Tag: CSR India

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Goa Moves Toward Zero Waste with Godrej Consumer Products’ Innovative Programme

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Goa, February 19, 2026: Known for its pristine beaches and vibrant tourism, Goa faces a unique sustainability challenge, particularly in its rural and semi-urban areas. Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) is addressing this gap with its Integrated Waste Management Programme in the Talukas of Bicholim and Sattari, implementing long-term, community-driven waste solutions.


Partnering with Sampurn(e)arth Environment Solutions, the Mineral Foundation of Goa, municipal councils, and village panchayats, GCPL’s initiative has diverted more than 5,800 metric tonnes of waste from landfills and recycled over 490 metric tonnes of low-value plastics, including commonly discarded milk packets.

Historically, waste collection in these regions was inconsistent, with limited source segregation and informal workers operating without adequate safety or social security. GCPL’s program introduced a complete system—from door-to-door collection to material recovery at the Bicholim MRF, secondary sorting at Harvalem, and recycling at Pissurlem—ensuring accountability at every stage.

Technology plays a key role, with QR-code–based monitoring enabling local authorities to track collection coverage and segregation in real time. Community engagement, through household visits, school programs, cultural outreach, and exposure visits, has helped make waste segregation a daily habit.

A strong focus on waste worker welfare is another highlight. Over 1,300 workers are provided personal protective equipment, enrolled in social security schemes, trained in safe handling, and organised into Self-Help Groups, promoting dignity, financial inclusion, and long-term livelihood security.

The Milk Packet Collection Initiative engaged students as sustainability ambassadors, collecting nearly 140 kg of used milk packets between March 2024 and July 2025, demonstrating the impact of everyday actions on environmental change.

Pakzan Dastoor, Head – Sustainability & CSR, Godrej Industries Group, said, “With over 5,800 tonnes of solid waste diverted from landfills, our Goa initiatives reflect that sustainable change happens when infrastructure, citizen participation, and worker welfare come together.”

Omkar Manjrekar, Block Development Officer, Bicholim Taluka, added, “QR Code–based waste management brings smart accountability to every doorstep, strengthening monitoring and improving overall collection efficiency.”

By integrating infrastructure, behaviour change, and social inclusion, GCPL’s initiatives in Goa set a benchmark for corporate-driven sustainability, demonstrating how companies can foster environmental stewardship, accountability, and community-led transformation.

Godrej Consumer Products is a leading emerging markets company committed to health, beauty, and sustainability. As part of the Godrej Industries Group, it operates in over 1.4 billion households globally, leading in household insecticides, hair care, soaps, air fresheners, and wet tissues. Through its Good & Green and DEI initiatives, GCPL works toward creating a more inclusive and environmentally responsible future.

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Jeet Adani Marks First Anniversary by Funding FDs for 500 Divyang Women

Tanisha Cardozo

Jeet and Diva Adani marked their first wedding anniversary by completing one year of Adani Mangal Seva, a social security initiative designed to support divyang women with long-term financial stability and dignity. The milestone was observed at the Belvedere Club lawns in Shantigram, Ahmedabad, where beneficiaries, their families, and representatives of the Adani Foundation gathered to reflect on the programme’s progress.

Launched ahead of the couple’s wedding on February 7, 2025, Adani Mangal Seva was envisioned as a way to transform a personal celebration into a sustained social commitment. Instead of marking the occasion with symbolic gestures, the initiative was structured to deliver tangible, long-term benefits to women with disabilities.

In its first year, the programme supported 500 divyang women, each receiving a fixed deposit of ₹10 lakh. Created in partnership with the State Bank of India, these deposits are designed to provide an assured monthly income, while the principal amount becomes accessible after ten years. The structure aims to ensure both immediate support and long-term financial security.

Anchored by the Adani Foundation, the social welfare arm of the Adani Group, the initiative focuses on women between the ages of 25 and 40. Beneficiaries are identified in collaboration with project partner Youth for Jobs and must hold a valid Unique Disability ID card. The programme is set to continue for at least five years, supporting up to 500 women annually, with an allocation of ₹50 crore each year.

According to the Foundation, the initiative reflects the philosophy of Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, who believes that service should be continuous, purposeful, and responsibility-driven rather than symbolic.

The anniversary event included the distribution of fixed deposit certificates to beneficiaries, along with cultural performances by the Blind People’s Association of Ahmedabad. The programme featured a Garba presentation and a fusion music performance, creating an atmosphere of celebration and inclusion. The evening began with prayer and reflection, followed by presentations outlining the initiative’s objectives and impact.

In a message on social media platform X, Gautam Adani extended his blessings to the couple and reflected on the impact of the initiative. He noted that Adani Mangal Seva has brought financial security, dignity, and renewed hope to many families, adding that the satisfaction of restoring confidence and smiles in people’s lives goes beyond material success.

Dr Priti Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, said the initiative was inspired by the belief that personal happiness finds its highest meaning when shared for collective well-being. She described Adani Mangal Seva as more than a programme, calling it an expression of faith in the strength, resilience, and dignity of women with disabilities.

Addressing the gathering, Jeet Adani described the initiative as a quiet but enduring form of support, representing a responsibility the family intends to carry forward. Diva Adani added that the programme is built on the belief that financial security should be lasting and dignity should never depend on circumstances.

During the event, Gautam Adani also released a book documenting stories of transformation under Adani Mangal Seva. The evening concluded with a community dinner, reflecting the inclusive spirit at the heart of the initiative.

As Adani Mangal Seva completes its first year, it stands as an example of how personal milestones can be transformed into sustained social commitments, reinforcing the Adani Foundation’s belief that prosperity and service go hand in hand.

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Vedanta Sesa Goa Empowers Over 1 Lakh Youth Through Skilling, Education and Sports

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

National Youth Day, celebrated every year on January 12, honours the potential of young minds to drive positive change. The theme for 2025, “Ignite the self, impact the world,” resonates strongly with Vedanta Sesa Goa’s sustained efforts in youth empowerment. Since 2018, the company has impacted over one lakh youth through initiatives spanning skilling, education, sports and digital learning.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Navin Jaju, CEO, Vedanta Sesa Goa, emphasised the organisation’s focus on enabling young minds through education and skill development. He highlighted that initiatives such as the Sesa Football Academy, Sesa Technical School, and digital education and scholarship programmes have played a critical role in building an empowered and enabled society, while contributing to the larger vision of a Viksit Bharat.

Among Vedanta Sesa Goa’s flagship initiatives is the Sesa Football Academy, which since 1999 has nurtured the footballing aspirations of over 8,000 players. More than 230 players have benefitted directly from its residential programme, with 14 players, including boys and girls, representing India at the international level. The Academy’s senior women’s team currently represents Goa at the Indian Women’s League, while the senior men’s team continues to perform strongly in the Goa Premier League.

Reflecting on this impact, Aaroshi Govekar, a player at the Sesa Football Academy and a recent selection for the Indian football team, described wearing the Indian jersey as a dream come true. She credited the Academy for providing not just training, but discipline, exposure and confidence to compete at the highest level.

Another cornerstone of Vedanta Sesa Goa’s youth development efforts is the Sesa Technical School, established in 1994. The institute has provided industry-ready technical training to over 2,000 youth, particularly from rural and mining belts of Goa. Affiliated with NCVT and ITI, the school offers courses across five trades and maintains a near 100 percent placement record, with graduates employed by leading organisations across sectors. Special focus is placed on encouraging girls through scholarships and dedicated training programmes.

Alumnus and entrepreneur Laxman Dalvi shared that the school gave him more than technical skills—it instilled confidence, discipline and direction, enabling him to build a self-reliant future.

Under Project Vriddhi, Vedanta Sesa Goa has also strengthened access to education and digital learning by establishing Vedanta Computer Centres and Labs across multiple states. Since 2018, these initiatives have benefitted over 80,000 students and youth, helping bridge the digital divide and build essential skills for the modern workforce.

Complementing these efforts is the Vedanta Utkarsh Scholarship Programme, which has supported over 1,300 students in pursuing higher education, with 50 percent of scholarships reserved for meritorious girls. Beneficiaries like Leela Parab from Mulgao credit the programme for helping them move closer to their aspirations and contribute positively to society.

Together, these initiatives embody the spirit of National Youth Day by equipping young people with skills, confidence and opportunities to shape their own futures. As Vedanta Sesa Goa continues its mission of transforming communities, youth empowerment remains at the heart of its journey toward inclusive and sustainable progress.

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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.