Growing up in Lanjigarh, Priyanka Mahakhud had access to opportunities that helped shape her academic and professional journey. Today, she works in a technical role at the Vedanta Aluminium alumina refinery. Her career reflects how education and local employment opportunities can create new possibilities for young women.
From Vedanta Lanjigarh to a Technical Career
Priyanka studied at Vedanta DAV International School in Lanjigarh from UKG to Class 12. She was the first person in her family to attend an English-medium school. The experience gave her the confidence to pursue higher education and explore career opportunities beyond her immediate surroundings.
Her journey also influenced her siblings. Her sister is now studying law in Cuttack, while her brother is pursuing engineering in Bhubaneswar.
After completing school, Priyanka moved to Bhubaneswar for higher studies. She earned a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Zoology from Maharishi College of Natural Law. She is currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in Biotechnology through distance learning while continuing to work.
Today, she is a Control Room Operator at the Vedanta Aluminium Lanjigarh alumina refinery.
Working Inside the Refinery Control Room
Priyanka’s workplace is very different from the classroom where her journey began. She works with the Distributed Control System (DCS), which helps operators monitor and manage important processes across the refinery.
Her role involves monitoring temperature, pressure, flow and levels through digital systems. She responds to alarms and coordinates with field operators and process controllers. She also helps address issues when plant parameters move away from normal levels.
The job requires concentration and quick decision-making. This becomes especially important during plant start-ups, shutdowns and unexpected situations.
For a woman from Lanjigarh, working in a technical role at the heart of an industrial operation is significant. Production and technical positions have traditionally seen fewer women. Access to education, skills and local employment is gradually helping change that.
Creating More Opportunities for Women
Priyanka’s story is also about what can happen when education and career opportunities are available closer to home. Her journey from a local school to a technical position at Vedanta Lanjigarh shows how the right opportunities can help young people build careers while staying connected to their communities.
For Vedanta Aluminium Lanjigarh, supporting education and creating opportunities for local talent form part of its wider community engagement. Priyanka’s experience shows how these opportunities can translate into something personal — a young woman gaining the education, skills and confidence to build a career in an industry that once seemed beyond reach.
From her first classroom in Lanjigarh to a refinery control room, Priyanka’s journey is a reminder that meaningful change can begin with something as simple as giving someone the opportunity to learn, grow and take the next step.
