Bengaluru, December 17, 2025: The tenth season of Proud Fathers For Daughters, an annual fundraising event by Project Nanhi Kali, was held on December 13 and 14, 2025 at the National Sports Club of India, Worli, Mumbai. The milestone season saw an overwhelming turnout, with 240 father-daughter pairs participating from across India. The proceeds from the event will go towards supporting 700+ girls at Project Nanhi Kali, giving them the opportunity to learn, lead and soar.

Proud Fathers For Daughters was founded by Anand Mahindra, Chairperson of the Mahindra Group and K.C. Mahindra Education Trust, and renowned photographer Atul Kasbekar, with an intention of reshaping societal perceptions of the girl child and championing gender equality. The initiative challenges long-standing stereotypes by showcasing fathers not simply as protectors, but as fierce supporters for their daughters’ aspirations. Each portrait serves as a visual pledge, when fathers stand firmly beside their daughters, they help dismantle generational barriers and reimagine what’s possible for every girl.

Acclaimed photographers Atul Kasbekar, Colston Julian, Jaideep Oberoi, Jatin Kampani, Prasad Naik, Rafique Sayed, Rid Burman and Tarun Khiwal lent their artistry and creative expertise generously to make Proud Fathers For Daughters a truly unforgettable event. They turned every portrait into a cherished memory, while underscoring the power of storytelling through photography to inspire change and drive impact. Their commitment to using their art for social good added a profound depth to the event, amplifying its message of empowerment and hope.

This year’s theme, “Wings of Courage,” celebrates two powerful truths. For daughters, courage often takes flight the moment they are reminded they are seen, valued and believed in. For fathers, pride becomes a catalyst for change, encouraging them to champion their daughters publicly, loudly and unapologetically. The theme is also deeply inspired by Project Nanhi Kali’s core mission of giving girls the wings to rise, through 21^st century and sports leadership skills training.

Participants contributed INR 10,000 for a professional father-daughter photoshoot, with each contribution funding the education of one girl for an entire year at Project Nanhi Kali. Beyond providing education and skilling, Project Nanhi Kali’s new curriculum emphasises leadership through critical thinking, sports and teamwork, preparing girls to thrive in the 21st-century.

Over the years, Proud Fathers For Daughters has seen enthusiastic participation from celebrity father-daughter duos such as Neha Dhupia and Pradip Singh Dhupia, Vidya Balan and P.R. Balan, Shatrughan Sinha and Sonakshi Sinha, Sachin Tendulkar and Sara Tendulkar, and Leander Paes and Aiyana Paes, among others.

Since its inception, Proud Fathers For Daughters has become a symbol of hope and empowerment with the participation of 15 photographers, we have raised funds to support 6297 girls at Project Nanhi Kali.

Anand Mahindra, Chairperson of the Mahindra Group and K.C. Mahindra Education Trust, said: “Every year, Project Nanhi Kali’s Proud Fathers For Daughters initiative reminds us of a simple truth: when a father invests in his daughter’s education and dreams, he builds the strongest foundation for her future. This initiative has grown into a movement that celebrates not just the father–daughter bond, but the belief that every girl deserves the opportunity to learn and lead. I am deeply grateful to the photographers who have given their time and talent to the event, helping raise funds to support girls through Project Nanhi Kali. A special thanks to Atul Kasbekar for helping create this initiative and standing by it for ten remarkable editions; his commitment has been instrumental in shaping both its impact and its heart.”

Sheetal Mehta, Executive Director at Project Nanhi Kali and Senior Vice President, CSR, Mahindra, said: “At Project Nanhi Kali, we have always believed that when you educate a girl, you uplift an entire community. Through our new curriculum which focuses on 21st century and sports leadership skills, we continue to give girls the wings they need to Rise- wings of confidence, wings of leadership, wings of courage. Wings of courage is a celebration of this journey: fathers proudly standing by their daughters, and girls discovering just how high they can fly when they feel supported and believed in.”

The post Project Nanhi Kali’s Fundraiser Proud Fathers For Daughters Returns with its 10th Season appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

Proud Fathers For Daughters was founded by Anand Mahindra, Chairperson of the Mahindra Group and K.C. Mahindra Education Trust, and renowned photographer Atul Kasbekar to shift societal mindsets towards the girl child and reinforce the importance of gender equality. The event challenges entrenched stereotypes, showcasing fathers not just as caregivers, but as active champions of their daughters’ dreams, ambitions, and independence. It’s a powerful reminder that when fathers support their daughters wholeheartedly, they unlock limitless potential, breaking down barriers for future generations.

Since its inception, Proud Fathers For Daughters has become a symbol of hope and empowerment, creating 2,397 stunning portraits that celebrate a father’s unwavering support for his daughter’s dreams. Each portrait tells a powerful story of love, encouragement, and the belief in a brighter future for all girls. Through the funds raised at the event through the years, Project Nanhi Kali has been able to support the education of over 5,597 underserved girls, giving them the tools to break barriers of inequality, pursue their ambitions, and rewrite their stories.

This year’s theme, “Her First Coach,” drew inspiration from Project Nanhi Kali’s new curriculum, which focuses on 21st-century skills and sports leadership to foster holistic development in girls. The event highlighted the pivotal role fathers play as their daughters’ first guides, mentors, and cheerleaders and encourage fathers to championing their daughters dreams and ambitions.

Renowned photographers Atul Kasbekar, Colston Julian, Jaideep Oberoi, Prasad Naik, Rafique Sayed, Tarun Vishwa, and Tejal Patni generously dedicated their time, talent, and creative expertise to make Proud Fathers For Daughters a truly unforgettable event. These celebrated photographers came together not only to capture tender moments of pride and joy between fathers and daughters but also to champion a transformative cause. By lending their skills to this initiative, they turned every portrait into a cherished memory, while underscoring the power of storytelling through photography to inspire change and drive impact. Their commitment to using their art for social good added a profound depth to the event, amplifying its message of empowerment and hope.

Participants contributed INR 10,000 for a professional father-daughter photoshoot, with each contribution funding the education of one underserved girl for an entire year at Project Nanhi Kali. Beyond providing education and skilling, Project Nanhi Kali’s updated curriculum emphasises leadership through sports, teamwork, and critical thinking, preparing girls to thrive in the 21st-century.

Sheetal Mehta, Executive Director at Project Nanhi Kali and Senior Vice President, CSR, Mahindra, remarked: “At Project Nanhi Kali, we are committed to creating an ecosystem where girls are empowered to dream big. Through our new curriculum, we equip girls with 21st-century skills and sports leadership skills, enabling them to lead and succeed. The theme of this year’s Proud Fathers For Daughters—‘Her First Coach’—beautifully underscores the important role fathers play in shaping their daughters into future leaders. We are deeply touched by the overwhelming response and thank the participants for their unwavering support towards our cause through the years. Not to forget, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the photographers for their creativity and unwavering support. This edition’s success reaffirms the belief that when families and communities champion a girl’s dreams, the impact is transformative—not just for her, but for society at large.”

Over the years, Proud Fathers For Daughters has seen enthusiastic participation from celebrity father-daughter duos such as Vidya Balan and P.R. Balan, Shatrughan Sinha and Sonakshi Sinha, Sachin Tendulkar and Sara Tendulkar, and Leander Paes and Aiyana Paes, among others.

The post Empowering Girls, Inspiring Change: Celebrating the Ninth Edition of Project Nanhi Kali’s Proud Fathers for Daughters appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.