19th September 2024: At the prestigious 11th National CSR Summit and CSR Times Awards 2024, Sesa Goa was honored with the CSR Times Award in the ‘Livelihood’ category for its Project Gram Nirmaan. The event was held in partnership with the Goa CSR Authority. The award was presented by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, and was received by Saptesh Sardesai, CEO, VAB, in recognition of significant contributions to community development through sustainable livelihood initiatives.
The event was graced by the presence of several distinguished guests, including Mr. Sadanand Shet Tanawade (Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha), Mr. Subhash Uttam Phal Desai (Hon’ble Minister of Social Welfare, Government of Goa), and Mr. Bhaskar Chatterjee (Former Director General and CEO, Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs), who collectively lauded Sesa Goa’s efforts in driving positive change at the grassroots level.
‘Project GRAM NIRMAAN’ has been instrumental in supporting over 14,000 beneficiaries under various projects across Goa and Karnataka, including agriculture farmers, horticulture farmers, dairy farmers, youth, and women. This initiative focuses on mobilizing, motivating, and supporting farmers, raising awareness about new agricultural techniques, and creating alternative livelihood opportunities in dairy farming. The project also emphasizes the empowering women through enterprise development and establishing linkages for enterprise growth. Additionally, it supports access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, ensuring a comprehensive approach to community development.
Speaking on the accomplishment, Navin Jaju, CEO, Sesa Goa, said “ Project Gram Nirmaan is an example of how meaningful initiatives result in tangible and enduring transformation. The measures taken to drive genuine women and youth empowerment through skilling, vocational and entrepreneurial interventions is a role model for ushering in progress and prosperity in rural India. The initiatives aimed at revitalising wastelands, supporting farmers and horticulturists have had a long-term impact on livelihood generation. We at Vedanta believe in ‘giving back’ to the society and partnering communities in meeting their goals and aspirations.”
“This recognition for ‘Project GRAM NIRMAAN’ is a significant milestone in our journey towards achieving our ESG objectives. We are immensely proud of the impact this project has had on improving livelihoods in the communities we serve. This award is a testament to our team’s relentless efforts to drive sustainable growth and create lasting value for society,” said Saptesh Sardesai, CEO, Value Added Business.
Vedanta Sesa Goa has been consistent in its efforts to usher in transformational changes for the communities it operates in and has a tremendous track record for creating positive social impact through its CSR initiatives. Project Gram Nirmaan has been furthering the company’s social objectives in an extremely effective manner, & the CSR Times Award 2024 is a testimony to the project’s capacity to contribute to the holistic progress and development of the community.
