KORBA-Balconagar: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), India’s iconic aluminium producer and a subsidiary of Vedanta Aluminium, commemorated India’s 77th Republic Day with a grand celebration at the B.R. Ambedkar Stadium, Balconagar, Chhattisgarh. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 6,000 people, including employees, business partners, families, and community members, coming together to celebrate the spirit of unity, constitutional values, and national pride through a series of engaging demonstrations and vibrant performances.
The celebrations commenced with a solemn march past featuring BALCO’s security teams and community participants. Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO and Director of BALCO, formally unfurled the national flag, followed by the singing of the national anthem. He paid respect to the Guard of Honour led by a trans woman as a symbol of diversity, equity and inclusion followed by acknowledging the security personnel during their spirited march past.
Adding vibrancy to the celebrations were cultural performances by over 1,900 students and teachers from 10 schools in BALCO’s surrounding communities. Through a series of thematic dances and performances, the participants showcased India’s rich cultural diversity and shared heritage. In a joint celebration with its communities, BALCO also presented a procession of tableaux highlighting key facets of its operations, including potlines, human resources, fire safety, power, and logistics. The thoughtfully curated floats reflected the scale and diversity of BALCO’s operations while reinforcing its focus on inclusive growth and collective progress.
Reiterating BALCO’s role in India’s development journey, Mr. Kumar said, “At BALCO, we see nation-building as a shared responsibility. As a key contributor to India’s aluminium ecosystem, we continue to strengthen industrial capabilities while integrating safety, environmental stewardship, and inclusive development into our operations. By working closely with our communities and partners, we remain committed to creating long-term value and contributing meaningfully to India’s journey with our 1 million tonne expedition.”
The celebrations concluded with the felicitation of meritorious Class 10 and Class 12 students from participating schools, along with awards for the best parade contingents and tableaux. Following the Republic Day programme, Mr. Kumar also visited BALCO Hospital, Balconagar, where he distributed nutritious fruits to patients, reiterating the company’s sustained commitment to community health and well-being as integral to national development.
