Chitradurga, 8 July 2025: Over 70 students from across 24 villages in Chitradurga benefited from Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Karnataka (IOK)’s ‘Utkarsh’ Scholarship Distribution Programme, held at Shri. Taralabalu Vidya Samsthe (R), Shri. Sampige Siddeshwara High School, Chitradurga. The initiative, under Sesa Goa’s Project ‘Vridhhi’, marks another milestone in Vedanta’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and empowering the youth of Chitradurga.
The event was graced by Shri. S. Nagabhushan, Block Education Officer (BEO), Chitradurga as the Chief Guest, along with Shri. Shrishaila Gouda, CEO, Vedanta Sesa Goa – IOK, Shri. P. Narayan, Head-Corporate Affairs, Vedanta IOK, Vedanta executives, along with the beneficiaries of the Utkarsh scholarship and their parents.
Vedanta IOK received an overwhelming response for the scholarship, out of which 75 meritorious students were awarded with scholarships including students pursuing SSLC, PUC, Engineering and Medicine courses. Over 50% of the awarded candidates were female students, thus demonstrating women empowerment. Around INR 10 lacs was disbursed through the Utkarsh scholarship programme 2025.
Shri. Navin Jaju, CEO, Vedanta Sesa Goa, expressed his thoughts on the occasion “ Congratulations to the bright and young recipients of the Vedanta ‘Utkarsh’ Scholarship, We, at Vedanta Sesa Goa, are proud to fuel & support the aspirations of the youth. Our CSR initiatives in the field of education aim to create future changemakers & a generation of skilled professionals, who will drive innovation & progress for a #ViksitBharat.”
Marking the occasion, Shri. S. Nagabhushan, Block Education Officer (BEO), Chitradurga encouraged the young students to achieve great heights. “Vedanta Sesa Goa-IOK’s ‘Utkarsh’ scholarship programme is a beacon of hope for aspiring students—from SSLC to degree-level scholars pursuing Engineering and Medicine. This initiative brings immense joy and pride, as it empowers young minds by easing the financial burden of education. I commend Vedanta for its unwavering dedication to shaping the future of Chitradurga’s youth and wish them continued success in their journey of creating lasting impact.”
Shri. Shrishaila Gouda, CEO, Vedanta – Iron Ore Karnataka, expressed his pride in the recipients:
“The Vedanta ‘Utkarsh’ Scholarship is a reflection of our deep-rooted belief in the power of education to transform lives and communities. Through this initiative, we aim to unlock opportunities for bright, deserving students who aspire to pursue careers in Engineering, Medicine, and other fields of excellence. Till date, over 500 meritorious students have been awarded with the scholarship and this year alone, around 75 students have been awarded with the scholarship.
The programme included awarding the scholarships to the meritorious students, and the beneficiaries sharing their experiences. One of the beneficiaries Lanchana M., 3rd year Computer Science Engineering student and resident of Bheemasamudra village said, “I have been receiving the Vedanta ‘Utkarsh’ scholarship since the past 2 years. I am truly grateful to Vedanta Sesa Goa-IOK for the ‘Utkarsh’ scholarship, which has greatly helped me to pay my college fees and for my other academic needs. Receiving theVedanta ‘Utkarsh’ Scholarship has motivated me to perform well in my studies and to excel in everything that I do. Thank you, Vedanta Sesa Goa-IOK, for believing in me and providing me with the ‘Utkarsh’ scholarship.”