Jharsuguda: Reflecting the success of its commitment to transformative community development efforts, Vedanta Aluminium’s Subhalaxmi Cooperative recently felicitated 50 meritorious Class 10 students from across Jharsuguda for their strong performance in the latest board exams.
The initiative was undertaken under the aegis of the Mahila Kalyan Panthi Fund, a unique initiative by the Subhalaxmi Cooperativethat directly channels individual member contributions into diverse community welfare initiatives.
Organised at the District Cultural Office, Jharsuguda, the ceremony celebrated the academic excellence displayed by the students, while also highlighting the role of women-led institutions in expanding educational opportunities and community welfare.The event was attended by Yuvraj Singh, CEO, Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS), Aditya Parida, Branch Manager, IDBI Bank, Self Help Group (SHG) members, Vedanta Aluminium representatives and the students along with their families.
Subhalaxmi Cooperative is one of Odisha’s largest women-led self-help cooperatives, and is extensively supported by Vedanta Aluminium. It has enabled thousands of rural women to become entrepreneurs, access affordable finance and build sustainable livelihoods. The scholarships were facilitated by theCooperative’s unique Mahila Kalyan Panthi Fund.
Financed through a one percent contribution from every loan disbursed to members, the fund creates a community welfare corpus that provides added support in the form of educational scholarships, maternity assistance, funeral aid and loan waivers. Over the years, it hasbenefitted more than 1,700 members and their families through financial assistance exceeding rupees 35 lakh.
Speaking on the occasion, C Chandru, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium – Jharsuguda said, “The significant academic achievements of these young students reflect the robust support systems that exist within their communities. The Mahila Kalyan Panthi Fund demonstrates how collective action can create meaningful opportunities, strengthen social security and encourage the next generation to dream bigger. We are proud to partner with Subhalaxmi Cooperative in advancing rural education and empowering communities through sustainable, women-led development.”
Adding his views on the initiative, Yuvraj Singh, CEO – ORMAS said, “Subhalaxmi Cooperative has demonstrated how women-led institutions can become powerful agents of social change. The Mahila Kalyan Panthi Fund not only provides a vital support system for member families but also promotes education and higher aspirations among young students. Initiatives like these are instrumental in building stronger, more resilient rural communities.”
Today, the Subhalaxmi Cooperative empowers more than 5,000 women through 440 Self Help Groups, has disbursed over Rs 2.55 crore in microfinance, supported more than 1,500 women entrepreneurs, and continues to create new livelihood opportunities through initiatives such as honey production, terracotta enterprises and other community businesses.
Through unique initiatives such as the Mahila Kalyan Panthi Fund, it has evolved into a successful model of women-led community welfare, promoting education, financial resilience and collective wellbeing. Supported by Vedanta Aluminium, the cooperative continues to empower communities and drive inclusive rural development through sustainable, member-led solutions.
