More Than Metals: How Hindustan Zinc Is Reviving India’s Arts And Empowering Rural Communities Daily Kiran

Key Highlights:

Hindustan Zinc invests in preserving India’s heritage arts like Ajrakh printing, Ghoomar, Pakhawaj, and tribal dance forms.
Established block printing units in Ajmer employing trained rural women under sustainable livelihood programs.
Promotes performing arts through platforms like Vedanta Udaipur World Music Festival and cultural initiatives.
Launched Sakhi Utsavs and SHG-driven programs empowering 25,000+ women across 2,000 villages.
Addresses critical issues like menstrual hygiene and child marriage through nukkad nataks and school outreach.
Over 2 million lives impacted through holistic development initiatives across 4,000 villages.

Hindustan Zinc: Blending Industry with India’s Intangible Cultural Wealth

While known globally as one of the largest integrated zinc producers, Hindustan Zinc Limited, a Vedanta Group company, is crafting a remarkable narrative that goes far beyond metals. The company is playing a transformative role in preserving India’s ancient arts, supporting rural artisans, and driving inclusive community growth.

With the belief that “art and culture are catalysts of social change,” Hindustan Zinc’s initiatives are revitalizing traditions ranging from Ajrakh block printing and tribal Gauri dance to classical percussion like the Pakhawaj, ensuring these heritage forms not only survive—but thrive in modern India.

Crafting Livelihoods Through Heritage: The Ajmer Block Printing Unit

In partnership with NGOs and skilled artisans, Hindustan Zinc has established a block printing unit in Ajmer. This unit currently employs 18 trained women, reviving age-old printing methods through its Ajrakh printing initiative.

These efforts contribute to ‘Upaya’, Hindustan Zinc’s in-house brand promoting sustainable home textiles rooted in tradition. The brand empowers rural women with skill training, income opportunities, and pride in their craft.

“Bringing our ancestral art back to life fills me with pride. Being a part of this initiative has not only helped me learn a valuable skill, but also stand on my own feet,” says Sharmila, a trainee from the Sakhi block printing unit.

Performing Arts in the Spotlight: Reviving India’s Musical Traditions

As a patron of the Vedanta Udaipur World Music Festival, Hindustan Zinc brings together folk, classical, fusion, and rock artists from India and abroad. The festival is a celebration of Rajasthan’s rich musical identity and a vehicle to resurrect fading instruments and traditional music styles.

Through Srujan – The Spark, the company supports the global showcasing of Indian art, while ‘Smritiyan’, a tribute to tabla maestro Pt. Chatur Lal, plays a key role in passing on India’s classical legacy to newer generations.

Sakhi Utsav: Women Leading Change

In 2025, Hindustan Zinc organized Sakhi Utsavs across its key operational areas—Zawar, Rampura Agucha, Chanderiya, Dariba, and Pantnagar. These festivals saw 7,000+ women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) showcasing their journeys through:

Cultural performances
Wellness workshops
Sports events
Financial literacy camps
Nukkad nataks addressing social themes

These festivals not only highlighted grassroots leadership but also celebrated the spirit of empowered rural womanhood.

Social Theatre & School Outreach: Change Through Dialogue

Since 2021, the ‘Uthori Abhiyan’ has reached over 11,000 students in 180 schools, raising awareness on:

Menstrual hygiene
Domestic violence
Child marriage

Through engaging street plays and storytelling, Hindustan Zinc has turned sensitive topics into open conversations.

Additionally, more than 2,000 SHGs operate in 200 villages under the Sakhi project, empowering over 25,000 women with entrepreneurship training, financial education, and leadership development.

Impact at Scale: 2 Million+ Lives Touched

Hindustan Zinc’s social outreach doesn’t stop at art and livelihoods. Its initiatives span across:

Education
Healthcare & Nutrition
Clean drinking water & sanitation
Sports & youth development
Skill development & entrepreneurship

By placing people at the heart of development, the company has positively influenced over 2 million lives in nearly 4,000 villages—a testimony to the philosophy that individual empowerment leads to community transformation.

Conclusion: Mining More Than Minerals

Hindustan Zinc stands as a beacon of industrial growth blended with cultural preservation and social responsibility. By reviving lost traditions, enabling livelihoods, and building resilient communities, it redefines what a modern Indian corporation can and should achieve.

In every block print, musical beat, and street play, Hindustan Zinc is not just extracting resources—but restoring identity, pride, and purpose across rural India.

Disclaimer

This article is based on publicly available initiatives, official reports, and statements from Hindustan Zinc Limited. Readers are encouraged to explore official websites and CSR reports for deeper insights.

Author Profile

Ganpat Singh Chouhan: My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.