New Delhi, April 5, 2025 – In a landmark achievement, the Anil Agarwal Foundation’s (AAF) flagship initiative, Nand Ghar, has successfully transformed 8,044 Anganwadi centers across 15 Indian states into modern development hubs for women and children. These upgraded centers have positively impacted over 3 lakh children and 2 lakh women, offering early childhood education, nutrition, healthcare, and skill development services.
With an ambitious expansion plan to build 20,000 additional Nand Ghars in Rajasthan, the initiative is poised to transform the rural landscape at an unprecedented scale.
What Makes Nand Ghar a Game-Changer in Rural Development?
Nand Ghar centers are not just modernized Anganwadis—they are fully equipped ecosystems of development. Each center features:
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Smart education tools, including e-learning modules, BaLA designs, and smart TVs
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Child-friendly infrastructure, including safe sanitation, electricity, and clean drinking water
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Nutrition support, including fortified meals for children and nutritional aid for pregnant and lactating mothers
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Integrated healthcare, with routine checkups and immunizations
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Skill development for women, enabling many to earn up to ₹10,000/month through crafts, retail, and food processing
Recent Milestones and Innovations
In 2024, Nand Ghar launched a two-phase millet shake nutrition drive, providing FSSAI-certified shakes rich in 23 essential vitamins and minerals, made from ragi, bajra, foxtail, and kodu millets. The initiative aligns with India’s millet promotion efforts and fosters sustainable nutrition in rural diets.
In March 2025, Maharashtra saw the inauguration of its first 25 Nand Ghars in Thane, signaling rapid geographical expansion. With an eye on Rajasthan, AAF now aims to reach 2 million lives with the upcoming 20,000 centers.
Leadership Speaks on the Vision and Impact
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd., said:
“These 8,000 Nand Ghars reflect our mission to create spaces of opportunity where children and women can thrive. With every center, we’re building a stronger foundation for India’s rural future. This is not just an initiative—it’s a nationwide movement.”
Shashi Arora, CEO, Nand Ghar, added:
“We’re redefining the Anganwadi model with smart tech, sustainable nutrition, and impact-driven community development. From digital learning tools to millet-based nutrition and women empowerment programs, we are committed to lasting change.”
Supporting Government Vision & ICDS Milestone
The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), which celebrates its 50th year in 2025. With 14 lakh Anganwadis already serving over 7 crore children, Nand Ghar strengthens this system with innovation and purpose.
By integrating smart education, improved infrastructure, and women-led livelihoods, Nand Ghar not only complements but enhances the government’s efforts to uplift rural India.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
