Vedanta Lanjigarh – Innovative Award for Tribal Art and Dhokra Art Projects for its “Aajeevika” Initiative at the India CSR awards 2019 CSR CASE STUDY Dhokra art An ancient folk art tradition, Dhokra is practiced in selective regions such as Orissa, Jharkhand West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, etc. In order to preserve this traditional practice of art, Vedanta provided the artisans with training and skill development programmes, to help them upgrade adequate credentials to exhibit work at various portals. The Dhokra artists use the lost-wax casting technique to create metal scriptures and figures, which is a unique practice of art making. With the help of Vedanta, these artisans also got the chance to start earning while still in the training. The firm also helped set up a tribal painting training academy, teaching the local community and young women that practiced and celebrated Saura art form. Vedanta is also actively involved in garnering an appropriate market setup for the artisans, to display their products and earn better. Initiatives like these help keep the ancient practices of Indian hereditary live and moving! It also supports the people skilled in the art forms, thus, making them financially competent to pursue the craft. Vedanta – Lanjigarh's initiatives Vedanta Lanjigarh’s commitment to the social wellbeing of communities, recently gained acknowledgement at the India CSR Awards 2019, for Tribal Art and Dhokra Art Projects category as under its ‘Aajeevika’ initiative. The initiative focuses on promoting, and supporting the tribal artisans, through their active platforms and training communities. The initiative gave a lift to the ancient Saura art form, and the Dhokra art form by re-introducing them in the mainstream art world. Rakesh Mohan, COO – Vedanta Limited, Lanjigarh unit, said, “By reviving these traditional and soon to be lost art forms, we have enabled many local artisans and budding female artists to explore their inherent skills and channelize them to develop a source of sustenance. This award is a great tribute to our commitment to the community and to our partnership with them in pushing this art form into the mainstream of Indian art.” Efforts by Vedanta – Lanjigarh Vedanta provided the artisans with the requisite tools and training that enabled them to refine their artistic skills and create finer pieces of work. Vedanta also arranged for adequate credentials for the artisans that allowed them to exhibit their creations at various exhibitions, folk fairs and market places. They have started earning while in training, boosting their confidence to earn their livelihood as an artist. As a result, several families that had migrated in search of livelihoods and sustenance have recently returned to their original homes and now live and work on their traditional art with dignity. Vedanta’s focus on tribal paintings is an attempt by the company to revive the traditional art forms, which may soon be lost. Additionally, it is also an opportunity to provide local artisans a platform to realise their potential and revive the art form using their talents. The unit has established a Tribal Painting training academy that provides tools and training facilities to the young girls of the local community practicing Saura art form. Besides the training academy, the company is also supporting them with various marketing platforms to display their products before interested national and international customer clusters that facilitate these girls to use their artistry to earn livelihood. The India CSR Awards is one of the most prestigious platforms that recognise and honour innovative CSR, sustainability and social enterprise projects. Celebrating five years of CSR Legislation in India, the event witnessed participation by eminent delegates of the industry, corporate professionals and government officials from all over the country.