In a major social drive, the Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), the philanthropic division of Vedanta Limited, has committed Rs. 437 crore for its initiatives in the fiscal year 2023-24, aiming to enrich the lives of over 1.73 crore people throughout India. Highlighted in its annual Social Impact Report, “Nurturing, Transforming, Leading: India’s Growth Story,” the Foundation executed 153 substantial projects across 1,200 villages. These efforts emphasize critical sectors such as education, healthcare, skilling and livelihoods, women and child development, animal welfare, and ecological sustainability.
A pivotal achievement of the year is the renowned Nand Ghar initiative, which notably advanced child nutrition and early education. The program, aligned with the POSHAN 2.0 campaign and the International Year of Millets, successfully distributed 72 lakh multi-millet nutrition bars to 1,400 Anganwadi centers in Varanasi, effectively impacting 50,000 children. This initiative led to a noticeable 15% reduction in Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and a 12% decrease in Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) among children in the region. The Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited a model Nand Ghar in Varanasi during his Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, highlighting the program’s effectiveness.
The Foundation expanded its reach by setting up 6,044 Nand Ghars in 14 states, supporting 238,161 children and 178,620 women with vital services including nutrition, education, healthcare, and vocational training. These upgraded Anganwadis aim to foster a supportive environment for women and children’s development in rural areas of India.
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Ltd. and a non-executive director at Vedanta Ltd, accentuated the Foundation’s comprehensive strategy in community betterment: “At Vedanta, the principles of Artha (value creation) and Dharma (value contribution) drive our dedication to empowering communities. Our diverse social projects across the nation target the goal of favorably impacting over 100 million lives. Each of our initiatives – from child nutrition and healthcare to skill development and cultural heritage preservation – aligns with our vision for an empowered, inclusive India.”
In healthcare, the BALCO Medical Centre in Naya Raipur marked a significant triumph, earning a $25 million Cancer Grand Challenges grant for investigating Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer, backed by Cancer Research UK and the US National Cancer Institute. Additionally, 17 lakh individuals benefited from 32 healthcare initiatives across the country, from mobile healthcare units and awareness endeavors to hospitals.
The AAF is also committed to celebrating and preserving Indian cultural heritage by empowering native artisans. With events like the Vedanta Culture Festival at Dilli Haat and the Nand Ghar Bagaan at the Jaipur Literature Festival, the Foundation provided a platform for artisans nationwide to present their work to wider audiences in Delhi and Jaipur, broadening their reach and promoting local artistry.
Vedanta Ltd., a frontrunner in the global minerals, energy, and technology sectors, persistently influences society through its 19 subsidiaries, operating in various states across India. The enterprise has pledged a ?5,000 crore investment over the upcoming five years to fortify its CSR endeavors and amplify its commitment to fostering a sustainable, inclusive future.
Working under the banner of Vedanta’s community and social efforts, the Anil Agarwal Foundation focuses on healthcare, women’s and children’s development, animal welfare projects, and sports initiatives. The Foundation’s mission is to empower communities, transform lives, and contribute to nation-building via sustainable and inclusive development.