Gandhinagar, Aug 7
Over 53,000 Anganwadi sisters in Gujarat have handcrafted and sent more than 3.5 lakh Rakhis to soldiers guarding the country's borders. These Rakhis, woven with devotion and patriotism, were sent as symbolic shields of protection for the brave men who stand watch far from their families.
In a ceremonial event held in Gandhinagar, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel handed over the ‘Rakshasutra Kalash’ a symbolic urn carrying the sacred threads to the representatives of India’s armed and paramilitary forces. Women and Child Welfare Minister Bhanu Babaria also graced the occasion, underscoring the collective spirit behind the initiative.
As of 2025, Gujarat is home to approximately 53,000 Anganwadi centres, playing a vital role in delivering early childhood care, nutrition, and pre-school education across the state. These centres operate under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, a flagship initiative of the government of India aimed at improving the health and development of children under six years of age, as well as pregnant and lactating women.
In addition to regular health and nutrition services, many Anganwadis have now been integrated with Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission), which focuses on tackling malnutrition through technology and community involvement.