With its ambitious targets for 2025, Nand Ghar is set to lead the transformation of Anganwadi centers nationwide, focusing on nutrition, education, and skill-building for women and children.

NEW DELHI (India CSR): Nand Ghar, an initiative by the Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), continued its impactful work in 2024, upgrading over 6,600 Anganwadi centers across 15 states. The initiative focused on improving education, nutrition, and skill development, reaching over 2.6 lakh children and 1.9 lakh women, organisation informed today.

Cultural Engagement and Skill Development

In February, the Vedanta Culture Festival at Dilli Haat provided a platform for rural artisans, including women from Nand Ghar-affiliated Self-Help Groups, to showcase their skills in candle-making and other crafts. Similar activities at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2024, such as the ‘Nand Ghar Bagaan’ experience center, emphasized community empowerment and cultural preservation.

Focus on Nutrition Through Campaigns and Programs

In May, the ‘Khaana Khaaya Kya?’ campaign, featuring actor Manoj Bajpayee, raised awareness about child nutrition, urging public participation in ensuring no child goes hungry. Over 600 volunteers joined the effort, bolstered by partnerships and monetary contributions.

September’s Poshan Maah observed the distribution of millet shakes across six states, including Odisha, Punjab, and Karnataka. The two-phase program provided over 100,000 protein-dense shakes to children, promoting the inclusion of millets in daily diets to address malnutrition.

Odisha: Scaling New Heights in Nand Ghar Expansion

Odisha emerged as a focus state in 2024, with significant developments in Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, and Rayagada districts. AAF signed an MoU with the District Social Welfare Office (DSWO) to upgrade 500 Anganwadi centers in Jharsuguda into modern Nand Ghars. This initiative aims to enhance early childhood education, nutrition, and women’s skill development in the region.

Expansion Across Key States

In Rajasthan, more than 550 new Nand Ghars were established, increasing the total to 3,500 across 15 districts. The initiative plans to upgrade 25,000 centers in the state within two years. Similar expansions are underway in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, focusing on holistic development in underserved communities.

Leadership Insight

Speaking about the achievements in 2024, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Ltd. and Non-Executive Director of Vedanta, remarked:
“This year has been a significant one for us as we expanded our impact in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, transforming over 6,600 Anganwadis into vibrant Nand Ghars across 15 states, touching the lives of thousands of women and children. I’m thankful for all the partnerships, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to the efforts of taking the Nand Ghar Movement forward. As we look ahead, we remain committed to scaling these efforts and creating lasting change for India’s future generations as we continue our journey of positively impacting 7 crore children and 2 crore women.”

Key Facts: Nand Ghar Milestones in 2024

Total Nand Ghars Upgraded	Over 6,600 Anganwadis across 15 states
Beneficiaries Impacted	2.6 lakh children and 1.9 lakh women
Key Campaign	‘Khaana Khaaya Kya?’ featuring Manoj Bajpayee to address child nutrition
Nutrition Initiative	Distributed over 100,000 millet protein shakes across six states
Focus State: Rajasthan	Established 550 new Nand Ghars, bringing the total to 3,500 across 15 districts
Focus State: Odisha	Signed an MoU to upgrade 500 Anganwadis in Jharsuguda; focus districts include Kalahandi and Rayagada
Cultural Engagements	Participated in the Vedanta Culture Festival and Jaipur Literature Festival
Skill Development	Conducted workshops on crafts, block printing, and millet-based recipes with women’s Self-Help Groups
Future Target	Upgrade 25,000 Nand Ghars in Rajasthan within two years
Leadership Quote	Priya Agarwal Hebbar highlighted the transformation of over 6,600 Anganwadis and future plans to impact 7 crore children and 2 crore women.