Anil Agarwal Foundation launches a Multimedia Campaign to address Hunger & Malnourishment amongst Children

2024-11-01 09:19:34 News & Society

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New Delhi, September 13, 2023: Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), the philanthropic arm of Vedanta Limited has launched a campaign, to address the pressing issues of hunger and malnutrition. Beginning with a personal note from the Chairman, Mr. Anil Agarwal that was released today in print media, the multi-media campaign will include video and digital assets as well. Commencing in the month of September, also observed as the National Nutrition Month or ?Poshan Maah?, the campaign with the tagline ?Agar Bachpan Se Puchha Khaana Khaya Toh Desh Ka Kal Banaya? propagates the need to end child hunger and malnutrition, to nurture the untapped potential amongst the less privileged. The campaign represents the Foundation?s dedication to build a better future for children and youth in India by ensuring proper nourishment required for growth and development.

Commenting on the campaign launch, Ms. Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Director, Vedanta Limited and Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd., said, ?Stemming from my father?s personal journey and experiences of hunger in his childhood, and his vision of ensuring food security for each child, the launch of this campaign marks the beginning of a movement that will involve and engage every citizen of India so that together we can give our future generations a fair chance to realize their dreams and take India to even greater heights. It?s our inherent belief that there is potential in every child that needs to be nurtured, not just for their sake but for our country?s future. Through Project Nand Ghar, we are positively impacting children enrolled in our centers yet there?s a lot that needs to be done to help them realize their true potential and for that we must begin with the elimination of hunger and lack of nutrition.?

The campaign, designed and executed by McCANN Erickson (India), in its initial phase, strives to spread awareness among citizens to end hunger and malnutrition and provide equal opportunities to our future generation for a better tomorrow. With this launch, Anil Agarwal Foundation has also revealed its new logo, inspired by a growing sapling symbolizing AAF?s philosophy that there is potential in everyone that should be recognized and nurtured to flower to its maturity.

Sharing his thoughts on the campaign, Prasoon Joshi, CEO & CCO at McCann Worldgroup India and Chairman, Asia Pacific said, ?When campaigns are born out of true-life experiences, they are authentic and strike a genuine chord with people. This is one such campaign which genuinely reflects a felt truth and a true connect. It also tries to shake one out of inertia and move society towards positive action.?

AAF through its flagship social impact project Nand Ghar, a collaborative project between Vedanta and the Government of India is contributing to eliminating hunger and malnutrition across the country. It aims to develop and modernise over 29,000 Anganwadis across the country. It has already developed 5,500 Anganwadis into Nand Ghars so far and is impacting the community, especially children and women at the grassroots through holistic development opportunities. Aligned with the Government of India?s POSHAN Abhiyaan and this year?s Poshan Maah theme of ?Suposhit Bharat, Sakshar Bharat, Sashakt Bharat?, Nand Ghar has become a true personification of its vision to support health, education, and empowerment along with addressing nutritional needs of all beneficiaries.

Nutrition forms one of the core focus areas of the Nand Ghar initiative. Considering that poor nutrition hampers growth among children, having long-lasting consequences on learning and productivity, the project supports this crucial need. Nutrition is also central to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 2 of Zero Hunger. Nand Ghars have been successful in reducing malnourishment among preschool children and include almost 20% lesser children in Severely Acute Malnourished (SAM) & Moderately Acute Malnourished (MAM) categories as compared to the national average.

Nand Ghars have consistently demonstrated the ability to transform the lives of communities at the grassroots. Earlier this year, AAF launched a nutrition initiative for pre-school children to provide multi-millet nutri bars across Anganwadis including Nand Ghars. These bars, rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants have not only improved the daily nutrient intake of children, but also boosted cognitive development, and reduced absenteeism in Anganwadis.

About Anil Agarwal Foundation

The Anil Agarwal Foundation is the umbrella entity for Vedanta?s community and social initiatives. The focus areas of the Foundation are Healthcare, Women and Child development, Animal Welfare Projects, and Sports Initiatives. Anil Agarwal Foundation aims to empower communities, transform lives, and facilitate nation building through sustainable and inclusive growth. The Foundation has pledged Rs 5000 crore over the next five years on various social impact programs.

About Nand Ghar

The flagship social impact project- Nand Ghar, under the Anil Agarwal Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Vedanta, is a model project working towards strengthening the Anganwadi ecosystem of the country. The 5500+ Nand Ghars are the enabler of change and sustainable development with a presence in 14 states across India and currently impacting more than 2.20 lakh children and 1.65 lakh women. Set up in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), Nand Ghars are modernized ?Anganwadis? working to eradicate malnutrition among children, provide pre-primary education, preventative and curative healthcare, and empower rural women through skill training. Nand Ghars, the state-of-the-art Anganwadis, aims to transform the lives of 7 crore children and 2 crore women across the 13.7 lakh Anganwadis across the country. Nand Ghars are equipped with solar panels to ensure 24x7 electricity, water purifiers, clean toilets, and smart television sets, and have become a model resource center for the local communities. Pre-school education is provided to children in the age group of 3-6 years. Nutritious meals and take-home rations are being provided for children and pregnant and lactating women. Primary healthcare services are rendered through mobile health vans and telemedicine services, women are empowered through skilling and enterprise development.