#AnandMahindra #ProjectNanhiKali #MayAMillionBudsBloom #GirlsEducation #WomenEmpowerment #CSR #EducationForAll #NanhiKali #MahindraGroup #SocialImpact #GenderEquality #SkillDevelopment
Chandigarh: Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, unveiled a coffee table book titled “May A Million Buds Bloom” — a powerful pictorial and narrative documentation of Project Nanhi Kali, one of India’s most impactful CSR programmes dedicated to the education and empowerment of underprivileged girls.
The book is both a tribute and a reflection of nearly three decades of work that has transformed the lives of close to nine lakh girls across India. With a clear vision to reach one million girls by FY 2026, Project Nanhi Kali continues to stand as a model of how corporate social responsibility can bring about deep-rooted societal change.
The Vision of Project Nanhi Kali
Founded in 1996 by Mr. Anand Mahindra, Project Nanhi Kali was born out of the belief that empowering girls through education could help break the generational cycle of poverty and patriarchy. Jointly managed by the K.C. Mahindra Education Trust and Naandi Foundation, the project has over the years expanded from small beginnings into a movement that today spans 15 states, 7,600+ government schools, and 18,000+ women tutors from local communities.
Speaking at the launch, Anand Mahindra said:
“Our endeavour to empower underprivileged girls through academic support, sports, technology and now skill training is a testament to how Project Nanhi Kali has evolved with changing times. The book ‘May A Million Buds Bloom’, through storytelling and visuals, offers readers a thought-provoking glimpse into what change looks like beyond mere numbers.”
Beyond Education: Building Ecosystems of Empowerment
The uniqueness of Nanhi Kali lies not only in educating young girls but also in creating a supportive ecosystem involving families and communities. The programme has worked in some of India’s most underserved regions — from rural Maharashtra to tribal Andhra Pradesh, from border districts like Darjeeling and Shravasti to urban slums in Varanasi.
Through continuous engagement with parents, community leaders, and local stakeholders, Nanhi Kali has succeeded in challenging stereotypes and reshaping attitudes toward girls’ education. Community Associates — largely women — act as mentors, role models, and influencers, often persuading fathers, sarpanches, and grandparents to see the value of educating their daughters.
Evolution of the Programme: From Classrooms to Sports Fields
Initially designed to provide after-school academic support, Nanhi Kali has evolved into a holistic programme that prepares girls for the future:
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Adaptive Learning Platforms: Personalized academic assistance that bridges learning gaps.
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Sports Integration: The Toofaan Games and Toofaan Cup have given 150,000+ girls opportunities to participate in athletics and football, creating one of India’s largest active girls’ sporting networks with 1,000+ football teams.
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21st-Century Skills Training: Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Nanhi Kali 3.0 now equips girls with digital literacy, financial literacy, and life skills, ensuring a smoother transition from school to workplace.
Rohini Mukherjee, Chief of Global Partnerships at Naandi Foundation, said:
“For nearly three decades, Project Nanhi Kali has been committed to breaking down barriers that prevent girls from accessing their right to education and choice. We are already seeing how these girls are shaping their futures and contributing to the India growth story.”
May A Million Buds Bloom: Capturing the Intangible Impact
The newly launched coffee table book, authored by Nitya Manoj Kumar, a student and passionate photographer, brings to life the real stories of Nanhi Kalis. Over three summers, Nitya travelled across the country, documenting their journeys — in classrooms, homes, playgrounds, and even on buses and village squares.
Nitya said:
“This book focuses on the lived experiences of the girls whose lives have been touched by Nanhi Kali. These are stories of confidence, hope and transformation. They cannot always be measured in numbers but are deeply felt.”
The book beautifully blends photography, anecdotes, and oral stories, offering readers a collage of resilience, determination, and hope.
More Than Numbers: The Real Markers of Change
While Project Nanhi Kali’s quantitative impact is remarkable — supporting nearly nine lakh girls — the true success lies in the intangible changes:
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Girls discovering leisure as a “social right.”
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Developing the confidence to travel independently.
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The ability to aspire for careers, financial independence, and leadership roles.
Sheetal Mehta, Executive Director at Project Nanhi Kali and Senior Vice President, CSR, Mahindra Group, highlighted this aspect:
“The true impact of our work is not just in the number of girls enrolled, but in the confidence in their eyes, the pride in their achievements, and the dreams they now dare to dream. These portraits are a celebration of resilience.”
Key Highlights of Project Nanhi Kali
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Impacted around 9 lakh girls across 15 states.
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Partnership with 7,600+ government schools.
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Supported by 18,000+ women tutors from local communities.
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Over 1,000 Nanhi Kali football teams created.
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Reach: 70% rural, 22% urban, 8% tribal.
A Blooming Future
With Nanhi Kali 3.0, the programme is set to redefine how girls from disadvantaged backgrounds are prepared for the future — not just to succeed academically, but to thrive in workplaces and society at large.
Anand Mahindra summed it up aptly at the launch:
“May A Million Buds Bloom is more than a book. It is a tribute to the spirit of young girls, and a reaffirmation of our collective responsibility to ensure that every girl has the chance to dream, to learn, and to achieve.”
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