365Telugu.com online news,24th December 2024: Nand Ghar, the flagship initiative of the Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), celebrated a remarkable year of progress in 2024, driving meaningful change in rural communities. Focused on improving the lives of women and children, the initiative expanded its impact across education, nutrition, and skill development. To date, Nand Ghar has transformed over 6,600 anganwadi centers across 15 states, positively influencing the lives of more than 2,60,000 children and 1,90,000 women.
The year commenced with the Vedanta Culture Festival in February at Dilli Haat, showcasing India’s rich artistic heritage. Organized by Vedanta and AAF, this vibrant event brought artisans together from across the country, including participants from Nand Ghar. Jaipur’s Rajni Rathor and Shyam Singh Rathor from the Samota Mata Self-Help Group highlighted their candle-making skills, representing Nand Ghar’s commitment to skill development and women’s entrepreneurship.
In March, Nand Ghar became the Social Impact Partner at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2024, promoting early childhood education, health, and nutrition. The event featured the launch of ‘Nand Ghar Bagaan’, an experience center that celebrated India’s cultural diversity. Workshops on block printing, candle making, puppetry, and indigenous millet-based recipes empowered local women and showcased the importance of Self-Help Groups in rural development.
In May, Nand Ghar unveiled the ‘Khaana Khaaya Kya?’ campaign, with actor Manoj Bajpayee as its first-ever ambassador. The campaign aimed to combat child hunger and malnutrition by mobilizing public participation through donations, volunteering, and partnerships. With the message “no child should go to bed hungry,” the campaign engaged over 600 volunteers and garnered widespread support, fostering a movement for better child nutrition in India.
Nutrition Focus: Millet Shakes for Healthier Children
Building on the success of its multi-millet nutri bar, Nand Ghar introduced a “millet shake” program during Poshan Maah 2024. These protein-rich shakes, enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, were distributed in two phases. In the first phase, 50,000 shakes reached 6,000 children in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand. The second phase extended to Punjab, Karnataka, and Goa, benefitting 12,500 children with over 52,500 shakes, promoting millet consumption and addressing malnutrition.
Rajasthan Takes Center Stage
Rajasthan witnessed significant focus, with over 550 Nand Ghars developed in six districts, bringing the total to 3,500 across 15 districts. AAF aims to upgrade 25,000 Nand Ghars across Rajasthan in the next two years, fostering nutrition, education, and women’s empowerment for sustainable growth in rural areas.
Expanding Horizons
The initiative’s footprint expanded to other states, including:
- Odisha: Upgrading 500 anganwadi centers in Jharsuguda through an MoU with the District Social Welfare Office, targeting 700 Nand Ghars in Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, and Raygada districts.
- Maharashtra: New centers in Thane, Gadchiroli, and Wardha districts.
- Andhra Pradesh: Expansion to Visakhapatnam and Nellore districts.
- Chhattisgarh: Focus on Sakti district.
- Rajasthan: Further development in Udaipur, Rajsamand, and Barmer districts.
Looking Ahead
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Ltd. and Non-Executive Director of Vedanta, reflected on the year’s achievements: “2024 was a landmark year as we expanded our reach to empower thousands of women and children across India. As we approach the 50th anniversary of ICDS in 2025, we are committed to creating the ideal model for anganwadis and fostering a brighter future for the next generation.”
Through its unwavering dedication, Nand Ghar continues to be a beacon of hope, driving sustainable development and enhancing the lives of vulnerable communities across India.