebrations showcased traditional knowledge, indigenous cuisine, cultural practices and tribal identity passed down through generations.
The celebration featured a Tribal Attire Showcase and Traditional Food Competition, highlighting the cultural heritage and indigenous traditions of local tribal communities. Elders shared stories and traditional wisdom with younger generations, while cultural performances and traditional games encouraged active participation. Observed to honour the cultures, contributions and rights of indigenous communities, World Indigenous Peoples Day also highlights the importance of preserving traditional knowledge systems. The event provided a platform for community members to celebrate their identity, strengthen community ties, and carry forward their cultural legacy.
Speaking on the occasion, Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO, Alumina Business, VAML Lanjigarh, said, “The cultural traditions and knowledge systems of indigenous communities are invaluable repositories of wisdom that have been nurtured across generations. World’s Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate this heritage while encouraging younger generations to learn from and carry forward these traditions. At Vedanta, we deeply value the rich cultural heritage and traditional knowledge of indigenous communities.”
Sharing her experience, Sabita Majhi, former Sarpanch of Batelima gram panchayat, said, “The programme gave us a wonderful opportunity to showcase our traditions, food and attire, which are an integral part of our identity. It was particularly encouraging to see elders sharing stories and customs with the younger generation, while women, youth and children participated enthusiastically in the Tribal Attire Showcase, Traditional Food Competition and cultural activities. Such platforms help preserve our traditions, strengthen community bonds, and inspire younger generations to take pride in their heritage.”
Vedanta Aluminium Lanjigarh has been actively supporting the local tribal population of Kalahandi, Odisha through initiatives in education, sports, sustainable livelihood development, women’s empowerment, and cultural preservation. The International Day of the World’s Indigenous People celebrations reaffirm Vedanta’s dedication to fostering inclusivity, preserving heritage and empowering communities for a brighter future.
