Priya Agarwal Hebbar engaging with the kids at Nand Ghar in Thane.
Credit: Special arrangement
Thane: Marking a transformative milestone in child welfare and women’s empowerment, Vedanta’s Nand Ghar initiative has officially entered Maharashtra with 25 centers in Thane, which adjoins the financial capital of Mumbai.
Nand Ghar, a flagship social impact project under the Anil Agarwal Foundation, is a model project working towards strengthening the Anganwadi ecosystem of the country.
The 7500-plus Nand Ghars are the enablers of change and sustainable development with a presence in 15 states across India and currently impacting more than 3 lakh children and 2.1 lakh women.
A modernised Anganwadi is redefining rural development by providing early childhood education, facilitating nutrition, healthcare, and skill development opportunities for women.
Designed 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.
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.
Priya Agarwal Hebbar at the Nand Ghar in Thane.
Credit: Special arrangement
The launch of the first Nand Ghars in Maharashtra represents a significant leap forward in tackling malnutrition, ensuring school readiness, and equipping women with financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills.
With over 2,000 women and children already benefiting, Vedanta’s Nand Ghar is laying the groundwork for a stronger, more inclusive Maharashtra, where every child has a fair start in life and every woman has the tools to shape her future.
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd., and Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd., visited the Vaghiwali Nand Ghar in Thane, engaging with the community members and children.
“It is incredible to see Nand Ghar take root in Maharashtra, marking a new chapter in our journey of transformation. These centers are enablers of change, ensuring that children receive quality early education and nutrition, and women become self-reliant through upskilling initiatives. With the launch of Nand Ghar in Maharashtra we are committed to scaling this model across the state, creating a lasting impact on communities and transforming lives,” she said.