Jaipur, Rajasthan, December 07, 2024 — In a significant step towards improving child development and women empowerment, Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan Smt. Diya Kumari, today visited the Nand Ghar in Ramnagariya, Jaipur which has been developed as a model Anganwadi by the Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), the social impact arm of Vedanta. The initiative to develop this model aligns with the government’s vision to strengthen Anganwadis in the state of Rajasthan and uplift child and maternal health, nutrition, and pre-primary education, while also empowering rural women economically. 

Recognizing the importance of this initiative, the Nand Ghar in Ramnagariya has been acknowledged by the government as a leading model for Anganwadi transformation. It serves as a benchmark for future developments, setting a high standard that can be replicated to expand the reach and impact of Anganwadi programs across the state.

During her visit, Smt. Diya Kumari interacted with the children, encouraging them as they recited poems and shared their learnings. She also praised the Anganwadi worker, Mrs. Maya, for her dedication and expertise, particularly for her effective use of the Poshan Tracker. Further, she also inspected the Anganwadi kitchen, facilities, and Poshan Vatika. She urged replicating the Nand Ghar model across all anganwadi centers in the state.

Nand Ghars are equipped with a range of modern amenities including solar power or grid electricity, clean drinking water and sanitation facilities. Additionally, resources such as television and digital infrastructure to promote e-learning and smart education for pre-primary children are also provided at Nand Ghars.  Moreover, nutri-garden, recreational toys, and swings further enrich the learning environment at Nand Ghar, supporting the holistic development of children.

Since its inception in 2015, Project Nand Ghar, a flagship women and child development initiative by the Anil Agarwal Foundation, aims to modernize Anganwadi centres across India. With over 3500 Nand Ghars already established in Rajasthan, the project has positively impacted the lives of over 1,20,000 children and 90,000 women in the state. Till date, more than 6,500 Nand Ghars have been established in 15 states, positively impacting more than 2,50,000 children and 1,90,000 women.

The new model Anganwadi centres, like the Nand Ghar in Ramnagariya, will continue to integrate best-in-class facilities and services to serve as a benchmark for community resource centres across Rajasthan. This initiative reflects a commitment to bridging the urban-rural gap and advancing the overall socio-economic development of the state.

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New Delhi, November 19, 2024 – The Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), the social impact arm of Vedanta Limited, has announced its impactful social initiatives for FY2023-24, contributing ₹437 crore to transform the lives of over 1.73 crore individuals across India. The Foundation’s annual Social Impact Compendium, titled “Nurturing, Transforming, Leading: India’s Growth Story”, showcases its 153 high-impact social projects, which spanned over 1,200 villages and focused on key areas including education, healthcare, women and child development, skilling and livelihood, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.

Among the year’s highlights is the flagship Nand Ghar initiative, which made significant strides in addressing child nutrition and early childhood education. As part of its collaboration with the POSHAN 2.0 mission and the International Year of Millets, the Foundation distributed 72 lakh multi-millet nutri-bars across 1,400 Anganwadi centers in Varanasi, directly benefiting 50,000 children. This effort contributed to a notable 15% reduction in Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and a 12% drop in Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) among children in the area. In addition, the visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a model Nand Ghar in Varanasi during his Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra underscored the project’s success.

The Foundation’s reach continued to expand with the establishment of 6,044 Nand Ghars across 14 states, supporting 238,161 children and 178,620 women with essential services like education, nutrition, healthcare, and vocational skilling. These modern Anganwadis are helping create an inclusive ecosystem for the development of children and women in rural India.

In the field of animal welfare, AAF’s The Animal Care Organization (TACO) extended its impact by providing care to over 1.48 lakh animals and offering emergency medical aid during 2023 Delhi floods, assisting nearly 5,000 animals in need. The Foundation’s animal welfare projects also extended their reach to Ranthambore National Park and Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve, contributing to wildlife conservation efforts.

Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Ltd. and Non-Executive Director of Vedanta Ltd, emphasized the Foundation’s holistic approach to community development: “At Vedanta, our core philosophy of Artha (the value we create) and Dharma (the value we give back) guides our commitment to empowering communities. Across our social impact projects spanning the entire nation, we are focused on our aim of positively impacting more than 100 million lives. Every initiative we undertake—from child nutrition and healthcare to skills development and cultural preservation—aligns with our vision of an empowered, inclusive India.”

One of the inspiring stories of transformation comes from Rajesh, a young man from Pratapgarh, Rajasthan, born with hearing impairment. Thanks to the Jeevan Tarang project, Rajesh received training in Indian Sign Language, English, personality development, and computer literacy. Today, he aspires to become an IAS officer, a testament to the power of inclusivity and skill development for people with disabilities. Project Jeevan Tarang is an initiative by Vedanta’s subsidiary, Hindustan Zinc, centered on inclusivity to empower persons with disabilities (PwD), particularly hearing and visually impaired students.

The Foundation’s sports initiatives also celebrated significant achievements. Mohammed Kaif, a standout player from the Zinc Football Academy, became the first Rajasthani footballer in 40 years to captain India at the SAFF U-16 Championship. Similarly, athletes from the Vedanta Sports Development Initiative brought home 11 national-level medals at the 13th All India Karate Championship. AAF’s programs, including the Vedanta Women’s League and grassroots academies in football, squash, and archery, continue to empower youth across India. Apart from skilling grassroots, AAF mobilized communities for social causes, powered by initiatives such as #RunForZeroHunger at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon and other marathons in Jaipur, Gurugram, Faridabad, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

In the realm of healthcare, the BALCO Medical Centre in Naya Raipur achieved a significant milestone by securing a US$25 million Cancer Grand Challenges grant for research on Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer, funded by Cancer Research UK and the US National Cancer Institute. Additionally, over 17 lakh people benefitted from 32 healthcare initiatives across India, including mobile health vans, awareness campaigns, and hospitals.

In education, 31 initiatives reached over 1.33 crore children and individuals, with programs like Sathi Shiksha Amrit Pariyojana and Project Prerna, playing a key role.

On the infrastructure front, AAF invested in key community development projects that improved solar-powered street lighting, public sanitation facilities, and community center renovations, impacting over 5 lakh people. Through its Gram Nirman and Nirmaan initiatives, the Foundation improved the living conditions of communities in remote areas. 6.9 lakh people benefited from initiatives focused on clean drinking water and sanitation.

AAF has also been committed to preserving India’s rich cultural heritage by empowering indigenous artisans. Through initiatives like the Vedanta Culture Festival at Dilli Haat and the Nand Ghar Bagaan at the Jaipur Literature Festival, the Foundation provided artisans from across India a platform to showcase their work to wider audiences in Delhi and Jaipur, expanding their reach and supporting local talent.

Vedanta Ltd., one of the world’s leading players in critical minerals, energy, and technology, continues to make a tangible social impact through its 19 subsidiaries, with an operational presence in multiple states across India. The company has committed to a ₹5,000 crore investment over the next five years to deepen its CSR initiatives and strengthen its focus on creating a sustainable, inclusive future.

Key Statistics of AAF’s Social Impact in FY2023-24:

• ₹437 crore invested in over 153 social projects across India
• Benefited 1.73 crore individuals in 1,200+ villages
• Supported 6,044 Nand Ghars, impacting 238,161 children and 178,620 women
• Distributed 72 lakh multi-millet nutri-bars to 50,000 children in Varanasi
• Benefitted 1.48 lakh animals through its animal welfare projects
• Contributed to the success of over 140 women footballers; won 11 national level medals at the 13th All India Karate Championship 2024
• Benefited over 1.33 crore individuals through 31 educational initiatives
• Supported 17 lakh individuals through healthcare initiatives
• Improved community infrastructure for 5.22 lakh people

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Bengaluru, October 28, 2024 – The Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), the social impact arm of Vedanta, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sankhali Municipal Council, Government of Goa, aimed at making the state rabies-free. This initiative will be realized through AAF’s flagship animal welfare project, The Animal Care Organization (TACO), which will establish a state-of-the-art animal welfare centre in Bicholim Taluka.

This centre will be situated on two acres of land provided by the Sankhali Municipal Council and is a significant step toward eradicating rabies and enhancing animal welfare services throughout the region. The project will be rolled out in phases, starting with an Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre that will offer spaying and neutering services for stray dogs and cats, alongside essential anti-rabies vaccination drives.

The Govt of Goa has been consistently putting efforts in curbing rabies, the need for which arose due to the rising stray dog population, presenting challenges for both the community and the welfare of the strays.  As per the 20th livestock census, there was a 70.68% rise in stray dogs to 27,864 in Goa, as compared to the previous census. Stray dogs often post public health risks by spreading diseases like rabies and causing injuries. Attacks on humans, particularly children and the elderly have been reported. By effectively managing the stray animal population, TACO aims to complement the state’s efforts to achieve a rabies-free Goa.

The ABC centre by TACO will feature dedicated pre-operative and post-operative care areas, ensuring safe procedures and comprehensive recovery for animals. Following this, the centre will expand to include a fully equipped veterinary hospital with an Outpatient Department (OPD), Operating Theatres (OT), and advanced diagnostic services, ensuring that animals receive the best possible medical care.

In addition, the animal welfare centre will house a training facility designed to promote knowledge-sharing and capacity-building among veterinarians, para-vets, animal welfare enthusiasts, NGO partners, and local communities. This initiative empowers individuals to take active roles in animal care and well-being, reinforcing our commitment to a preventive approach to health. 

Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, highlighted the transformative nature of this collaboration, stating, “I am pleased to know that the Sankhali Municipal Council has signed an MoU today with the Anil Agarwal Foundation, to address issues concerning the welfare of stray dogs and cattle as well as other health related concerns. As part of this initiative, the Sankhali Municipal Council will provide a dedicated shelter for conducting sterilization procedures for stray cattle. This program will also include care and treatment for stray dogs and cats, with facilities for birth control measures. I urge other municipalities and communities to follow this example and provide the necessary spaces to facilitate such efforts. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Anil Agarwal Foundation for pioneering this significant initiative, the first of its kind in Goa. By coming together, we can create a more comprehensive approach to animal welfare across the state.’

Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Ltd and Non-Executive Director of Vedanta Ltd, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of community involvement: “We are proud to partner with the Government of Goa in establishing a comprehensive animal welfare centre. This initiative exemplifies our unwavering commitment to advancing animal healthcare and fostering community-led change across India. Together, we aspire to create a sustainable model that benefits both animals and the communities that support them. Our collective vision is to make Goa a rabies-free state, and we are determined to see this project through.”

The establishment of the animal welfare centre reflects TACO’s dedication to a holistic ‘One Health’ approach, recognizing the interconnected health of animals, people, and the environment. This initiative builds on TACO’s extensive efforts across India, including projects in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Assam, focusing on sterilization, vaccination, wildlife conservation, and establishing shelters and veterinary care programs.

TACO’s shelter in Faridabad, Haryana, currently provides care for nearly 170 animals, including cows, bulls, and dogs, focusing on rescue, rehabilitation, and advanced veterinary care. Recently, TACO unveiled a multi-specialty veterinary hospital in Faridabad and operates Mobile Health Van and ambulance services. Additionally, TACO is upgrading the Government Veterinary Hospital in Gurugram, Haryana, into a 24×7 multi-specialty animal hospital equipped with an ABC unit, laboratory, pharmacy, training centre, and shelter.

In the fiscal year 2023-24, TACO impacted over 148,200 animals through its various services and interventions across the Vedanta Group and beyond, underscoring Vedanta Group’s commitment to animal welfare and community health.

Vedanta Ltd, one of the world’s leading critical minerals, energy and technology companies, through its subsidiary Sesa Goa has an operational presence in the state of Goa. A prominent Indian iron ore miner that has expanded into pig iron, coke, and clean energy production, Vedanta Sesa Goa is known for its low-cost iron ore production.  The company is deeply committed to corporate social responsibility, and it has been able to create a tremendous impact through meaningful interventions in sports, education, healthcare, women empowerment, community infrastructure, and skill enhancement in the state of Goa. The animal welfare centre by Anil Agarwal Foundation will be an addition to Vedanta’s CSR initiatives in the state.

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In the previous two editions, the contribution of the runners led to the provision of 7 million meals to the children of Nand Ghar, AAF’s flagship Women & Child Development project, which constitutes a network of modern, state-of-the-art Anganwadis. Anil Agarwal Foundation has distributed almost 7.2 million multi-millet bars, so far, at Anganwadis including Nand Ghars, resulting in a significant reduction of 15% in Severely Acute Malnourished cases and 12% in Moderately Acute Malnourished cases, within a concentrated group of Nand Ghars.

In this edition, AAF extended its commitment beyond nourishing children to include animals, recognizing the interconnected health of people, animals, and the environment under the ‘One Health’ approach. This ‘Meals for All’ initiative will benefit animals through AAF’s animal welfare project, The Animal Care Organization (TACO), in addition to children across nearly 6,500 Nand Ghars, operating in 14 states across India.

The races were flagged off by Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director, Vedanta and Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd., in the presence of Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs; Smt Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Captain of the Indian National Football Team, along with other dignitaries. Hebbar, who also participated in the 10K run, remarked, “Today, we witnessed an extraordinary display of determination and unity as people across the globe came together, not just for fitness, but for a cause that resonates with us all. I am glad to have run and am humbled to contribute to the larger dream of combating malnourishment. With every kilometer run, all marathoners added to the number of meals that will be provided for nourishing children and for feeding animals. I am confident that we have created history by raising 10 million meals, this year. Together we have run for zero hunger.” 

Valarie Allman, the current Paris Olympics 2024 Discus Throw Gold Medallist from the United States of America & the International Event Ambassador of VDHM 2024, inspired the runners at the marathon. Many celebrities and influencers including Milind Soman, RJ Naved, Gul Panag, and various Delhi-based cyclist, fitness and runners’ clubs lent their support to the cause of #RunForZeroHunger.

Leading up to VDHM race day, another 36,000 members from the Vedanta community, including leadership, CXOs, employees and business partners participated in activities, to raise meals pledged by Vedanta. While some ran in Delhi, others participated in mini marathons and walkathons held across Vedanta’s 19 business locations, as well as via the StepSetGo app.

A Finisher’s medal was awarded to the runners. The medal is crafted from the purest and highest-grade zinc sourced from Zawar Mines in Udaipur — the world’s largest and oldest mines in the heritage state of Rajasthan. The Zinc is produced by Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s leading zinc producer and a Vedanta Group company.

Vedanta is committed to nurturing grassroot sports and use platforms such as marathons to mobilise communities for fitness and social change. VDHM 2024 is the 19th edition Delhi Half Marathon and third year of Vedanta’s association with it. It looks forward to continuing its #RunForZeroHunger movement in the upcoming marathons across India and be back in Delhi next year!

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The esteemed award recognizes AAF and all initiatives under the Foundation towards women & child development, animal welfare, healthcare, skilling & livelihood and sports sectors. With an expenditure of INR 437.87 crore in FY2023-24, AAF has benefitted 1.73 crore lives across 1200+ villages in India. AAF has also pledged INR 5,000 Cr over a period of five years towards India’s socio-economic development aimed to benefit 75 lac community members.

Mahatma Award recognizes and celebrates impact leaders and change-makers across the globe, who are making a social impact and leading the way to a sustainable future. Since its inception, Mahatma Award continues to honor the most accomplished sustainable, responsible, social efforts and initiatives within the private, public, and development sectors.

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