Tag: child development

Social

Vedanta’s Nand Ghar Surpasses 10,000 Centres, Empowering Women and Children Across 16 States

allycaralgoa

National, 14 November 2025:
This Children’s Day marks a defining moment in India’s social transformation journey. The Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), the philanthropic arm of Vedanta Group, announced that Nand Ghar — its flagship initiative to modernise India’s Anganwadi ecosystem — has crossed 10,000 centres across 16 states, impacting millions at the grassroots.

Nand Ghar centres are redefining early childhood development and women’s empowerment through modern, technology-driven facilities aligned with the Government of India’s Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), which celebrates 50 years this year.

A Modern, Scalable Model of Community Upliftment

Each Nand Ghar is equipped with:

  • Smart classrooms & digital learning tools
  • BaLA (Building as Learning Aid) design
  • Safe drinking water & clean sanitation
  • Reliable electricity
  • Nutritious meals for children
  • Child-friendly furniture
  • Health check-ups & immunisation services
  • Skilling programs for women

There are currently 23 Nand Ghars in Goa, each functioning as a vibrant community hub.

A Vision Becoming Reality

Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal expressed pride and gratitude during the milestone announcement:

“The dream was simple — nutrition and early education for every child, and opportunities for every woman to stand on her own feet. Today, as we cross 10,000 Nand Ghars across 16 states, that dream is becoming reality. This movement is possible because of the support of the Government of India, state governments and local communities. We are committed to transforming the lives of 8 crore children and 2 crore women.”

Impact Across India

From Rajasthan’s deserts to Andhra Pradesh’s coasts, Nand Ghar is reshaping rural communities:

  • 80 lakh+ nutrition supplements distributed
  • Digital preschool education in regional languages
  • 90 lakh+ community members impacted through health awareness
  • Women earning up to ₹10,000 per month through skilling programs
  • Centres upgraded with sustainable and digital infrastructure

Voices From the Ground

Sunita Devi, a Nand Ghar Didi from Rajasthan, shared:
“Before Nand Ghar, our Anganwadi was just a small room. Today, it is the pride of our village.”

Rekha, a mother from Odisha, said:
“Nand Ghar has changed how our village sees women. I learned new skills, I earn, and now I teach others.”

A Children’s Day to Remember

Across states, celebrations included storytelling, art, and community gatherings — a joyful reflection of how deeply Nand Ghar has rooted itself in local life.

Looking Ahead: A Larger Mission

With strong footprints in states like Rajasthan, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Nand Ghar aims to:

  • Establish 25,000 centres in Rajasthan alone over the next 2 years
  • Impact 2 million lives through new community-driven interventions
  • Reinforce a replicable, public–private model for rural empowerment

With 10,000 centres complete, Nand Ghar stands as one of India’s most transformative grassroots movements — a model of what committed community partnership can achieve.

Social

Legal Aid Society Hosts Child Development & Abuse Awareness Program in Moira

Tanisha Cardozo

The Legal Aid Society of V. M. Salgaocar College of Law, through its Moira Legal Aid Cell, conducted a powerful awareness program in Moira Village focusing on the law relating to child development and the effects of abuse on children. Held with the purpose of legal empowerment and community education, the event brought together students, local officials, and legal professionals to discuss the importance of child rights and the community’s responsibility in preventing abuse.

The program was graced by several key dignitaries, including Shri Sagar Naik, Sarpanch of Moira Panchayat, and Ms. Shreya Mandrekar, Secretary of the Village Child Committee, who both emphasized the village’s commitment to child welfare. The chief resource person for the session was Dr. Sayonora Telles-Laad, former District & Sessions Judge and President of the Children’s Court, whose vast experience added depth and real-world perspective to the dialogue on child protection laws. Her insights helped participants understand the long-term psychological and legal implications of child abuse, and the frameworks in place to prevent and respond to such cases.

Assistant Professor Disha Sardesai, Faculty In-charge of the Moira Legal Aid Cell, also played a key role in organizing and guiding the session. Her efforts, along with the active participation of the students, reflected the college’s ongoing mission to use legal education as a tool for social transformation.

The session successfully fostered awareness among students and the local community on safeguarding children’s rights and dignity. It highlighted that protecting children is not solely a legal obligation, but a collective community responsibility. The program not only served as an educational platform but also as a call to action for ongoing vigilance and advocacy in matters relating to child welfare.

EduConnect

PACT Foundation Inaugurates Smart Classrooms at Don Bosco Youth Welfare Centre Under Happy School Project

allycaralgoa

Verla-Parra, Goa – June 2025: In a heartening step towards making education more inclusive, engaging, and future-ready, the PACT Foundation, under the leadership of Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, has inaugurated newly refurbished smart classrooms at the Don Bosco Youth Welfare Centre in Verla-Parra, Goa. The initiative is part of the Foundation’s broader Happy School Project, aimed at transforming traditional learning environments into vibrant, child-centric spaces.

The launch event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, and members of the local community. The classrooms, now equipped with state-of-the-art smart boards, freshly painted walls, ergonomic furniture, and improved lighting, mark a significant transformation in the way education is delivered at the centre.

“Education is not just about books; it’s about sparking curiosity, building confidence, and equipping children with tools that help them thrive in a digital world. Through the Happy School Project, we aim to create such nurturing spaces across the country,” said Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Founder of PACT Foundation.

Creating Classrooms That Inspire

The upgraded classrooms are more than just visually appealing. They are designed to promote interactive and digital learning, enabling students to better connect with lessons through visual aids, multimedia content, and hands-on digital activities. The smart boards allow teachers to deliver lessons more effectively and tailor content to varied learning needs.

These changes reflect a growing recognition that well-designed educational spaces can significantly enhance student engagement, creativity, and academic performance—especially in underserved communities.

About the Happy School Project

The Happy School Project is a flagship initiative of the PACT Foundation, aimed at bringing joy and dignity into education by improving school infrastructure, introducing technology-enabled learning, and supporting the emotional well-being of students. The project focuses on government and not-for-profit institutions where the impact is most needed.

With each successful transformation, the project reinforces its core mission: to make learning a happy, empowering experience for every child.