Vedanta Aluminium, India’s leading aluminium producer, marked a significant milestone by dedicating 130 ‘Nand Ghars’ in a ceremony at Jharsuguda. These ‘Nand Ghars’ serve as modernized anganwadis, strategically supported by Vedanta, aiming to act as developmental hubs for women and child welfare to accelerate progress in local communities.
The newly-inaugurated ‘Nand Ghars’ are poised to make a transformative impact on the lives of over 7,000 children residing in 127 villages within the Jharsuguda district.
The inaugural ceremony witnessed the esteemed presence of Ms. Dipali Das, MLA, Jharsuguda; Mr. Prabir Kumar Nayak, Project Director, District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), Jharsuguda; Ms. Punyabati Helen Khes, District Social Welfare Officer, Jharsuguda; and Mr. Sunil Gupta, COO, Vedanta Aluminium.
Ms. Dipali Das, MLA, Jharsuguda, expressed her appreciation for Vedanta’s developmental initiatives, stating, “I would like to thank Vedanta and Anil Agarwal Foundation for modernizing our anganwadis with all essential amenities for the holistic development of children and their mothers.”
Mr. Prabir Kumar Nayak, Project Director, DRDA, emphasized the critical role played by Vedanta’s ‘Nand Ghars’ in the overall development of children, providing a robust foundation for quality education during their pre-schooling years.
Ms. Punyabati Heen Khes, District Social Welfare Officer, Jharsuguda, lauded Vedanta for infusing joy into children’s learning and urged the company to extend its transformative efforts to all anganwadis, ensuring comprehensive growth for every child.
Highlighting Vedanta’s commitment to grassroots development, Mr. Sunil Gupta, COO, Vedanta Aluminium, stated, “Vedanta’s Nand Ghars represent our Chairman Anil Agarwal’s vision of accelerating women and child development across India at the very grassroots through focused development programs.”
Equipped with smart television sets for immersive education, water purifiers for reliable drinking water, clean toilets for community hygiene, and solar panels for continuous electricity, the ‘Nand Ghars’ follow the Building As Learning Aid (BALA) approach. The school building features engaging and interactive learning resources, embodying an integrated approach to child welfare and women’s empowerment.
Launched in 2015, ‘Nand Ghar’ is Vedanta’s flagship community initiative, developed under the Anil Agarwal Foundation in collaboration with the Government of India’s Ministry of Women & Child Development. The initiative goes beyond traditional anganwadis, providing holistic services in education, nutrition, healthcare, and skill development, closely aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Vedanta’s social interventions in Jharsuguda and nearby areas reach nearly 80 villages, benefiting over 3 lakh people annually. The company empowers women, provides healthcare services, supports education, and engages in environmental initiatives, contributing to the overall development of the community.
