Odisha partners with Anil Agarwal Foundation to transform 500 Anganwadi Centers
Nand Ghars: Modernised hubs for women and children’s holistic development
By Swagatika Mohanty
Bhubaneswar, Nov. 17: The Odisha government has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Anil Agarwal Foundation to upgrade 500 Anganwadi centers across Jharsuguda district.
The MoU, signed on Children’s Day between the Anil Agarwal Foundation and the District Social Welfare Office (DSWO) of Jharsuguda, aims to transform Anganwadi centers into state-of-the-art Nand Ghars. These modernised centers, a flagship community initiative by Vedanta, focus on promoting the holistic development of women and children.
The MoU was formalized in the presence of Odisha state revenue minister Suresh Pujari, Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy, District Collector Aboli Naravane, and other dignitaries.
Commenting on the initiative, MLA Tankadhar Tripathy said, “This valuable partnership reflects a shared vision to enhance grassroots community resources. With these upgrades, the ‘Nand Ghars’ will empower both children and women, driving meaningful growth for the local communities in Jharsuguda district.”
District Collector Aboli Naravane appreciated Vedanta’s developmental efforts, stating, “We welcome Vedanta’s support in bringing transformative change to Jharsuguda’s Anganwadi centers. The ‘Nand Ghar’ initiative will create not only centers of learning but also safe spaces to support the overall well-being and growth of children and women. This MoU is a significant step toward our shared vision of community empowerment.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Vedanta Aluminium, said, “At Vedanta, we are deeply committed to fostering sustainable development and inclusive growth in the communities we serve. Through the ‘Nand Ghar’ initiative, we aim to equip our younger generation and women with the tools they need for a brighter future. We are proud to work alongside the Jharsuguda district authorities to bring this vision to life and ensure impactful, lasting progress in the region.”
In addition to the MoU-signing ceremony held at the local MCL Community Centre in Beheramal, the Children’s Day event, “Dukan Jatra,” brought together over 3,500 participants, including students from 60 schools, community members, and Vedanta Aluminium’s employee volunteers. The event featured an “Entrepreneurship Showcase” with over 60 stalls run by students, offering a variety of self-made products, including handicrafts and food items, fostering creativity and entrepreneurial skills among the youth.
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Photograph Caption: Jharsuguda District Collector Aboli Naravane (second from right) examines products created by students as Odisha revenue minister Suresh Pujari(standing next her) curiously observes it.
