Vedanta Awards Scholarships to Students Inspired by Former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

Vedanta, India’s only global diversified natural resources company awards scholarships for students, in Tamil Nadu through its copper division; Sterlite Copper. The company’s pledge to nation-building through empowering youth of the country is supported by the scholarship programme; ‘Sterlite Scholastic Excellence Awards’, where toppers of secondary and higher secondary students from poor financial background are awarded.

Sterlite Copper has awarded a total of Rs.7 lakh to 32 toppers across 20 schools in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu at the 15^th ‘Sterlite Scholastic Excellence Awards’ ceremony recently held at Subbiah Vidyalayam Girls Higher Secondary School, Thoothukudi. Speaking on the occasion, Mr M Ramakrishanan, Chief Educational Officer of Thoothukudi District said, “I appreciate the efforts taken by Sterlite Copper to motivate underprivileged children. And I congratulate the awardees on their achievement. Continue to keep up the spirit at all times in your life.”

Mr. P Ramnath, CEO, Sterlite Copper, Thoothukudi, says, “Sterlite Scholastic Excellence Awards has always been a highlight of the year for our company, as it is when we celebrate the positive influence, education and training brings, in the lives of the people. All of our award winners are an inspiration to their peers and deserve recognition. My heartfelt congratulations to all of them.”

To pursue an engineering course was a distant dream for Mr. S Abith who comes from a marginalized background in Tuticorin. Inspired by renowned scientist and visionary, late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Abith however never lost hope. Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper offered a scholarship which led him to be enrolled in B.E Mechanical Engineering in Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Tiruparankundram, Madurai District.

Abith aspires to be in the field of Research & Development in the field of automobile industry. He is the eldest of the two sons in the family. His father is a fisherman who is unable to afford his son’s education expenses. “Even after scoring good marks in secondary and higher secondary examinations and later engineering entrance exams, my career was leading nowhere. Dr. Kalam has been my role-model. I grew up reading his books and quotes which motivated me to work hard despite adverse conditions. I continued to dream and thanks to Sterlite Copper which gave my dream wings by sponsoring my education,” says S Abith.

Another student is Ms K Mareeswari, who hails from Kovilpatti, Thoothukudi District and aims to become a doctor to serve the unprivileged community. Mareeswari is a first year MBBS student in the Government Medical College, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. Her father is working in the small private company and is unable to spend on her education. “Sterlite Scholastic Excellence Award has motivated my daughter and it will help to excel in her higher education also. My heartfelt thanks to Sterlite Copper for such recognition to the future generations,” says the proud father of Mareeswari.

About Vedanta Limited (Formerly Sesa Sterlite Ltd. /Sesa Goa Ltd.)

Vedanta Limited (Vedanta Ltd) is a diversified natural resources company, whose business primarily involves exploring and processing minerals and oil & gas. The Company produces oil & gas, zinc, lead, silver, copper, iron ore, aluminium and commercial power and has a presence across India, South Africa, Namibia, Ireland, Australia, Liberia and Sri Lanka.

Vedanta Ltd, formerly Sesa Sterlite Ltd. /Sesa Goa Ltd., is the Indian subsidiary of Vedanta Resources Plc, a London-listed company. Sustainable Development is at the core of Vedanta's strategy, with a strong focus on health, safety and environment and on enhancing the lives of local communities.  Vedanta Ltd is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange in India and has ADRs listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

For more information please log on to www.vedantalimited.com

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