13th October 2025: In a significant step towards promoting holistic nutrition for children, Vedanta’s flagship social impact initiative, Nand Ghar, in collaboration with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Foundation for Nutrition, is set to distribute 1,00,000 units of Shishu Sanjeevani, a fortified nutrition supplement for children aged 3 to 6 years, across 7 states during POSHAN Maah 2025.
With a network of over 9,400 modernised anganwadis across 15 states, Nand Ghar is transforming the lives of women and children through nutrition, education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment. This year also marks 50 years of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), India’s pioneering child welfare programme, making this initiative even more significant as it reinforces the collective mission to ensure every child receives a healthy start in life.
POSHAN Maah, celebrated annually under Mission Poshan 2.0, is the Government of India’s flagship campaign to improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. The 2025 theme, Poshan se Pragati (Progress through Nutrition), underscores the vital role of nutrition in building a healthier, stronger India. In line with this vision, Nand Ghar has intensified its outreach across Rajasthan, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Daman & Diu and Uttar Pradesh, ensuring that every child at its centres receives wholesome, nutrient-rich food.
Shishu Sanjeevani, developed by NDDB, is a nutrient-dense, ready-to-eat supplement (in halwa form) created specifically for children aged 3 to 6 years. Each 40g serving is a tasty, protein-rich supplement that provides around 200 kcal of energy and fulfils nearly one-sixth of a child’s daily nutrient needs. Made from Bengal gram, ghee, milk solids, soy, groundnut, and sesame, and enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, this supplement is fortified as per ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) guidelines to support the healthy growth and development of children.
Speaking on the initiative, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Limited and Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Limited, said: “At Vedanta, we believe that true nation-building begins with the well-being of our children. Through Nand Ghar, we are committed to ensuring that every child has access to proper nutrition, quality early childhood care, and a fair start in life. Our partnership with NDDB to distribute Shishu Sanjeevani reflects our belief in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful impact. Nutrition is the first building block of opportunity. A well-nourished child today will shape a stronger, more confident, and truly Viksit Bharat tomorrow.”
Shashi Arora, CEO, Nand Ghar, added, “The 50th year of ICDS is a milestone in India’s journey of nurturing its youngest citizens. At Nand Ghar, we are proud to contribute to this legacy through innovative nutrition interventions like Shishu Sanjeevani. By combining fortified food support with technology-driven monitoring and building community awareness, we continue to reaffirm our commitment to building a well-nourished generation, one that will lead India’s progress towards a truly Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
Building on this shared vision of eradicating malnutrition and ensuring every child’s right to proper nourishment, Dr. Meenesh Shah, Chairman & Managing Director, NDDB, stated, “At NDDB, we are dedicated to harnessing our expertise in nutrition and food science to bolster India’s fight against malnutrition. Shishu Sanjeevani is a scientifically formulated, energy-rich food, tailored to support the nutritional needs of growing children. Through our partnership with Vedanta’s Nand Ghar initiative, we aim to deliver this vital nourishment to children at the last mile- paving the way for healthier lives and a more nourished, resilient India.”
At the heart of its nutrition efforts, Nand Ghar adopts a threefold approach, providing fortified supplements and direct nutrition support, empowering families through awareness and counselling, and leveraging technology and partnerships to deliver innovative, sustainable food solutions for children’s well-being. Reaching around 3.6 lakh children every day across the country, Nand Ghar integrates traditional nutrition with modern interventions, not only addressing immediate dietary needs but laying the foundation for a robust and sustainable nutrition ecosystem. This initiative exemplifies a national movement towards a Viksit Bharat, where every child has the opportunity to thrive, thereby contributing to a healthier, more resilient India.
