Riya Sharma 
Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, has taken an important step towards shaping confident and disciplined young citizens by launching the National Cadet Corps (NCC) programme at DAV Vedanta International School in Lanjigarh. This is an important movement not only for Vedanta Kalahandi but also for the school and the community, as it opens new opportunities for children to learn leadership, teamwork and national service.
The induction ceremony was attended by Lieutenant Commander Darshan, Commanding Officer of the Odisha Naval NCC Battalion, Bhawanipatna, along with other officials who interacted with students and motivated them to abide by the NCC values of discipline and service.
Vedanta First to Offer the Prestigious NCC Program
Established by Vedanta Lanjigarh, DAV Vedanta International School is Lanjigarh’s first English-medium school, focused on bridging educational gaps and motivating rural youth. With the launch of the NCC Programme, the school becomes the first and only institution across the three key blocks of Lanigarh, Muniguda, and Ambodala to offer this program, opening new avenues for leadership and discipline among students.
As part of this initiative, 50 NCC seats have been allotted to the school, of which 25 cadets will be inducted in 2025, while the remaining will be inducted in 2026. From 2026 onwards, 50 cadets from Classes VIII to X will join the programme annually. This means that every year, a new batch of cadets will be trained in discipline, leadership and community service, building a long-term culture of responsible youth within the school.
The NCC induction event was organised within the school premises, where the first group of students was welcomed into the programme. Teachers, school leaders, and senior officials from Vedanta Aluminium participated in the event. They spoke about how NCC can help children grow into responsible, disciplined and confident individuals.
Why NCC Matters for Students
NCC is one of India’s most respected youth programmes. Students who join NCC learn many valuable skills, such as:
- Discipline and Punctuality
- Leadership and Decision Making.
- Teamwork and Cooperation.
- Physical Fitness,
- Civic Responsibility
- Community service.
Through this programme, Vedanta Kalahandi aims to instil values of discipline, patriotism, and community service, complementing the school’s academic excellence with holistic personality development. NCC certificates are also useful for students who want to join the armed forces or apply for government services.
Vedanta’s Support for Youth Development
Vedanta Lanjigarh plays an active role in supporting education in Odisha, where it operates Vedanta bauxite mines, an alumina refinery in Lanjigarh, and some of the major aluminium and power facilities. During the event, Vedanta representatives highlighted that the aim is not just academic growth but also overall personality development.
While speaking on the occasion, Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya, CEO, Vedanta Alumina Business, said,
“Empowering young minds is foundational to the socio-economic progress of a region. By introducing the NCC program at DAV Vedanta International School, we open new opportunities for students to develop essential life skills and pursue wider academic and career opportunities. This is a significant milestone in Vedanta’s journey to build a confident and future-ready generation in Kalahandi.”
A New Beginning for Young Cadets
For the newly inducted cadets, this programme brings excitement and a sense of pride for the entire region. Teachers and parents also appreciated this initiative as it will help students become more disciplined and focus on their overall development.
One of the most prestigious programmes, NCC help students a lot in their academic and career development. The students having an NCC certificate get preference in university admissions, scholarships, and are also considered for jobs in the defence and civil services.
These advantages are especially important for students from rural areas, who have limited access to resources. NCC training strengthens their applications and helps them stand out as more disciplined, confident and socially aware individuals.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the NCC programme in Lanjigarh, where the company operates Vedanta bauxite mines, is a step towards holistic development in the state. Vedanta, through such initiatives, aims to create more growth opportunities for students and encourage them to take part in district and state-level NCC events. Such initiatives also lay the foundation for the other young learners as well.
Through this initiative, Vedanta Kalahandi strengthens its commitment to holistic education and youth empowerment, aligning with its larger vision of fostering inclusive community development in rural Odisha.
