Kiran Bedi Visits Vedanta Aluminum's Mega Facility in Jharsuguda

By: WE Staff | Tuesday, 24 March 2026

• Kiran Bedi, visited Vedanta Aluminum’s plant in Jharsuguda, Odisha
• She conducted an interactive Town Hall attended by around 1,000 employees, business partners, families, and community members
• She met with members of Project Subhalaxmi - the largest self-help group cooperative in Western Odisha

Kiran Bedi, the first woman Indian Police Service officer and a leader of social reform for most of her career, visited Vedanta Aluminum's mega facility in Jharsuguda, Odisha, as part of Vedanta's ongoing Women's Day celebrations in May 2006. Bedi had an interactive Town Hall during her visit, with approximately 1,000 employees & business partners with their families, and the community attended.

Dr Bedi has served as UN Civilian Police Advisor, and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. She is also a Ramon Magsaysay Award winner for her innovative methods to reform police and prisons. She shared her 30+ years of leadership experience working in the public sector; and how she encourages individuals to live their lives with purpose, integrity and empathy; and create a culture that embraces diversity.

While visiting, Dr Bedi remarked, "Vedanta Limited is a diamond for India," and that the "Nation will benefit by having more companies like Vedanta that utilize our resources wisely, promote economic growth, and have a positive effect on our environment".

“Be committed to learning, be empathetic leaders and interact with all people, by listening and seeking their understanding before encouraging any correction. To create a stronger workforce, we need more women who bring stability, empathy, and determination to get things done for everyone. Do not perform your work for awards; perform with purpose, own your work and create a culture of belonging."

"At Vedanta, we are proud to have achieved the following progress over the last few years: over 23 percent of the workforce is now women; we are the first company in India to operate an all-women portal. These accomplishments demonstrate our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace and to meaningful change in the industry," stated Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Limited & Chairperson Hindustan Zinc Limited.

C Chandru, CEO, Vedanta Jharsuguda, added: "By being the first aluminium plant in India & Odisha to operate an all-women potline and allow women to work night shifts, we remain fully committed to providing all employees with equal employment opportunities. I thank Dr Bedi, who exemplifies action and leadership, for inspiring us to continue this work."

As part of her visit, Dr Bedi met with members of Project Subhalaxmi - the largest self-help group cooperative in Western Odisha, and provided offer letters to those disabled professionals hired into or joining the plant. She also toured the facility, meeting with women professionals employed by the all-women potline, all-women power team, and all-women locomotive team.