The Business Bytes
Vedanta’s flagship initiative set to scale further with 20,000 new centres planned in Rajasthan
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, APRIL 5, 2025
In a remarkable stride towards rural transformation, the Anil Agarwal Foundation’s (AAF) flagship initiative Nand Ghar has crossed a major milestone by modernising 8,044 Anganwadis across 15 states in India. These cutting-edge centres are reshaping the landscape of early childhood development and women empowerment, positively impacting over 3 lakh children and 2 lakh women nationwide.
Nand Ghars serve as reimagined Anganwadis, offering state-of-the-art facilities that provide early childhood education, nutrition, healthcare, and skill development. Designed to create a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment, each Nand Ghar is equipped with smart learning tools, e-learning modules, BaLA (Building as Learning Aid) designs, child-friendly furniture, smart TVs, safe drinking water, electricity, and hygienic sanitation.
Aligned with the Government of India’s Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Nand Ghar strengthens national efforts towards holistic child development and maternal care. On the 50th anniversary of ICDS in 2025, Nand Ghar stands out as a model intervention, contributing significantly to building a brighter future for India’s rural communities.
In addition to enhancing learning outcomes, Nand Ghar plays a critical role in combating malnutrition. Fortified meals for children and nutritional support for pregnant and lactating mothers are integral to its service delivery. A standout initiative last year was the two-phase launch of millet-based protein shakes, benefiting children across six states. Developed using a blend of ragi, bajra, foxtail, and kodu millets, and fortified with 23 essential vitamins and minerals, the FSSAI-certified and patented shake complements the national push for millet consumption as a sustainable and nutritious superfood.
Nand Ghar’s mission also extends to empowering rural women by offering skill development in areas like food processing, handicrafts, and retail, enabling many to earn an average monthly income of up to ₹10,000. This multi-dimensional impact reinforces the Foundation’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
Further expanding its footprint, AAF recently inaugurated Maharashtra’s first 25 Nand Ghars in Thane. Looking ahead, the Foundation is set to launch 20,000 additional centres in Rajasthan, aiming to reach 2 million lives in the state over the next two years.
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Ltd. and Non-Executive Director of Vedanta Ltd., emphasized the initiative’s transformative role, saying, “The journey of building 8,000 Nand Ghars reflects our deep commitment to transforming lives at the grassroots. These centres are not just reimagined Anganwadis, they are spaces of opportunity where children thrive, and women become empowered and self-reliant. It’s incredible to see Nand Ghar evolve into a nationwide movement, aligned closely with the government’s vision for holistic development.”
Shashi Arora, CEO of Nand Ghar, added, “At Nand Ghar, our impact is measured not just in numbers but in lives transformed. With digital learning, sustainable nutrition, and community engagement at its core, the initiative is redefining the Anganwadi ecosystem. Initiatives like ‘Khaana Khaaya Kya?’, our millet-based nutrition programs, and smart learning models are building stronger foundations for a healthier, educated, and empowered rural India.”
Backed by Vedanta under the aegis of the Anil Agarwal Foundation, Nand Ghar continues to serve as a catalyst for social change. With a vision to uplift and empower the underserved, the Foundation remains dedicated to healthcare, women and child development, animal welfare, and sports, fostering sustainable progress and nation building.
