### Hindustan Zinc’s Udaan Program Empowers Rural Students with Wings of Aspiration

Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s largest and the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, celebrated the success of over 180 alumni of its flagship CSR initiative, Udaan, during the Alumni Meet 2024. Udaan aims to empower underprivileged youth from rural Rajasthan, enabling them to achieve success in engineering. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from alumni, parents, and teachers, along with dignitaries like Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, representatives from Vidya Bhawan Society, and Resonance Training Institute. The occasion not only honored the achievements of former students but also served as a source of inspiration and motivation for the three ongoing batches under the program.

Established in 2017, Udaan is a collaborative initiative by Hindustan Zinc, Vidya Bhawan Society, and Resonance Training Institute, aimed at providing a pathway for Rajasthan's rural youth to pursue engineering. The program offers a comprehensive three-year residential training module that equips students to excel in their Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations and prepares them for competitive exams like IIT-JEE Mains. With state-of-the-art academic support, top-notch faculty, and modern residential facilities, Udaan has benefited nearly 300 students, giving wings to their dreams and aspirations.

Speaking at the event, Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, stated, “Udaan is not just an educational program but a visionary initiative aimed at transforming lives and nurturing a generation of engineers who will become the future architects of Rajasthan and India. By providing a robust foundation of knowledge, guidance, and opportunities, we are empowering youth to overcome barriers and drive innovations that will advance the nation’s growth and prosperity.”

To date, Udaan has successfully trained nine batches, empowering approximately 300 students, more than 50% of whom are girls. The initiative boasts remarkable achievements, with 15 students (8 boys and 7 girls) securing admissions to prestigious IITs and NITs, 125 students (69 boys and 56 girls) entering government engineering colleges, and 6 students (2 boys and 4 girls) making their mark in private engineering institutions. By bridging the gap between potential and opportunity, Udaan continues to shape the future of engineering talent in Rajasthan.

Former Udaan alumna Sunita Dangi shared her experience, saying, “Before Udaan, accessing quality education felt like a daunting task. With Hindustan Zinc’s support and training, I achieved success and secured admission to CTAE. This program not only helped me overcome challenges but also inspired me to dream big and contribute to India’s development.”

Hindustan Zinc remains committed to creating a brighter and more equitable future for Rajasthan’s youth, empowering them to achieve their dreams and contribute to the nation’s progress. Alongside Udaan, Hindustan Zinc drives significant social transformation through its extensive CSR initiatives in education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, water and sanitation, skill development, and infrastructure enhancement. Programs like Shiksha Sambal, Jeevan Tarang, Zinc Football Academy, Sakhi, and Samadhan have positively impacted the lives of nearly 2 million people across 3,700 villages. From promoting digital literacy and scholarships to supporting self-help groups and rural sports, Hindustan Zinc is dedicated to uplifting communities and strengthening the socio-economic fabric of its operational areas.