A spiralling population, low female literacy levels and a negligible female workforce in India, propelled Anand Mahindra into taking positive action. He believed that if girls were educated, they would contribute not only to the economic development of the country but also lay the foundation for a more just and equal society. This conviction gave rise to Project Nanhi Kali.
Project Nanhi Kali supports the formal education of girls from underprivileged communities in some of the remotest and most underserved parts of India. Started by Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, and jointly managed by the K.C. Mahindra Education Trust and the Naandi Foundation, the project has impacted the lives of over 700,000 girls to date.
From tiny hamlets in rural Maharashtra to tribal settlements perched on the Araku hills of Andhra Pradesh, from the far-flung border districts of Darjeeling and Shravasti to the congested bylanes of Varanasi, the project has created girl-friendly ecosystems in underserved communities through regular engagements with parents and community stakeholders.
While educational support is a key component of Nanhi Kali, the project goes beyond academic assistance. The objective is to ensure that while the girls perform well and complete their schooling, they are also infused with the conviction that they are deserving of every opportunity in life.
Over the years, the project has provided comprehensive support to girls in government schools from Grades 1 to 10, including daily afterschool remedial classes and access to an AI-powered, personalised, adaptive learning software via digital tablets. Every girl receives a material kit annually consisting of essential school supplies and feminine hygiene material. Further, the project also introduced Nanhi Kali Life Skills and Digital Skills training programme for teenage girls.
With the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 across states and schools, Project Nanhi Kali has aligned itself with the evolving educational landscape. While the fundamental objective of empowering girls and nurturing them into confident young women remains unchanged, the program is now equipping girls studying in Grades 6 to 10 with essential 21st century skills and sports leadership skills training, empowering them not just for today, but for the future.
21st century skill training:
Through training in financial literacy, digital proficiency, and life skills such as critical thinking and communication, Project Nanhi Kali is preparing girls for a seamless transition from the classroom to higher education and the workplace.
Sports leadership skills training:
A professionally designed sports education module exclusively for girls gives them an opportunity to participate in regular fitness activities thereby promoting their well-being and building confidence. The program fosters leadership skills and teamwork while encouraging excellence through sports.
Each year, the girls receive a sports and essentials Nanhi Kali Kit, which includes a bag, two t-shirts, a pair of shoes, two pairs of socks, stationary, and an annual supply of feminine hygiene material so she can attend her classes with dignity.
As Project Nanhi Kali continues its journey, it aims to empower one million girls across India, equipping them with skills, confidence, and resilience. By fostering both academic and personal growth, the project is working to create a world where every girl knows she matters!