From Vision to Action, AAF leads the way

Philanthropy plays a crucial role in tackling the most pressing issues facing our nation. Fortunately, in India, generosity is deeply ingrained in our societal fabric. Philanthropists understand that they wield the power to delve into the root causes of various challenges and bring about transformative solutions that positively impact millions of lives. Driven by the deep-seated belief that businesses must give back to society and help create strong and resilient communities in India, the Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), the social impact arm of Vedanta Group, has been significantly contributing towards nation-building and social welfare.

True to its ethos of empowering communities and transforming lives, in July 2021, as the nation grappled with the aftermath of the pandemic, AAF renewed its social impact efforts by announcing a pledge of Rs 5,000 crore over the next five years. The pledge is aimed at benefiting 7.5 million community members by strengthening India’s rural communities through a sustainable and inclusive growth model. To unlock the full potential of communities so that they can become valuable contributors to India’s growth story, AAF unveiled an ambitious roadmap for a comprehensive social impact programme that channels its mammoth investment towards the beneficiaries. The focus areas for these social impact projects include women and child development, nutrition, healthcare, animal welfare and sports at the grassroots-level. AAF’s ongoing projects in these areas have been making a significant difference over the past several years.

For instance, AAF’s flagship social impact project, Nand Ghar, is a network of modern Anganwadi centres and offers holistic development opportunities to communities through education, health, nutrition and skilling. In its first phase, the programme has already developed over 6,000 Nand Ghars across 14 states, and in its next phase, AAF is committed to expanding its efforts through its recently released Nand Ghar Movement, joined by actor Manoj Bajpayee that aims to inspire action and participation at a national level. To extend the mission of nourishing India’s future, AAF also launched the Multi-Millet Nutri Bar initiative, in March 2023, which is providing children with millet-based nutritious food at anganwadis including Nand Ghars.

Another focus area for AAF is healthcare. The foundation has played a significant role in addressing gaps in healthcare provision and promoting equitable access to healthcare for all. In 2018, the BALCO Medical Centre, a 170-bed, state-of-the-art oncology facility in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh was set up. Today, it is Central India’s largest and most advanced cancer institute and has treated over 37,000 patients since its inception.

Similarly, AAF has launched initiatives for promoting sports, particularly football and indigenous sports like archery, and for nurturing grassroots talent in India by establishing state-of-the-art sports infrastructure. The Dronacharya Archery Academy in Jharkhand and Vedanta Archery Training in Lanjigarh, Odisha and the upcoming Anil Agarwal International Cricket Stadium in the village of Chonp, Jaipur, slated to be the second largest stadium in the country, are just a few examples of these. Similarly, Divyang, an initiative for para-athletes in Rajasthan helped two such athletes bring laurels to India at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020.

Recognising the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment, in 2022, AAF launched a first-of-its-kind animal welfare project, The Animal Care Organization (TACO). It provides world-class infrastructure, veterinary services, training facilities, and an animal shelter. Having signed an MoU with the Government of Haryana, TACO adopted the Tapobhoomi Gaushala in Faridabad to create a sustainable model animal shelter. The initiative also contributed INR 1 Cr to augment surveillance in Ranthambore National Park, thereby contributing towards preserving India’s rich wildlife.

AAF's initiatives are not just about addressing immediate challenges but about laying the groundwork for a brighter tomorrow. Armed with a clear roadmap and a commitment to action for India's socioeconomic development, AAF is poised to continue its transformative journey towards building stronger, resilient communities and a brighter future for all.