Thane, March 22, 2025: In a significant stride towards child welfare and women’s empowerment, Vedanta’s Nand Ghar initiative has made its debut in Maharashtra with the establishment of 25 modernized Anganwadi centers in Thane, Mumbai. A flagship project of the Anil Agarwal Foundation, Nand Ghar is redefining rural development by offering early childhood education, nutrition, healthcare, and skill-building opportunities for women. Launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), the initiative aims to uplift 7 crore children and 2 crore women across India’s 13.7 lakh Anganwadis, integrating rural communities into the mainstream of progress.
Nand Ghar centers are equipped with advanced infrastructure, including smart education tools, interactive e-learning modules, BaLA (Building as Learning Aid) designs, and smart TVs to make learning engaging for children aged 3-6 years. The centers also provide child-friendly furniture, access to electricity, safe drinking water, and hygienic sanitation facilities, creating a secure and nurturing environment. Beyond education, the initiative tackles malnutrition by providing fortified meals for children and essential nutritional support for pregnant and lactating mothers. Additionally, integrated healthcare services, such as immunization drives and routine health check-ups, further enhance community well-being.
Given Maharashtra’s industrial and economic progress, the need for modernized Anganwadis remains crucial. The launch of Nand Ghars in the state represents a transformative step toward addressing malnutrition, ensuring school readiness, and equipping women with financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills. Already, over 2,000 women and children have benefited from these centers, setting the foundation for a more inclusive and empowered Maharashtra.
During her visit to the Vaghiwali Nand Ghar in Thane, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director of Vedanta Ltd. and Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Ltd., engaged with community members and children, reinforcing Vedanta’s commitment to social progress. She remarked, “The launch of Nand Ghar in Maharashtra marks a new chapter in our journey of transformation. These centers are catalysts of change, ensuring quality early education, nutrition, and skill development for women. We are dedicated to scaling this model across the state, creating a lasting impact on communities and transforming lives.”
To foster women’s empowerment, Nand Ghar offers specialized training programs in skill development, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, paving the way for self-reliance and economic independence. With over 7,500 centers across 15 states, Nand Ghar has already touched the lives of millions of children and women through smart education, nutritious meals, healthcare, and skill training. In Maharashtra, the initiative aims to expand further, strengthening its impact through public-private collaboration.
About Nand Ghar:
Nand Ghar, a flagship social impact initiative of the Anil Agarwal Foundation, is transforming the Anganwadi ecosystem across India. With a presence in 15 states and over 7,500 centers, the project is driving sustainable development by combating malnutrition, providing pre-primary education, ensuring primary healthcare, and empowering rural women through skill training. Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), Nand Ghar is committed to positively impacting 7 crore children and 2 crore women across the country’s 13.7 lakh Anganwadis. For more details, visit: www.nandghar.org
About Anil Agarwal Foundation:
The Anil Agarwal Foundation serves as the umbrella entity for Vedanta’s social initiatives, focusing on healthcare, women and child development, animal welfare, and sports. Dedicated to sustainable and inclusive growth, the foundation is committed to empowering communities and contributing to nation-building. To learn more, visit: Vedanta’s CSR Initiatives
