Bhubaneswar: In 1985, the then Prime Minister of India visited the obscure Kalahandi district of Odisha and lamented the dire situation he witnessed, famously remarking that only fifteen paise out of every rupee leaving Delhi reached those who needed it. This stark reality deeply moved Anil Agarwal, a visionary entrepreneur. Inspired by the vision of Biju Patnaik, the then Chief Minister of Odisha, to rejuvenate Kalahandi by establishing an aluminum industry, Agarwal embarked on an audacious mission.
Initially apprehensive about establishing an industry in Kalahandi, Agarwal’s visit to the region intensified his resolve. He was greeted by impoverished local residents barely clothed and surviving on forest produce. Undeterred by the skepticism of Indian investors, who considered the area remote and Naxal-infested, Agarwal sought investment abroad and successfully raised 1 billion dollars.
The journey to transform Kalahandi was monumental. Agarwal’s team built everything from scratch, including railways, roads, and an airport. The world’s largest alumina refinery was inaugurated, ushering in global technologies and talent. A staggering 21,000 locals were employed, some seeing Indian currency notes for the first time. Despite challenges from NGOs and vested interests, the project persevered, resulting in a 500% increase in worker salaries, a 400% boost in industrial production, and the establishment of over 100 factories. Former President Abdul Kalam’s visit to the region further highlighted the industrial revolution that had reshaped Kalahandi.
Anil Agarwal’s unwavering commitment to inclusive growth has created a transformational blueprint for Kalahandi. He invites investors to join this extraordinary journey, holding steadfast to the belief that Kalahandi will emerge as a developed and exemplary district, thus realizing the dream of inclusive growth in a single generation.
