Zinc Smelter Debari Hosts Sakhi Utsav with Participation of Over 1,800 Women

Women can achieve anything—they simply need strong determination to move forward. This spirit is clearly visible among the Sakhi women associated with Hindustan Zinc Limited, who continue to inspire others through their journeys of self-empowerment.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, a grand **Sakhi Utsav** was organized at the Sports Complex of Zinc Smelter Debari by Hindustan Zinc’s Manjari Foundation in collaboration with the Hanuman Van Vikas Samiti. The event encouraged every Sakhi to step ahead and motivate more women toward empowerment.

The Chief Guest, Additional Superintendent of Police, Udaipur, Chetna Bhati, said that women today are becoming increasingly self-reliant and confident. She emphasized that women should walk shoulder-to-shoulder with men in sharing family responsibilities to ensure better education and a brighter future for their children. She noted that women are emerging as key contributors in every sector, reflecting the true essence of empowerment. Rooted in Indian culture and values, women are strengthening both their homes and workplaces while courageously facing challenges and contributing significantly to the progress of society and the nation.

Among the dignitaries present were Anupam Nidhi (Head CSR, Vedanta), Vivek Yadav (SBU Director), Anil Gadia (Unit HR Head), Ruchika Naresh Chawla (Head CSR), Aparna Vyas (CSR team), labor union representatives Prakash Shrimali and Mangi Lal Ahir, and members of the Zinc Smelter Debari Executive Ladies Club.

Vivek Yadav stated that women are the real strength of communities, effectively balancing responsibilities at home and work. He reiterated the organization’s commitment to making every Sakhi woman self-reliant and resilient. Through special initiatives such as Sakhi, Samadhan, and Zinc Kaushal, Hindustan Zinc is working with communities to build a stronger and more inclusive future. He highlighted that women empowerment remains a key priority across all company projects. Within the Vedanta Group and Hindustan Zinc, women are not only in leadership roles but are also actively managing mining operations alongside their male counterparts.

The Sakhi Utsav featured various competitions such as musical chairs, tug-of-war, kabaddi, balancing games, and balloon-bursting contests. Two street plays addressing child marriage and women’s education were also performed. Bhajan-kirtan and dances on Rajasthani songs added to the festive spirit. Despite rising temperatures, the enthusiasm of the participants remained high.

Organized under the CSR initiative, the event saw participation from more than 1,800 Sakhis, rural women, women employees, and members of the Zinc family, all contributing toward strengthening families, communities, and the nation.

Winners and participants of the sports competitions were honored with prizes. The event also showcased the year-long progress of various projects. Women’s groups presented folk dances and vibrant cultural performances.

Information stalls highlighted CSR initiatives such as Sakhi, Samadhan, Zinc Kaushal, Shiksha Sambal, and micro-enterprise products and activities. Hindustan Zinc operates the Sakhi program in five districts—Udaipur, Rajsamand, Bhilwara, Ajmer, Chittorgarh—and in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand.

As India’s largest and the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, Hindustan Zinc is building an ecosystem of inclusive development through Sakhi and micro-enterprise initiatives, promoting economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and skill development. Under the Sakhi Production Committee, micro-enterprises have established 14 production units and 208 stores. Through the food brand “Daiichi” and the textile brand “Upaya,” strong connections have been built with rural markets. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—particularly gender equality, decent work and economic growth, and reduced inequalities—the initiative has empowered more than 25,488 women across 184 villages, 203 village organizations, and 21,607 self-help groups.