Jharsuguda, Nov 26: On the occasion of Children’s Day, Anil Agarwal Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the District Social Welfare Office (DSWO) to upgrade 500 Anganwadi centers across Jharsuguda district into state-of-the-art ‘Nand Ghars’ – modernized Anganwadi centres that act as Vedanta’s flagship community initiative for promoting holistic development of women and children.

The significant MoU was signed in presence of Suresh Pujari, Minister, Revenue & Disaster Management, Govt of Odisha, Tankadhar Tripathy, MLA, Jharsuguda, Aboli Naravane, Collector and District Magistrate, Jharsuguda, Punyabati Helen Xess, District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), Jharsuguda, and Radhakanta Gartia, District Education Officer (DEO), Jharsuguda.

In his reactions, Tankadhar Tripathy, MLA, Jharsuguda said, “This precious partnership reflects a shared vision to enhance community resources at the grassroots level. With these upgrades, the ‘Nand Ghars’ will empower children and women alike driving meaningful growth for the local communities in Jharsuguda district.”

Appreciating Vedanta’s developmental efforts in the district, Aboli Naravane, Collector and District Magistrate, Jharsuguda said, “We welcome Vedanta’s support towards bringing transformative change to Jharsuguda district’s Anganwadi centers. The ‘Nand Ghar’ initiative would create not only centres of learning, but also safe spaces that could support the overall well-being and growth of children and women. This MoU is a significant step toward our shared vision of community empowerment.”

Welcoming the move and highlighting the company’s commitment to the development at the grassroots level, Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Vedanta Aluminium, said, “At Vedanta, we are deeply committed to fostering sustainable development and inclusive growth in the communities we serve.” 

“Through the ‘Nand Ghar’ initiative, we aim to provide our young generation and women with the necessary tools for a brighter future. We are proud to work alongside the Jharsuguda district authorities to bring this vision to life as well as ensure impactful and lasting progress in the region,” Gupta averred.

Apart from the MoU-signing programme held at the MCL Community Centre in Beheramal, the Children’s Day event “Dukan Jatra” brought together over 3,500 participants, including students from 60 schools, community members, and Vedanta Aluminium’s employee volunteers. The event featured an Entrepreneurship Showcase with 60+ stalls run by students, offering a diverse range of self-made products, from handicrafts to food items, fostering creativity and entrepreneurial skills.