Navratna public sector undertaking (PSU) National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has always been a frontrunner when it comes to preserving art and culture. Its sustained support over the decades towards art and culture is exemplary and merits a special mention. The state of Odisha, where NALCO’s entire value-chain is located, is a treasure trove of art and sculpture. It has a rich cultural legacy as well, which has withstood the onslaught of time.

This has been possible only through continuous propagation and promotion of art and cultural activities. As part of its social commitment, NALCO not only patronizes the art but also encourages the artistes by instituting several awards. Awards instituted by NALCO for promotion of art, culture, sports and literature include:

• NALCO Kalidas Awards
• NALCO Kharavela Awards
• NALCO Literary Awards
• NALCO Fine Arts Awards
• NALCO Adi Guru Pankaj CharanAward
• NALCO Balkrushna Dash MemorialAward

Lovingly referred by the people of Odisha as Industrial Konark, the company is working diligently towards the promotion of art and culture of the state and preservation of the state’s heritage as well. One of India’s leading Navratna PSUs, NALCO and East Coast Railway (ECoR), have come together to set the wheels rolling by signing an agreement to promote Odisha’s rich art, culture and heritage through branding of New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express. Eminent citizens from various walks of life including award winning actor Nandita Das, veteran singer and Padma Shri awardee Prafulla Kar, world-class dancer and Padma Shri recipient Dr Ileana Citaristi and celebrated sculptor and Padma Shri awardee Sudarshan Sahu have lauded the effort of NALCO in promoting the art, culture and heritage of Odisha at the national level.

NALCO has lent its support to the “Kalinga Mahotsava” at Dhauli and “Rajarani Music Festival” in association with the Tourism Department of the Government of Odisha. The company has also supported the “Culture Fund” of Government of Odisha for the progress and development of Odisha’s culture. It contributes substantially to Tribal Festival “Parab” and Panchpatmali Natya Mahotsav every year in Koraput district of Odisha. The company has also contributed 􀀅15 lakh for construction of Odishi Research Centre at Bhubaneswar. Besides these, NALCO spends significantly in sponsoring seminars and cultural programmes all over the state. Financial assistance has also been provided to Rural Art Museum at Chilika. The aluminium behemoth has taken up the renovation and development of Samaleswaribhaan at Samaleswari temple complex in Sambalpur.