Tag: Community Development

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Threads of Empowerment: JCI Sanquelim Hosts 10th Aari Workshop in Sattari

Tanisha Cardozo

In a continued effort to promote skill development and empower local communities, JCI Sanquelim successfully concluded its 10th Aari Workshop at Bhirondem in Sattari. The initiative marked yet another milestone in nurturing creativity and self-reliance among women in the region.

The six-day workshop saw the participation of 10 women, who were trained in the intricate and delicate art of Aari designing. Known for its detailed embroidery techniques, Aari work requires precision, patience, and creativity—skills that the participants actively developed over the course of the training. More importantly, the workshop provided them with a strong foundation and the confidence to pursue Aari art professionally, should they choose to explore it as a source of livelihood.

This initiative was conducted under the KAABIL Project of JCI India, a nationwide program focused on enhancing employability and empowering individuals through practical skill-building activities. Through such programs, JCI organizations across the country continue to make a meaningful impact at the grassroots level.

The workshop was led by JC Smita Gawalkar, whose expertise and hands-on guidance played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the training. Her approach not only focused on technical skills but also encouraged participants to believe in their creative potential.

The certification ceremony was held in the presence of JC Asmita Gauns, President of JCI Sanquelim, and JC Nikita Desai, who applauded the participants for their dedication and enthusiasm throughout the workshop.

A special note of gratitude was extended to Mrs. Rajana Rane, Panch Member of Bhirondem Panchayat, for generously providing the venue and supporting the initiative. Her contribution helped create a conducive environment for learning and collaboration.

The success of this workshop highlights the importance of community-driven initiatives in creating opportunities and fostering independence. With each such effort, JCI Sanquelim continues to inspire change—one skill, one individual, and one community at a time.

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JFM Asmita Shaba Gauns Installed as 20th President of JCI Sanquelim

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JFM Asmita Shaba Gauns was officially installed as the 20th President of JCI Sanquelim at a ceremonial event attended by JCI members, leaders, and well-wishers. The installation marks an important milestone in the chapter’s journey and reflects its continued commitment to leadership development and community service.

During the ceremony, JFM Asmita Shaba Gauns expressed gratitude to her predecessors and members for their trust and support. She shared her vision of strengthening community engagement, empowering youth, and fostering leadership excellence throughout her tenure.

The event celebrated the legacy of JCI Sanquelim while welcoming fresh energy and ideas under its new leadership. Members reaffirmed their commitment to the JCI values of leadership, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility, looking ahead to a year of impactful initiatives.

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Powering Futures: Vedanta Honours Bicholim Scholars at ‘Utkarsh’ Event

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Reaffirming its commitment to education and youth empowerment, Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Goa (IOG), under Project ‘Vriddhi’, organised the Vedanta ‘Utkarsh’ Scholarship Programme for the financial year 2025–26 at Bicholim. The initiative aims to support meritorious students from mining-affected and rural communities in pursuing higher education and building sustainable futures.

The programme, held at the Bicholim Municipality Hall, saw nearly 30 students from villages across Bicholim Taluka being felicitated and extended financial support through the Vedanta Utkarsh Scholarship. The event was graced by Ms. Shridevi B. V., IPS, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Bicholim, along with Mr. Vijay Natekar, Chairperson of the Bicholim Municipal Council, Mr. Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Deputy CEO – Iron Ore Goa, and Mr. Santosh Mandrekar, Head Operations – North and Central Cluster.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Shridevi B. V., IPS, highlighted the transformative role of education, stating that when organisations invest in education, they contribute directly to nation-building. She noted that the Vedanta ‘Utkarsh’ Scholarship is a meaningful intervention that empowers students to rise above limitations and pursue their aspirations with confidence and discipline.

Mr. Vijay Natekar, Chairperson of the Bicholim Municipal Council, emphasised the importance of sustained educational support for community progress. He appreciated Vedanta Sesa Goa’s consistent community development efforts, noting that such initiatives create opportunities for deserving students while strengthening the region’s social fabric.

Reflecting on the programme’s impact, Mr. Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Deputy CEO – Iron Ore Goa, said education plays a critical role in transforming lives and communities. Through the Vedanta ‘Utkarsh’ Scholarship, he said, the company seeks to ensure that students from areas surrounding its operations receive the necessary support to pursue higher education, reinforcing Vedanta Sesa Goa’s commitment to meaningful and inclusive growth.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries, scholarship recipient Ms. Sadiya Choudhary, a B.Com student at Narayan Zantye College of Commerce, shared that the scholarship had significantly eased her financial burden. She noted that while she had been conducting tuition classes alongside her studies to support her education, the scholarship has allowed her to focus more fully on her academic goals and support her family.

To date, the Vedanta Utkarsh Scholarship has benefited over 1,200 students across Vedanta Sesa Goa’s operational areas. The company’s initiatives under Project ‘Vriddhi’ continue to reflect its long-term commitment to education, youth development and inclusive socio-economic progress within the communities it serves.

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Malabar Group Celebrates Children’s Day Across 1531 Micro Learning Centres in India

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Malabar Group, one of the world’s leading jewellery retailers, celebrated Children’s Day with heartfelt programmes across its 1531 Micro Learning Centres spread throughout India. More than sixty thousand underprivileged children supported by these centres took part in the celebrations, which began with the distribution of sweets and continued with activities designed to create a joyful, inclusive, and enriching environment for every child. Senior representatives from Malabar Group, community leaders, and dignitaries were present at various centres, making the day memorable for the young participants.

The Micro Learning Centres were established to support children who had been forced into labour or had to discontinue schooling due to difficult social or economic circumstances. Each centre provides a full year of age-appropriate primary education, enabling these children to transition back into the formal school system. Parents, community leaders, police officials, health department personnel, and Malabar Group teams joined the children in activities intended to build confidence, encourage participation, and nurture a love for learning.

Nutrition plays an equally vital role in the functioning of the centres. By offering milk, fruits, and eggs daily, the MLCs ensure that children receive essential nourishment to help them focus and learn better. The programme relies on trained graduates from local communities who serve as teachers, maintaining a ratio of one teacher for every forty children. This grassroots model has already borne remarkable results, with approximately thirty thousand children successfully returning to mainstream education through the initiative.

Speaking about the significance of the programme, Malabar Group Chairman M. P. Ahammed emphasized that the initiative addresses two of the most crucial needs of children—nutrition and education. He stated that a child learns best when they feel secure and cared for, and that nourishment strengthens their ability to study while education gives them direction. Together, these two elements empower a child to build a future rooted in confidence and dignity. He added that the Micro Learning Centres reflect the Group’s commitment to long-term community upliftment and form a key part of its broader CSR efforts.

The centres operate under Malabar Group’s Hunger Free World initiative, which distributes one lakh five thousand food packets every day across India while also supporting communities in Zambia and Ethiopia. Over the years, the Group has invested more than three hundred and fifty-six crore rupees in various social welfare programmes. These initiatives have touched the lives of more than seventeen lakh beneficiaries, spanning key areas such as women’s empowerment, healthcare access, educational scholarships for girls, and the Grandma Home initiative that provides shelter and care for elderly women.

This Children’s Day celebration across the Micro Learning Centres once again highlighted Malabar Group’s belief that every child deserves access to nourishment, education, and opportunities to grow with dignity. The celebrations not only brought joy to thousands of young faces but also reinforced the Group’s ongoing commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities through sustained social impact initiatives.

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

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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.