Goemkapronn desk
PANAJI: Nand Ghar, which aims to transform 14 lakh Anganwadi across India has recently unveiled a national movement – Agar Bachpan Se Poocha Khaana Khaya, Toh Desh Ka Kal Banaya (अगर बचपनसे पूछाखाना खायातो देशका कलबनाया) with Actor Manoj Bajpayee. This movement by Nand Ghar is aimed at nourishing India’s future generation by ensuring holistic healthcare, quality nutrition and ensuring best-in-class pre-school education for children.
Welcoming Manoj Bajpayee in joining this movement, Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta said, “Project Nand Ghar is a national movement that supports the overall well-being of children and women with a focus on health and nutrition. We are delighted that Manoj Bajpayee ji has extended his support to this growing movement. His personal life story deeply resonates with Nand Ghar’s cause to nourish and transform the lives of our future generations.”
In the launch event of the movement, Manoj Bajpayee was seen narrating his personal journey as a young theatre actor and outlined the invaluable support of his friends in ensuring regular nutritious meals for him while pursuing his dream of becoming an actor. Bajpayee poignantly described an artist’s struggle, acknowledging that the strength to pursue one’s dreams comes from a full stomach and wholesome food. Bajpayee further urged people to extend their support by visiting www.nandghar.org and to donate, volunteer or partnering with Nand Ghar.
Enthused about his association with Nand Ghar, Manoj Bajpayee said, “As someone who has lived with hunger pangs, I understand the deep impact it can have on physical, mental and emotional well-being. That’s why initiatives like Project Nand Ghar are so crucial. It not only ensures that children receive proper nutrition but also brings hope, opportunity, and a chance for a brighter future. Let’s all join hands with the Nand Ghar movement to ensure that we nourish the potential of children, and together, prepare for a brighter India.”
With over 6000 Anganwadi’s under the Nand Ghar Movement set up across the country, Goa alone houses 23 Nand Ghars, spread across the length & breadth of the state in locations such as Ponda, Tiswadi, Bicholim etc with the first Nand Ghar in the state being established in 2016 whereas a total of 22 Nand Ghars have been set up under Vedanta Sesa Goa in Karnat.
Expressing solidarity with the Nand Ghar movement, Navin Jaju, CEO, Vedanta Sesa Goa said “Vedanta’s commitment towards ‘Giving Back to the Society’ is emphatically reflected in the movement as it beautifully encapsulates the essence of the company’s endeavours towards eradicating hunger. ‘Khana khaya kya?’ is not merely a tag line but a clarion call for all of us to do more than our bit for a hunger free world as the Nand Ghar initiative stands for Vedanta’s intent towards #TransformingForGood. We at Vedanta Sesa Goa proudly stand in solidarity with this noble cause, pledging unwavering support for the well-being and holistic development of our nation’s future leaders—our children. Together, let’s make a meaningful difference and usher in a brighter tomorrow!”
Nand Ghar is the flagship project of the Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF) and has been working towards ensuring that no child goes to bed hungry – a dream of Chairman Anil Agarwal. In a milestone moment for Nand Ghar, we have been successful in reducing malnutrition levels while increasing pre-schoolers attendance at Nand Ghars across 14 states in India. Last year, AAF also launched multi-millet nutri-bars which are currently being distributed daily to 50,000 children between 3-6 years across 1364 Anganwadis in Varanasi. These bars, rich in protein, fibre, and antioxidants have not only improved the daily nutrient intake of children but also, reduced absenteeism.
With credible voices joining the #KhaanaKhaayaKya movement, Nand Ghar is inviting citizens and like-minded organisations to partake in this journey of transformation. It is paving the way to realise the dream of a better tomorrow for our nation.
