Manoj Bajpayee Joins ‘Nand Ghar’ Movement
Mumbai: Nand Ghar, an initiative aimed at revitalizing 1.4 million anganwadis (childcare centers) across India, has introduced a nationwide campaign titled “Agar Bachpan Se Poocha Khaana Khaaya, Toh Desh Ka Kal Banaya” (If Asked Whether I Ate in Childhood, I Built the Nation Tomorrow) in collaboration with Actor Manoj Bajpayee. This movement endeavors to foster the future of India by prioritizing comprehensive healthcare, quality nutrition, and top-tier early childhood education for children.
Manoj Bajpayee’s involvement in this initiative was warmly welcomed by Mr. Anil Agarwal, Chairman of Vedanta, who stated, “Nand Ghar is a national endeavor dedicated to the overall well-being of children and women, with a strong emphasis on health and nutrition. We are thrilled to have Manoj Bajpayee’s support for this significant cause. His personal journey deeply aligns with Nand Ghar’s mission to enrich and uplift the lives of future generations.”
During the launch of this heartfelt movement, Manoj Bajpayee shared his own experiences as a struggling young theater artist, highlighting the invaluable support of his friends in ensuring he had regular nutritious meals while pursuing his acting aspirations. Bajpayee eloquently conveyed the challenges artists face, emphasizing the importance of proper nourishment in pursuing one’s dreams. He urged people to contribute to the cause by visiting www.nandghar.org, where they can donate, volunteer, or collaborate with Nand Ghar.
Expressing his enthusiasm for collaborating with Nand Ghar, Manoj Bajpayee stated, “Having experienced hunger firsthand, I understand its profound impact on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Initiatives like Project Nand Ghar are pivotal as they not only provide children with essential nutrition but also offer hope, opportunities, and a pathway to a brighter future. Let us all join hands with the Nand Ghar movement to nourish the potential of our children and collectively work towards a brighter India.”
Prasoon Joshi, CEO & CCO at McCann Worldgroup India and Chairman, Asia Pacific, shared his thoughts on the movement, stating, “If we truly want our children to realize their full potential, ensuring comprehensive nutrition is imperative. What better way to underscore this than by showcasing some of India’s most esteemed individuals who have faced similar challenges in their journeys.”
Nand Ghar, the flagship project of the Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), has been dedicated to realizing Chairman Anil Agarwal’s vision of ensuring no child sleeps hungry. A milestone achievement for Nand Ghar has been the reduction of malnutrition rates and increased attendance of preschoolers in Nand Ghars across 14 states in India. Last year, AAF introduced multi-millet nutri bars, currently being distributed daily to 50,000 children aged 3-6 in 1364 Anganwadis in Varanasi. These bars, packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, have not only enhanced children’s daily nutrient intake but also reduced absenteeism.
With influential figures rallying behind the #KhaanaKhaayaKya movement, Nand Ghar invites citizens and like-minded organizations to join in this transformative journey, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow for our nation.