The pilot project (Project Vriddhi) was launched four years ago and has been gaining strength, year-on-year. Project Vriddhi aims at bringing about community led village development through integrated rural development, focused on improving village sanitation, nutrition, digital literacy, education, farm management, pond rejuvenation, water conservation and adoption of new agricultural techniques and livelihood programmes.
Commenting on the expansion of the project, Mr. Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé India stated – “At Nestlé India our purpose is to unlock the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come. As part of our commitment to build a healthier society, we launched Project Vriddhi, focussing on aspects that are crucial to rural welfare, that can shape lives. Since its launch, four years ago, Project Vriddhi has grown from strength to strength and positively impacted more than 6,000 people. The project interventions have contributed to holistic development of these villages.’’
Mr. Jay Sehgal, Trustee, S.M. Sehgal Foundation emphasized the importance of sustainability in development interventions. He appealed to the villagers to continue their efforts to maintain hygiene and cleanliness in their surroundings. To ensure sustainability of the interventions, a village development committee has been put in place to oversee the maintenance of the assets created under the project.
Ms. Sabeela Umar, the Sarpanch of Naharpur stated – “Project Vriddhi has brought holistic development through village infrastructure development such as imparting agricultural techniques, bringing about digital literacy, encouraging water conservation and pond rejuvenation. This has had a positive impact on the local community and has encouraged them to take ownership in the growth of the villages.”
Nestlé India and S.M. Sehgal Foundation have also created a stimulating learning environment for children. These include specific interventions in schools and classrooms through adoption of innovative teaching methods and improved infrastructure, such as better lighting, ventilation, wall paintings and provision of midday meal kitchen.
The school headmaster of Naharpur, Mr. Sarajudeen appreciated the intervention made in the school and said, “Education is the cornerstone of a bright and promising future. We are extremely happy about the positive impact this project has had in the villages and especially in this school. The transformation of the school has led to increased attendance and retention.”