SMT. ANITA BADHEL INAUGURATES 2 NAND GHARS IN UDAIPUR, DEDICATES 318 ANGANWADI CENTRES IN KHUSHI

So far, more than 100 “Nand Ghars” have been constructed across three states and 2911 Anganwadi Centres have joined “Khushi” Project…

On 4th August, 2017, 2 more “Nand Ghars” - Dhawaditalai and Main Rawa were inaugurated in Rawa village of Girwa Block at Udaipur District by Chief Guest – Smt. Anita Bhadel – Hon’ble Minister of Women and Child Development, Government of Rajasthan and now 20 Nand Ghars have been constructed in Udaipur district with 100 more Nand Ghars in pipeline.

During the inaugural ceremony, Smt. Bhadel said “For the progress of the country, along with infrastructure development, it is important to focus on  human development. Anganwadis strengthens the foundation of children below the age of seven years - their nutrition, health and education. Government and Vedanta Hindustan Zinc have come forward with well-equipped facilities for both mother and child including skill training for women in the form of ‘Nand Ghar’. Now communities have to take the responsibility of Nand Ghars to make it successful”.

To make the project more cohesive, “Nand Ghar” act as a focal area for immunisation, gender sensitisation and maternal care. It also aims to enhance the learning environment through an e-learning module and skill enhancement program for women where they will undergo entrepreneurship training, including skill enhancement, to start their own micro enterprise with credit linkages, thereby increasing their contribution towards the Indian economy.

During her visit to Udaipur, Smt. Bhadel also launched “Khushi” project in Chawand village wherein 318 Anganwadi Centres of Sarada Block have been included under the project as part of Phase-2.

During the launch program, Smt. Bhadel said “Through Khushi project, Anganwadi program will be strengthened to improve attendance, health and the well-being of Anganwadi children. Now communities have to come forward and support it by actively participating in it".

In year 2015, Hindustan Zinc signed the MoU with Government of Rajasthan to strengthen 3055 Anganwadis of the ICDS Department in 5 districts i.e. Udaipur, Rajsamand, Chittorgarh, Bhilwara and Ajmer of Rajasthan under its flagship project “Khushi” in 2 phases.

Last year under “Khushi” project, Hindustan Zinc reached out to 2295 Anganwadi centres in 5 districts of Rajasthan in phase 1. So far in Udaipur district, Hindustan Zinc with partner NGO – Seva Mandir has included 1157 Anganwadi Centres under “Khushi” Project.

VEDANTA HINDUSTAN ZINC OPENS 2 NAND GHARS IN AJMER, RAJASTHAN

Delivering long-term benefits to communities by strengthening the foundation of children below the age of seven years - their nutrition, health and education… 

The report says, there are 7.5 crore underprivileged children living in remote rural areas, below the age of seven years, who are in need of proper nutrition, health care and education. Our primary focus, therefore, is to start at the grass root level with the holistic development of children and women, who form the future of our nation.

This is where, Vedanta came up with the concept of “Nand Ghar" designed in partnership with the ministry of women and child development. It is an extension to the existing Anganwadi initiative for providing a better environment to the children of India by addressing issues relating to pre-primary education, health care, nutrition and economic empowerment for women in rural India.

Mr. Anil Agarwal – Chairman, Vedanta Group believes “In order to secure the future of India, we have to safeguard the present. To strengthen the foundation of children, it is important to address issues relating to pre-primary education, health care, nutrition for children and economic empowerment for women in rural India”.

Taking his vision forward, Vedanta has joined hands with the Government to revamp 4000 anganwadi centres across India under the Project ‘Nand Ghar’. Today, more than 100 “Nand Ghars” across three states has resulted in marked improvement in attendance, learning abilities and school readiness, by deploying e-learning modules in education and soft skills in collaboration with world-class partners and they are now equipped with TVs, solar panels and toilets. 

On 31^st July, 2017, 2 “Nand Ghars” - Khanpura & Parbatpura have also been inaugurated in Ajmer District by the Chief Guest - Ms. Anita Bhadel – Hon’ble Minister of Women and Child Development, Government of Rajasthan and with this 10 Nand Ghars have been constructed in Ajmer district with 25 more Nand Ghars are in pipeline.

During the inaugural ceremony, Ms. Bhadel said “Government and Vedanta Hindustan Zinc have done their bit by providing well equipped facilities for primary education, nutrition services along with related healthcare services for both mother and child including skill training for women, it’s now the communities have to come forward and support it by actively participating in it.” She also mentioned that if a mother anchors the responsibility of her child’s education, the benefit will percolate to her next 7 generations.

To make the project more cohesive, “Nand Ghar” act as a focal area for immunisation, gender sensitisation and maternal care. It also aims to enhance the learning environment through an e-learning module and skill enhancement program for women where they will undergo entrepreneurship training, including skill enhancement, to start their own micro enterprise with credit linkages, thereby increasing their contribution towards the Indian economy.

The Nand Ghars are in line with Prime Minister of India’s vision of social development and will prove to be a stepping stone for building the future human capital as productive, passionate and persistent towards the growth.

Also present on the occasion were Mrs. Neelima Khetan – Head CSR, HZL, Mr. Sampat Sankhla – Dy. Mayor, Ajmer,  Mrs. Anupama Tailor – Dy. Director, Women & Child Development, Mr. Nitesh Yadav - ICDS, Mr. Raes Ahemad - Counsellor along with Anganwadi workers and Hindustan Zinc’s CSR representatives.

TIMES OF INDIA - 19TH NOVEMBER, 2015 : EMPOWERING PEOPLE....RESURGENT RAJASTHAN

VEDANTA KHUSHI - VEDANTA READIES RS 400-CR FUNDING FACELIFT FOR ANGANWADIS

The Vedanta Foundation, the philanthropic arm of metal and mining major Vedanta, will revamp 4,000 anganwadi centres across India by equipping them with TVs, solar panels and toilets.

The foundation will fund the modernisation drive with over Rs 400 crore, for which it has partnered with the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD), it said in a statement.

The first model Anganwadi, Nand Ghar, was inaugurated by Union Minister for WCD Maneka Gandhi today, along with Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal, at Hasanpur village in Sonipat district of Haryana.

Inaugurating the centre, Gandhi said: "This Nand Ghar model will provide targeted delivery of supplementary nutrition services, along with related healthcare services for both mother and child, including skill training for women."

The Minister hailed Vedanta's efforts in this regard.

"The Ministry of WCD and the Vedanta Group have come together to construct 4,000 Anganwadi buildings in different parts of the country. Nand Ghar is an extension to the existing anganwadi initiative and will be Vedanta Group's endeavour to provide better environment to children of India," said Agarwal.

Vedanta's Nand Ghar project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision and commitment to providing quality education for children and skill development for women in the entire country, he added.

The Vedanta Foundation has already collaborated with over 3,000 anganwadi centres in Rajasthan and Odisha by supplementing the services of the government and addressing the nutrition as well as the educational needs of over 1 lakh children. 

Vedanta “Khushi”, that says all about Child Care

Vedanta “Khushi” is a mission driven by the vision of Mr. Anil Agarwal, Chairman – Vedanta Group’s that “no child in India should remain malnourished and be deprived of education and primary health. Let India be a child malnourished free nation.”

Scribbling  some  figures  on  the  net  and  in  certain reports of Indian Economic  Survey,  UNICEF, UNDP, etc. a not so much usual fact came forward and  that was the child population in India, the growing number of deprived or  underprivileged  children  in  India,  the number of street children in India,  the number of child deaths in India, and the number of children who dropout from schools every year in India.

India,  a  country  with  largest  child  population, largest malnourished children, largest child deaths, and largest street children in the world, put our  minds  and  thoughts  in  a  thinking-hat  mode.  For once, we felt apprehensive about building India for a bright and progressive future. It was sure, government, NGOs, corporates alone cannot bring this problem to a solution and common masses need to align and join on such national missions.

This is where we decided to launch an awareness campaign “Khushi”, which was aimed to spread the message of care for the underprivileged children and building a life of dignity for them.  The message was clear that about 50% of India’s child population needs attention – attention towards their nutrition, education and good health. The message was also clear that without the involvement of similar minds, India would never be able to make it to a developed nation.

With this thought, on 10th April 2012, Vedanta Group designed “Khushi”, an in-house campaign on social media - on blog and on the Facebook.  We also decided to make “Khushi” a 100% non-funding campaign that would strongly engage with people and spread awareness to encourage them to take individual steps and initiatives. Where the blog, www.khushi-creatinghappiness.blogspot.in, became a platform for encouraging   people  by  uploading  success  stories,  articles  and  statistics;  the  Facebook became  a  platform for on-line discussions and debates and spreading  awareness. By now, on “Khushi” group, about 60 debates have been carried out on a number of issues like girls’ education, infrastructure in schools, problem of street children, beggary, quality of education, rehabilitation, disparities in urban and rural education, sending underprivileged children back to school,  malnutrition, corporal punishments to children, child labour making crackers,  effects of TV advertising on children, portray of Indian Children in Cinema,  mobile phone and their effects on Children,  Safety of Children etc.

The debates became a platform for knowledge sharing and a guiding factor for proposed actions. Taking forward the outcomes, 150 schools have bee adopted in Rajasthan for completely changing their infrastructure, study material and other facilities.

Vedanta “Khushi” also spent days with the street children to understand their issues and problems. Accordingly, workshops were conducted to inculcate the importance of education, health and hygiene, nutrition and behaviour change.

To further strengthen the objective of “Khushi”, 75 child care centres have been adopted in Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Rajasthan and Chattisgarh. These centres have about 2500 deprived and underprivileged children.  These children are provided daily nutritious breakfast, lunch, books and primary health check-ups.

Recently, Vedanta’s “Khushi” came together with NDTV for the girl child campaign – Our Girls Our Pride.  The campaign ambassador was the gorgeous Bollywood film actress Ms.  Priyanka Chopra.   Ms.  Krishna Poonia, the Padamshree, and the ace international athlete also became joined “Khushi” campaign.

Today,  when we are about to complete 2 years in this mission (10th April 2014), we are quite pleased that we are able to communicate our message clearly to a number of opinion makers which include journalists, professors, engineers, social  workers,  bureaucrats,  students,  doctors,  management graduates, entrepreneurs, etc. 

Vedanta “Khushi” has become a global mission and there has been increasing interest from Indians living in different parts of the world. People are engaged and spreading message of child care through direct engagement with people and also through their social media presence.

One thing we could successfully bring forward through "Khushi" has been change in the behaviour of people towards deprived children.

Vedanta “Khushi” is growing every day and so changing the society.

Vedanta as a group has worked so far with 14,000 child care centres in India – in the state of Rajasthan, Karnataka, Chattisgarh, and Odisha, reaching out to more than 500,000 deprived and underprivileged children, since 2008.

Taking cognizance of the issue, Government of India has sanctioned Rs. 129,000 crore in the current plan to be spent under the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) within 3 years.

Join : www.facebook.com/groups/vedantakhushi

‘Our Girls Our Pride’ - Vedanta's "Khushi", NDTV and Priyanka Chopra join hands for Girl Child

Vedanta Group and NDTV have joined hands to promote Girl Child in India through campaign "Our Girls : Our Pride".  The campaign has been launched under Vedanta's "Khushi"awareness campaign, that is already promoting care for the underprivileged children, their health, nutrition and education.  

Ms. Priyanka Chopra has been named the Brand Ambassador of the campaign "Our Girl : Our Pride" .  The campaign launched on 19th August 2013 in New Delhi,  will address key issues like nutrition, education, health, foeticide and infanticide.  The focus of the campaign will be to educate people at large, bring awareness, bring policy changes and sensitize people towards girl child and build a respect for the gender.

Presenting a visual treat of the launch.

Vedanta's "Khushi", NDTV and Priyanka Chopra join hands for Girl Child

Campaign  : ‘Our Girls : Our Pride’ Launched - Priyanka Chopra is the Brand Ambassador

Vedanta Group and NDTV have joined hands to promote Girl Child in India through campaign "Our Girls : Our Pride".  The campaign has been launched under Vedanta's "Khushi" awareness campaign, that is already promoting care for the underprivileged children, their health, nutrition and education.  

Ms. Priyanka Chopra has been named the Brand Ambassador of the campaign "Our Girl : Our Pride" .  The campaign launched on 19th August 2013 in New Delhi,  will address key issues like nutrition, education, health, foeticide and infanticide.  The focus of the campaign will be to educate people at large, bring awareness, bring policy changes and sensitize people towards girl child and build a respect for the gender.

Looking at India, the country houses the maximum number of children in the world but it is also true that around 50% of child are suffering from malnutrition and the number of girls is large. The ratio of females per 1000 mails has been continuously decreasing since last more than 30 years.  There is a conscious need to not only protect the girl child but also bring in dedicated efforts towards their education, nutrition, health and overall development.

The three partners in this campaign are unique in their own fields.

Priyanka Chopra, who has been named as Brand Ambassador for this campaign, has been UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador for India, Priyanka has been actively involved in various causes related to the girl child for many years.  She has also personally supported this cause through the ‘Priyanka Chopra Foundation for Health and Education’, which works towards providing support to unprivileged girls across the country in the areas Education and Health.

Vedanta has been pioneering the child welfare campaign in India with a mission to make India a child malnourished free nation.  In its effort, since 2008 Vedanta has been associated with government to take care of about 14,000 Anganwadis (child care centres), benefiting more than 500,000 deprived children.  The company has also constructed 8 Hi-tech Mid Day Meal Kitchens that provide hot nutritious meal to over 250,000 rural students studying in government schools.  Vedanta has adopted many rural schools towards bringing quality of education and strengthening infrastructure. 

NDTV has always played an instrumental role in creating awareness about various issues existing in the country through diverse, path breaking initiatives such as Save Our Tigers, Support My School, Marks for Sports and the Greenathon amongst others. 

The campaign launch was marked with the presence of Campaign Ambassador - Priyanka Chopra, Dr Prannoy Roy - Co-chairperson NDTV and Mr. Anil Agarwal - Chairman Vedanta Group,  Dr. Girija Vyas - Minister for Urban Poverty Alleviation, Dr A L Sharada - Programme Director, Population First, Ms. Deepak Kalra, Chairperson for Child Rights Protection Committee in Rajasthan and many NGOs and other dignitaries.

Hon’ble Minister for Women and Child Development Krishna Tirath addressed the gathering via a live-link and said, “We should respect women in our society because both men and women are equal partners to take out our society forward. According to our Constitution, we have equal rights, so we enjoy equal rights as men and women.”

On being introduced as Campaign Ambassador, Priyanka Chopra, said, “The upliftment of the girl child in India has been a cause that is very close to my heart.  In my role as UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador and through my experience with my personal foundation, I understand that while there have been some positive strides being made every day, there is still a serious amount of work that is still left to be done.  I am honoured to be a part of NDTV - Vedanta- Our Girls : Our Pride, which is a wonderful initiative. 

NDTV has pioneered several successful campaigns in the past, creating a positive change in the lives of many. My personal experience with NDTV on the Greenathon over many successful years gives me the belief that together we can work towards making a sustainable change. With this initiative we aim to change the lives of many girls and provide them with basic necessities to be able to lead a quality life. I’m looking forward to creating a successful campaign that will give everyone an opportunity to come together in making a better and brighter India for our young girls.”

On this occasion, Mr. Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta Group, said "Vedanta is committed to partner with all stakeholders, especially community, for a holistic development of India.  What we need today is a movement on a war-footing to give our children what is rightfully theirs — a childhood that is not deprived of health, nutrition and education. We all must join hands — individuals, civil society, corporates, media fraternity and the government. We are quite delighted to associate with NDTV and Ms Priyanka Chopra for taking the "Our Girls Our Pride" campaign forward."

Addressing the audience, Dr. Prannoy Roy, Chairperson, NDTV, said “Perhaps the single most important change we can bring to our country is to invest in our girl children - to focus on their rights and demand their equality in society. Ensuring that every girl child in India achieves her full potential will transform India in a way that no other revolution can. This campaign is a small step in that direction - to raise awareness and to seek concrete steps towards a better India for the girl child.”

‘NDTV-Vedanta - Our Girls : Our Pride’ is yet another attempt to make a noteworthy difference in our world.  Apart from sensitizing the masses, the campaign also aims to raise funds to make a positive impact in the lives of as many girls as possible.

वेदांता ख़ुशी : ‘‘नन्हे-मुन्हे बच्चे तेरी मुटठी में क्या है’’, अनिल अग्रवाल

‘‘नन्हे-मुन्हे बच्चे तेरी मुटठी में क्या है।’’ हम सभी ‘‘बूट पॉलिश’’ फिल्म के इस गीत को सुनते हुए बड़े हुए हैं। यह गीत बच्चों के उस सुनहरे सपने को दर्शाता है कि आने वाला भारत इन बच्चों की मेहनत व हिम्मत से बनेगा ।

विनोबा भावे ने भी अपने गीता प्रवचन में लिखा है कि ‘‘बच्चे जो तीन से चार वर्ष आयु में सीखते हैं वहीं उनके मष्तिस्क पर अंकित हो जाता है। बाल अवस्था में ही ज्ञान प्राप्त शुरू हो जाता है’’ ।

भारत में विश्व के सबसे ज्यादा बाल संख्या है तथा तकरीबन 16 करोड़ बच्चे 6 साल की उम्र से कम है । तकरीबन 20 लाख बच्चों की 5 साल की उम्र से पहले ही मुत्यु हो जाती है। हर 12 बालिकाओं में से एक, एक वर्ष की उम्र तक नहीं पहुंच पाती। अगर यही चलता रहा तो देश कैसे तरक्की करेगा।

भारत को ऐसे बाल अभियान की जरूरत है जिसके द्वारा वंचित बच्चों को उनका अधिकार- एक अच्छा स्वास्थ्य, सुपोषण एवं शिक्षा  मिल सके। इस अभियान को सफल बनाने के लिए समाज, सरकार, तथा आम जनता को मिलकर काम करना होगा।

सरकार के आंगनवाड़ी कार्यक्रम को सुदृढ़ करना इस अभियान का एक महत्वपूर्ण हिस्सा हो सकता है।

1975 में भारत सरकार ने आंगनवाड़ी कार्यक्रम की शुरूआत की थी जिसके द्वारा पहली बार बच्चों के विकास पर जोर दिया गया। आज 14 लाख आंगनवाड़ी केन्द्र भारत में मोजूद है जिसके द्वारा 7.5 करोड़ 6 वर्ष से कम उम्र के बच्चों तथा 1.8 करोड़ माताओं को लाभ पहुंच रहा है । इसकी प्राथमिकता को देखते हुए एकीकृत बाल विकास योजना के लिए 12वीं पंचवर्षीय योजना में भारत सरकार ने 1,29,000 करोड़ रु. का  प्रावधान रखा है।

माननीय सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने अपने एक महत्वपूर्ण फैसले में एकीकृत बाल विकास योजना के सक्ष्तिकरण एवं विस्तार पर जोर दिया है। सरकार ने 14 लाख आंगनवाड़ी केन्द्र बनाकर एक विशाल बुनियादी संरचना तैयार की है परन्तु अभी काफी काम बाकी है।

आज हमें बड़ी कंपनियों द्वारा समाज सेवा के कार्यक्रमों की जरूरत है जिसके द्वारा ना सिर्फ आर्थिक मदद मिलेगी बल्कि प्रबन्धन अनुभव, प्रषिक्षण व्यवस्था तथा आंगनवाड़ी कार्यक्रम को सुचारू रूप से चलाने में भी मदद मिलेगी ।

वेदान्ता समूह ने सरकार के साथ मिलकर इस दिशा में एक छोटी सी शुरूआत की है जिसके द्वारा वेदान्ता समूह, वर्ष 2008 से, 14000 आंगनवाड़ी केन्द्रों द्वारा लगभग 5,00,000 वंचित बच्चों तक पहुंच पाया है । इस कार्यक्रम में और अधिक उद्योगों के जुड़ने की जरूरत है।

मूलतः बड़े उद्योग तीन क्षे़त्रों में सहयोग कर सकते हैं । प्रथम, आंगनवाडि़यों में आधारभूत सुविधा उपलब्ध कराना। वर्तमान में ऐसी कई आंगनवाड़ी केन्द्र हैं  जहा मूलभूत सुविधा नहीं है तथा बच्चों के लिए शौचालय की व्यवस्था भी नहीं है।

दूसरा, आंगनवाड़ी कार्यकर्ता या अध्यापक जो कि सुचारू रूप से आंगनवाड़ी संचालन में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाता है, का सही प्रषिक्षण होना चाहिए तथा उसका चयन स्थानीय समुदाय से ही होना चाहिए। सही आंगनवाड़ी अध्यापक सही प्रषिक्षण के साथ, आंगनवाड़ी के बच्चों के भविष्य में सुधार लाएगा।

तीसरा, सुपोषण व स्वास्थ्य की महत्ता है। आंगनवाड़ी के बच्चों को सही सुपोषण मिले तथा उनके स्वास्थ्य का पूरा ध्यान रखा जाए, जिससे इनका सम्पूर्ण विकास हो।

भारत में लगभग 50 प्रतिषत बच्चे कुपाषित है और हमें इस अन्तर को अन्य पूरक द्वारा कम करना है । ‘‘आंगनवाड़ी अपनाये’’ अभियान को हमें देश भर  में एक महाअभियान के रूप में सामने लाना है। इस अभियान में सभी हिस्सा ले पाये- दान द्वारा, नयी शिक्षा पद्वति द्वारा, अध्यापकों के शिक्षण द्वारा, वंचित व गर्भवती महिलाओं को शिक्षण द्वारा, यह सुनिष्चित करना है।

अन्ततः हम सभी चाहते हैं कि 6 साल से कम उम्र के बच्चों का भविष्य सुधरे । यह उददेष्य सरकार के साथ-साथ प्रमुख राजनितिक घोषणा में आना भी जरूरी है । मूलतः इसलिए भी कि भारत अगले आम चुनाव की ओर अग्रसर है।

जिस प्रकार कल के बच्चों ने आज के भारत का निर्माण किया है उसी प्रकार आज के बच्चे भारत का भविष्य लिखेंगे। जरूरी है कि यह बच्चे शिक्षा, सुपोषण तथा स्वास्थ्य से परिपूर्ण हो ।

एक दिन हम सब इन बच्चों पर गर्व करेंगे - मुटठी में है तकदीर हमारी हमने दुनिया को बस में किया है।

अनिल अग्रवाल

चेयरमैन - वेदांता समूह

Hindustan Times : Making investments in our future

Anil Agarwal, April 10, 2013

Vinoba Bhave in his inspirational Gita Pravachan wrote “what the children learn within the first three to four years is what is firmly imprinted on their minds. It is during the early years that real learning takes place”. India has the largest population of the children in the world with 160 million children of less than six years of age. But around 50% of children in the country are malnourished. Over two million children in India die every year before the age of five. One out of 12 girls does not survive till the age of one. If this trend continues, our progress as a nation will be greatly impeded. We need a movement on a war-footing to give to our children what is rightfully theirs — a childhood that is not deprived of health, nutrition and education. This is a movement where all must join hands — individuals, civil society, corporates and the government. The anganwadi programme can and must form the bedrock of this movement.

The anganwadi programme introduced in 1975 was a revolutionary initiative of its time. For the first time, a programme focused on the overall development of a child. It brought in a community approach and capacity building framework to child care. Today, 14 lakh anganwadi centres reach out to about 7.5 crore children under six years of age and to 1.8 crore mothers. The budget for the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) has been increased substantially to Rs. 1,29,000 crore in the 12th Five Year Plan.

In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court called for the universalisation of ICDS and for extending it to every child under the age of six and all pregnant women. The relevance of the anganwadi was re-emphasised by the apex court in a 2011 judgment. The government has done a phenomenal job putting together a nationwide 14 lakh anganwadi infrastructure but a lot more needs to be done. Today, we need the involvement of corporates in a philanthropy model. Corporates can not only bring in funds but also management expertise, training intervention and project management skills.

At Vedanta, we have made a small beginning by partnering with the government in over 14,000 anganwadi centres and have reached out to 5,00,000 children since 2008. If more corporate houses join hands, we can make a significant impact in this initiative.

There are three areas of corporate intervention. First, the infrastructure facility for the children. Many anganwadis function without basic infrastructure like buildings and toilets while many others need urgent repair.

Second and the most important factor for the success of this programme is the anganwadi worker. I prefer calling her the anganwadi teacher. Drawn from the local community, the teacher constitutes the core of this initiative and training her well becomes an extremely important task. A fully-trained anganwadi teacher can make a difference to a generation of children and thus to the whole community. Corporates can bring in the latest training and learning modules, aided by technology.

Nutrition and healthcare constitute the third factor for success. Providing nutritious meals at the anganwadi will not only attract children but will also go a long way in improving the overall health index of India. Corporates can join hands with the government in providing nutritious meals and regular health check-ups.

To urgently bring down the level of malnutrition from the current 50%, we need some radical innovations in dietary supplements. NASA research on dietary supplements for astronauts has led to enriched baby food used in many countries. Closer home in Karnataka, a coconut-based MCT oil supplement piloted in anganwadis has resulted in some promising outcomes. We can use some of these innovative approaches to fight acute malnutrition in India.

‘Adopt Anganwadi’ movement could be converted into a national mass movement with the involvement of individuals and civil society. This could be in the form of volunteerism at centres, donations, innovating with play materials, training of teachers, educating underprivileged mothers and expectant mothers. The possibilities are immense.

Finally, we need the rights and well-being of children under six, to be not just a government priority, but a political imperative as well. As we approach the next general elections, there is a strong case for all political parties to incorporate childcare as an important part of their election manifesto. 

Anil Agarwal is chairman, Vedanta Group

ANIL AGARWAL : THE NEW FACE OF CORPORATE PHILANTHROPY..

In conversation with Anil Agarwal about Vedanta's ingress into Corporate Philanthropy...

Many of us may be confused with the term Corporate Philanthropy' as they may argue that history is the testimony to the fact of Corporate Charity' then why several companies have tried to be associated with the concept so aggressively. The famous saying "give a man a fish, you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime" aptly stipulates the difference between charity and philanthropy. On one hand, it is believed that the foundation of charity is often religious or moral in nature. On other hand, philanthropy is broadly inclined to humanitarian principles. Philanthropy derives from the Greek term Philanthropos, which means "love of man" in the sense of caring for, nourishing, improving, and enhancing the quality of life for human beings. It is not merely giving as means to end grinding it out but in many hidden ways it achieves changing the values of the recipients. In India, the family run businesses have for long handed down the effort of charity purely in altruistic line or as a gesture of a beholden giving back to God.

With time and with evolution of the organization Philanthropy as a concept developed as specialized form of management with an objective of solving the problems of the society as whole, and largely without the intention of hemming a return motive. However, with the impact of globalization a set of business leaders appeared in the Indian corporate scene who emphasized the inclusive growth factor to connect to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). A mark shift from the family run and desi businessmen with chronic yearnings to serve God and humanity to the urbane white collared executives who thinks building groundswell of stakeholders' perception can be achieved through philanthropy.

That's the evolution of changing focus from charity to philanthropy. Moreover, several new commotions like environmental conservation and preservation of history and art have become an important part of the philanthropic activities of corporate philanthropy. Over the time, global business environment and stakeholders' growing expectations have majorly influenced several companies to have a very close attention not only to their philanthropic activities, but also to the measurable social impact of these activities. Today, companies view their philanthropic programmes not only as corporate resources meant for social development, but also as strategic social investments intended to achieve measurable outcomes and impacts. Corporate philanthropy programmes are often a part of the organization’s mission and are designed to address social and political issues that affect the business.

In this league, Vedanta Group, one of the world's fastest growing diversified metals and mining company has been adopting it very efficiently. Most of its programs are designed to reach deep rural areas, particularly tribal areas. Chairman of the company, Anil Agarwal is very specific to grow with the development of the society. Mr. Agarwal says, 'Whatever you have earned, a portion of it should go back to the society.' His vision statement that "No child in India should remain malnourished and be deprived of basic amenities, health-education and nutrition," has brought company's strong focus on child care. "Let us make India a child malnourished free nation", he says. In the same light, he wants to change the infant mortality rate in India and he says `I will not sit in peace till every child in this country gets these basic necessities." The man with full of vision is going to change the whole landscape of Indian Corporate Philanthropy.

However, the scenario of corporate philanthropy has been evolving since long back. In the 20th century American philanthropy matured, with the development of very large private foundations created by titans of industry - Rockefeller, Ford, Carnegie, et al. - and later in the century with the professionalization of the field led and funded by those great foundation.

Then at the turn of the 21st century, the word "philanthropy" began to re-enter the American vernacular. In 1997 a Massachusetts project of foundations, corporations and donors to increase charitable giving through donor education was centered on a Catalogue for Philanthropy. Classically American philanthropic initiative by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, the "Giving Pledge", used the word with global publicity. But India developed it later on. During the early days of industrialization in India, philanthropy was limited to individual initiatives undertaken by organizations and rich families. During the independence movement, several industrial thought leaders extended their financial support to leaders of the freedom struggle. G.D. Birla's financial contributions to the movement and Ardeshir Godrej's generous donation to the Tilak Fund for the upliftment of Harijans were notable among these. The Tatas and the Murugappas pioneered charitable contributions to hospitals and schools. Mr. Anil Agarwal acknowledges the left-behind of India's philanthropic background, as he intones, "Undoubtedly, Philanthropy as a concept is more organized and huge in West. But today, India is at the same juncture America was at 50 years ago. The education system in the US is fabulous, and it's my dream that we create education cities in India. On my part, I've already pledged $1 billion for a large university. It's going to be a research university and I am willing to put in more money if required. Look around India, there's so much we can do. In the future, I am hoping to have an education city where we can offer students study in medicine, arts and technical research under one roof."

In the recent times, Indian corporate philanthropy is going to embark in the history. Chairman of Wipro and the third richest man in India, Azim Premji had unarguably made the biggest philanthropic contribution in India till date. He has made a donation worth $2 billion towards the upliftment of education in rural India. Many believe that history does not repeat. But the declaration that "one forth of my wealth will be enough for my family" of the Billionaire Philanthropic, Anil Agarwal and his pledge that "three fourths of my wealth will be used to educate and provide nutrition to underprivileged children" are going to prove them wrong. As per 2012, he has net worth of $3.5 billion and thus his philanthropic contribution would be more than $2 billion. Vedanta is becoming the new face of corporate philanthropy in India.

It is a personal intervention and focus from Mr. Agarwal, who is prepared to go to great length to achieve his dream. Vedanta is all set to redefine the scope and the scale of corporate accountability towards the society. The conglomerate will be spending Rs 300 crore this year alone on different CSR related activities. In the year 2011-12 the group spent Rs. 230 crore towards its community service programs.

With strong focus towards care for the underprivileged children, Vedanta in close association with the State Governments of Rajasthan, Chattisgarh and Orissa designed a model that could provide nutrition, health and education to children at early age itself. This model was adoption of Anganwadi Centres from the State governments through partnership model and bring in supplementary nutrition, new innovative method of teaching to children, provide them colourful books, train teachers, new utensils, exposure, and monitor the change in their health. These centres now known as Vedanta Bal Chetna Anganwadi Centres also take care of regular immunization of children. A team of Vedanta supervisors ensures the compliance and Village Empowerment Committees further ensure it.

This initiative began in 2008 through adoption of 400 Anganwadi Centres each in Rajasthan and Orissa. The Vedanta Model for Child Care worked model worked and started showing results. The health of children, their overall development and basic education brought more children to the Anganwadi Centres. In 2009, Vedanta went ahead and adopted 1100 Anganwadi centres each in Rajasthan and Orissa. Meanwhile the company also started 600 Mamta and Parvarish Centres in Chattisgarh.

Recently, in the year 2012, Karnataka government also signed an MoU with Vedanta for taking care of 2600 Anganwadi Centres.

Providing healthy meals to school going children, Vedanta also introduced, in association with State government, Mid-day Meals. The company constructed 8 kitchens in Rajasthan, Chattisgarh and Orissa which are providing daily Mid-day meals in about 3000 schools.

Mr. Agarwal says, "it breaks by heart to see infant mortality rate in India. Children are underweight and lack basic health. I must do something for these children." India is a young country and most of the population is in early years. We need to ensure that these children tomorrow become the productive citizens of the country. Vedanta will do what ever possible to achieve this mission," he continues.

Anil Agarwal is very passionate about involving young generation into India's vision. In this regard he keeps his agenda of visiting colleges when ever he finds time. He even travels from London specially to meet these young engineers and management graduates, who he believes will drive tomorrow's India. "These young brigades of India have energy and strong determination. When I meat them and interact with them, I am amazed with their thoughts and their vision for India".

Rural India has been for long asking for social economic empowerment in women. Important was to organize these women into groups, impart them professional training and link them from banks. The group’s formation was difficult as villages have their own constraints. But Vedanta's consistent interaction and involvement increased the number of Self Help Groups from mere 50 to 2000, spread not only in India, in Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Rajasthan, Chattisgarh, but also in Zambia, where company has its copper operation. Each group has 12-15 women who are now known more as micro entrepreneurs. Most of the groups have support from banks. Some of these women have gone ahead and become Sarpanchs or Ward Panch. They also attend evening schools organized by Vedanta, when they are free from their household work. Vedanta has brought much needed change in their economic condition.

Anil Agarwal realized that rural health sector too needs attention particularly areas prone to some specific problems. Korba in Chattisgarh was chosen to build one of the largest cancer hospitals with most modern facilities and capacity of 350 beds. Provision has been ensured to reserve 20% beds for BPL families. The hospital work is in full swing and likely to be operative by 2014. Another heart hospital in Udaipur in Rajasthan has been already upgraded and now has provision for open heart surgery.

Corporations need to understand that the people they are serving today would eventually become their employees or customers tomorrow. In simple words, the contribution towards the society would come back to them. Anil Agarwal's humble beginning from the suburbs of Patna where he spent his childhood has much to do with his charitable pursuits - he himself admits that, "I believe that my roots have helped me become who I am today. Giving is, thus, a nature and it comes naturally. I believe that when we help someone, someone else always steps in and takes it forward and it becomes a chain reaction." "While business and industrial success is great, we must not forget our accountability towards mankind and society," he said.

"You are a community first and than a businessman. Vedanta has always kept focus on community above the business", says Anil Agarwal. He says, "my family has been a big force behind keeping the focus on community service always alive. My father in particular has been my guide and philosopher. My wife Kiran is engaged full time in Vedanta Foundation's activities and a big support."

People drive motives behind community service and charity, Anil Agarwal replies, "helping community and their children, supporting agriculture of poor farmers, their cattle, building infrastructure, providing drinking water etc. are driven through your individual philosophy. It comes from within and only generates goodwill for the company. There could be no other motives." "kuch to log kahenge logon ka kaam hai kehna", he smiles and the man is not perturbed with what people say.

A big chunk of intellectuals and media persons have recommended that private organization should also come forward to actualize the great vision of India. The government through its Company's bill has proposed to ensure 2% spent on CSR from profit. Large corporates who are spending already crores of rupees feel enforcing spent is not required; rather government should focus on key social issues that need to be addressed in the coming 10 years. Involve corporates and industrialists in this social agenda and let the corporates develop their plans.

Vedanta's Anil Agarwal has set an agenda and is moving forward along with his business plan. His Vedanta Model for Child Care is a model that can be replicated by any corporate and by any State, to fight malnutrition in India. Similarly the model to empower rural women is also set to bring much needed social and economic status in women.

Concluding in the words of Anil Agarwal, "In my eyes, all these so-called achievements are normal. I believe that each of us is doing exactly what we're supposed to do. I am doing the best in my position just as another person is doing the best in his. When we give back to society, we must think about the betterment of society and not about getting brownie points with God. After all, even our mythological epic teaches us to help the society without expecting things in return. The Bhagavad-Gita about importance philanthropy as it states datavyamiti yaddaram diyate anupakarine.

There are people who would say, give me power and ill change the world. But when you look at Anil Agarwal, one would only say, move ahead and people will join you. If they don’t, you would always have this satisfaction that at least you were on the right path.

Story Published in "Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch -January 2013"

AN ICMR - IIPM THINK TANK PUBLICATION

Vedanta Khushi : Care for the Underprivileged Children