Tag: Vedanta

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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.

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Vedanta Sesa Goa Empowers Maem with New Tailoring and Computer Training Centres

Tanisha Cardozo

Vedanta Sesa Goa–Iron Ore Goa (IOG), under the aegis of the Vedanta Foundation, inaugurated the Vedanta Tailoring Training Centre and the relocated Vedanta Computer Centre at Village Panchayat Maem. These facilities aim to empower local women and youth through National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) certified training programs in tailoring and computer applications, thereby enhancing employability and self-reliance.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri Premendra Shet, Hon’ble MLA of Maem Constituency, along with Shri Vasudev Gaonkar, Sarpanch, Village Panchayat Maem, other panchayat members, and community representatives. From Vedanta, Mr. Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Deputy CEO, IOG, and Mr. Santosh Mandrekar, Head–North & Central Cluster, IOG, were present.

The event also featured a certificate distribution ceremony for students who completed the three-month NSDC-certified Diploma in Computer Application program from the Vedanta Computer Centre.

The newly launched Vedanta Tailoring Training Centre will focus on skill development for women, offering a three-month structured course combining theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice. This initiative seeks to enable women to take up entrepreneurial ventures and achieve financial independence.

The Vedanta Computer Centre, relocated from Haldanwadi to the Village Panchayat Maem premises, continues to offer both basic and advanced digital literacy programs. These training modules are designed to improve local youth’s computer proficiency and employability in an increasingly digital world.

Speaking at the event, Shri Premendra Shet, Hon’ble MLA of Maem Constituency, commended Vedanta’s efforts, saying, “I appreciate Vedanta Sesa Goa for its consistent efforts towards community welfare and capacity building. Establishing these centres is a progressive step aimed at empowering individuals through essential digital skills. It is evident that Vedanta feels a deep sense of responsibility for the progress and prosperity of this region, and initiatives like these demonstrate the company’s genuine commitment to inclusive growth.”

Mr. Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Deputy CEO of Vedanta IOG, emphasized the company’s social commitment, stating, “At Vedanta Sesa Goa, we strongly believe that true growth lies in the progress of the communities. Our skilling and empowerment initiatives are designed to ‘give back’ to society and create sustainable opportunities. The launch of the Tailoring and Computer Centres at Maem reinforces our commitment to building a self-reliant, skilled, and confident community.”

So far, more than 1,200 students have benefited from Vedanta’s computer centres in Bicholim. Through sustained initiatives in education, skill development, and empowerment, Vedanta Sesa Goa continues to drive meaningful transformation and contribute to the state’s long-term sustainable development.

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CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Inaugurates Sesa Goa-Sponsored Artificial Turf Ground at Amona

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant step towards youth empowerment and grassroots sports development, Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, inaugurated a state-of-the-art artificial turf ground in Amona. The ground has been constructed by Vedanta Sesa Goa – Value Added Business, under its flagship YouTheChange, YouThePower initiative, with a project cost exceeding ₹1 crore.

Equipped with floodlights and a fenced playing arena, the facility promises to become a vibrant hub for community engagement, sports competitions, and youth development. The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of Mr. Saptesh Sardesai, CEO of Vedanta VAB, Shri Gopal Surlakar, Zilla Panchayat Member (Pale), Shri Sagar Kamlakant Fadte, Sarpanch, V.P Amona, panchayat members, community leaders, and enthusiastic locals. The event culminated in a friendly football match where CM Dr. Pramod Sawant himself took to the field, encouraging youth to utilise the facility.

Expressing gratitude, Dr. Pramod Sawant lauded Vedanta’s commitment to community welfare. “The long-standing wish of Amona’s youth has now been fulfilled. I appreciate Vedanta’s consistent efforts in infrastructure and skill development. This facility will play a vital role in promoting fitness and sports culture in the region,” he said.

Mr. Saptesh Sardesai emphasized the importance of physical fitness and leadership among the youth. “This turf ground is more than just infrastructure. It’s an investment in the future of our youth — promoting teamwork, health, and active lifestyles.”

This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s Fit India Movement and showcases Vedanta’s philosophy of #TransformingCommunities through impactful CSR projects that bring long-term value and progress to local communities.

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Vedanta Sesa Goa Ignites #RunForZeroHunger at VDHM 2025 with 5 Million Poshan Packs Mission

Tanisha Cardozo

Vedanta Sesa Goa has officially launched its #RunForZeroHunger initiative as part of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon (VDHM) 2025, setting an ambitious target to contribute 5 million ‘Poshan Packs’ to children and nutritious meals to animals. The campaign was kicked off with a vibrant walkathon held at Patto, Panjim, where employees, business partners, and community members gathered in solidarity for the cause.

The event was flagged off by Mr. Navin Jaju, CEO of Vedanta Sesa Goa, who emphasized the power of collective action in addressing hunger while also promoting personal health and well-being. Participants are encouraged to register on the Step Set Go app and contribute through their daily walks and runs, with every kilometer translating into a meaningful donation — a ‘Poshan Pack’ for a child and a meal for an animal.

The initiative, under the aegis of the Anil Agarwal Foundation, represents Vedanta’s deep commitment to social impact. Over past editions of the VDHM, Vedanta Sesa Goa has successfully delivered over 1 million meals. With the 2025 edition, the company seeks to multiply its efforts and impact by encouraging more people to join this unique movement that bridges fitness with philanthropy.

With over 40,000 participants already contributing more than 2 million Poshan Packs, the campaign is rapidly gaining momentum across India. Through its consistent efforts in nutrition, education, women’s empowerment, and animal welfare, Vedanta continues to lead with purpose and action — building not just healthier individuals but stronger communities.

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From Literacy to Legacy: Vedanta Sesa Goa Powers the Dream of a #ViksitBharat

allycaralgoa

Every year on 8th Sep, we celebrate the International Literacy Day to further efforts to bring the light of literacy to every segment of our population. This year the theme for the occasion is ‘Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era’.

Since 1947, India has made remarkable strides, with literacy now at 81.9%, but challenges persist: almost 18% of the population remains outside the fold, the rural-urban divide is sharp, and so is the gender disparity vis-à-vis literacy rates. It is in this backdrop that Vedanta Sesa Goa has been contributing to the Nation’s effort to spread the light of literacy through its CSR initiatives , across five states, as part of Project ‘Vriddhi’.

Mr. Navin Jaju, CEO – Vedanta Sesa Goa, expressed his thoughts on the occasion , “Education is the bedrock of nation-building, and investing in literacy today means investing in a stronger, more inclusive tomorrow. At Sesa Goa, we are deeply committed to augmenting support for education in the far flung regions & to ‘give back’ meaningfully, thus creating lasting pathways for success.On International Literacy Day, we reaffirm our belief that literacy is the true passport to endless opportunities and a Viksit Bharat.”

Augmenting Rural Literacy & Education

Vedanta Sesa Goa under the aegis of the Anil Agarwal Foundation has been contributing to the educational support for children in rural areas by upgrading 119 ‘anganwadis’ into Nand Ghars, which are equipped with modern teaching & learning tools.

Over 3000 students benefitted from the ‘Back to School’ initiative in FY24 in the rural & mining belts of Goa & Karnataka, which focuses on reducing dropout rates by providing educational material.1200+ meritorious students from economically underprivileged background have received critical support as part of the Vedanta ‘Utkarsh’ Scholarship.

The Sesa Football Academy (SFA), which also functions as a residential academy for its U17 team, supports the educational journey of the Goan and non Goan players ty for players’ education. Over the years over 230 youth have benefitted from the arrangement.

Bridging the digital divide

Vedanta Sesa Goa, under the aegis of the Vedanta Foundation, has set up 19 computer labs and 6 computer centres across Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, digitally enabling over 5,000 students annually with National Council for Vocational Training approved courses. A recent addition has been the Computer Labuter lab at Shri Mahamaya High School, Mayem. At the Sesa Technical School run by the Company, the National Skill Development Council approved COPA (Computer Operator & Programming Assistant) course has been instrumental in imparting enhanced digital skills to the youth especially women, with the inaugural batch graduating in Oct 2024 and setting a new milestone.

Ms. Suman Gaonkar, Headmistress, Shri Mahamaya High School, Maem, said “The establishing of the Vedanta Computer Lab marks a significant milestone for our school. In today’s fast-evolving world, access to technology is essential for academic growth and future preparedness. This thoughtful initiative will meaningfully empower our students with the digital skills needed for the modern world.”

Ms. Leena Verenkar, Head – CSR, Vedanta Sesa Goa, said, “At Vedanta Sesa Goa, we believe that true literacy goes beyond textbooks — it is about giving children and youth the skills, confidence, and opportunities to shape their own futures. From supporting early childhood education through Nand Ghars, to equipping rural students with digital access, to empowering women with market-ready skills, our endeavour is to build communities where literacy becomes a tool of empowerment, enabling inclusive progress.”

As India marches towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, bridging the rural-urban and gender literacy gaps will be central to progress. On this International Literacy Day, Vedanta Sesa Goa reaffirms its belief: literacy is not just about learning to read and write -it is about learning to live with dignity, confidence, and hope.