September marks Rashtriya Poshan Maah, a national movement to raise awareness on nutrition and fight malnutrition among children and women. The government’s flagship Poshan Abhiyaan has created a strong momentum across the country and the opportunity before us is to build on this momentum with models that work at scale and connect deeply with communities. This is where Project Nand Ghar, Vedanta’s flagship social impact initiative is making a difference with a mission of “Poshan Se Pragati”
With nearly 10,000 modernised Anganwadis across 15 states, Nand Ghar is more than a welfare project; it’s a movement, a place where nutrition, education, healthcare & women’s empowerment come together. In Poshan Maah 2025, the initiative will reach more than 3.5 lakh families, demonstrating how community driven solutions at scale can accelerate India’s nutrition journey.
Nutrition: India’s Growth Opportunity
Good nutrition is the first building block of education, health and opportunity. A well-nourished child is more likely to attend school, grow into a healthier adult, and contribute to a stronger workforce. A healthy mother is empowered to support her family and community. For a nation aspiring to become a $5 trillion economy, better nutrition is not merely a health priority, it is an economic opportunity.
Nand Ghar’s Three-Pillar Nutrition Strategy
Nand Ghar aligns with the government’s vision of a nourished India and follows a three-pillar strategy that ensures impact where it matters most:
- Hot, Nutritious Meals: Balanced meals served daily to children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers with menus that combine local tastes and nutritional needs.
- Fortified Take-Home Rations: Beyond the centres, take-home rations help families supplement diets at home, ensuring children and mothers receive continued nutrition.
- Millet-Based Innovations: Modern snacks and shakes made with traditional superfoods like ragi and bajra making nutrition both appealing and sustainable.
This approach not only addresses immediate needs but also builds lifelong healthy habits.
Integrating Nutrition with Education, Healthcare & Empowerment
The true strength of Nand Ghar lies in its integrated model:
- Education - Classrooms at Nand Ghar are equipped with smart TVs, tablets & playful e- learning tools. Coupled with nutritious meals, these resources keep children attentive, curious and ready to learn
- Healthcare - Regular health check-ups, vaccinations & telemedicine bring essential care to rural families. By treating illnesses that often underlie malnutrition, healthcare becomes a pillar of stronger communities
- Women Empowerment - Nand Ghars also serve as skill and enterprise hubs, where women learn trades, access credit and build livelihood. By gaining new skills and income opportunities, mothers are empowered to make informed decisions about health, nutrition, and the wellbeing of their families, transforming households from within.
Poshan Maah 2025- Turning Awareness into Action
This year, under the banner “Poshan Se Pragati”, Rashtriya Poshan Maah focused on making nutrition simple, local, and actionable. The campaign reached over 3.5 lakh families across 15 states, combining practical learning with hands-on demonstrations. Parents participated in sessions on child growth, maternal health, and everyday dietary practices, while cooking demonstrations showcased how to prepare healthy, affordable meals using locally available ingredients. Initiatives like “Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi” highlighted the direct link between good nutrition and children’s learning outcomes.
The impact is both measurable and visible. Some key highlights:
- 360,000+ children under six years receive regular nutritious meals 150,000+ pregnant women supported with supplements and healthcare 270,000+ women engaged in empowerment programs.
- 100% of centres equipped with access to clean drinking water and reliable electricity.
Scaling Up for Nationwide Impact
What makes the Nand Ghar model powerful is its ability to scale without losing effectiveness. Three things make scaling possible-
- Government Partnerships - Integrating with ICDS and Poshan Abhiyaan ensures alignment with national efforts
- Technology integration - Digital growth monitoring and telemedicine, enhance efficiency and reliability
- Sustainable local design – Millet based meals and solar power to keep the model cost- effective and environmentally friendly.
The recent MoU with the Government of Rajasthan to develop 25,000 Nand Ghars illustrates the potential to expand this nationwide covering 1.37 million Anganwadis.
As India advances, addressing malnutrition will determine inclusivity of its progress. Vedanta’s Nand Ghar demonstrates that combining tradition (like millets), innovation (like fortified shakes) & scale (thousands of centres across India), nurtures healthier children, empowered women, and thriving communities. With every step, we move closer to a future where no child is held back by hunger, and every family has the strength to thrive.
Reference Links
- Vedanta Limited — Press release: “Nand Ghar celebrates ‘Poshan Maah’; to distribute ‘Millet Protein Shakes’ to children across Vedanta’s operational states
vedantalimited.com - Vedanta — Blog: “From Tradition to Nutrition: Nand Ghar sparks a superfood revival with millet shakes”
vedantaresources.com - Vedanta Limited — Press & updates: “Nand Ghar marks Poshan Maah 2025, supporting 3.5 lakh families across 15 states”
vedantalimited.com - Vedanta Aluminium (BALCO) — Community Health Initiatives during National Nutrition Month 2024
VedantaAluminium - Vedanta / Anil Agarwal Foundation — Nand Ghar’s mission & verticals / About Nand Ghar page
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