New Delhi, Apr 4, 2025: Nand Ghar, the flagship initiative of the Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), has achieved a significant milestone by establishing 8,044 modernized Anganwadis across 15 states in India.
Nand Ghars are modernised anganwadis with provision of state-of-the art facilities. This expansion underscores Vedanta’s commitment to holistic rural development, strengthening early childhood education, nutrition, healthcare, and skill development for women.
In addition to enhanced infrastructural facilities, Nand Ghar incorporates smart education tools, interactive e-learning modules, BaLA designs, and smart TVs to make learning engaging for children aged 3-6 years. Each center is equipped with child friendly furniture, access to electricity, safe drinking water, and hygienic sanitation facilities, fostering a safe and nurturing environment. Beyond education, Nand Ghars combats malnutrition by facilitating fortified meals to children and essential nutritional support to pregnant and lactating mothers. Integrated healthcare services, including immunization drives and routine check-ups, further strengthen community well-being.
As Nand Ghar continues to scale its impact, 2024-25 has been a year of remarkable achievements. The ‘Khaana Khaaya Kya?’ campaign, featuring Manoj Bajpayee as the first-ever ambassador, reinforced the message that no child should go to bed hungry. To combat malnutrition, Nand Ghar launched a two-phase distribution of protein-rich millet shakes, benefiting children across six states. Maharashtra witnessed its first-ever Nand Ghar with 25 new centers in Thane, ensuring quality early childhood education and women empowerment programs in the state. AAF reaffirmed its commitment to develop 25,000 Nand Ghars in Rajasthan over the next two years, further amplifying its impact on rural communities. Currently, Nand Ghar supports over 3 lakh children and 2 lakh women through its holistic initiatives.
The initiative is well-aligned with the Government of India’s vision for women and child development. The Ministry empowers and supports mothers and their children under six years through various programs ensuring comprehensive childcare support in a secure environment with trained staff, educational resources, nutritional support, and activities for holistic child development. With more than 14 lakh Anganwadi Centres serving over 8+ crore children under six years across the country, Nand Ghar’s model contributes significantly to enhancing the existing ecosystem and amplifying the government’s efforts in ensuring the well-being of children and women in rural India.
Speaking on the achievement, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd and Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd, stated, “The journey of building 8,000 Nand Ghars reflects our deep commitment to transforming lives at the grassroots. These centers are not just reimagined Anganwadis, they are spaces of opportunity where children learn, grow, and thrive, and where women gain the tools to lead empowered, self-reliant lives.”
“It is incredible to witness how Nand Ghar is evolving into a nationwide movement- one that is creating real change. Our partnership with the Government and the Ministry of Women & Child Development continues to strengthen this mission, helping us scale with purpose and bring meaningful change to communities across India,” she said.
Adding to this, Shashi Arora, CEO, Nand Ghar, commented, “At Nand Ghar, we are committed to holistic community development, where impact is measured not just in numbers but in the lives we transform. By integrating smart learning, digital tools, and sustainable nutrition programs, we are redefining the Anganwadi ecosystem in India. Over the past year, we have introduced cutting-edge digital learning modules and expanded nutrition programs to ensure that every child receives a balanced meal daily aligned with the Poshan 2.0 guidelines. Flagship initiatives such as Khaana Khaaya Kya?, the millet bar and shake distribution drive, and our digital smart learning model have further reinforced our commitment to child development and women’s empowerment. We will continue to deepen our impact within communities, ensuring that early childhood education, nutrition, and women empowerment drive for meaningful and sustainable change.”
Nand continues to expand across states such as Rajasthan, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, focusing on healthcare, nutrition, and skill-building initiatives. With WCD’s Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Department celebrating its 50 years in 2025, Nand Ghar continues to set benchmarks in early childhood care and women’s empowerment.
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