Earlier this year, in Lucknow, key stakeholders in early childhood education came together to explore how children in Uttar Pradesh can learn, play, and thrive. On 6th August 2025, Marico Limited and Sesame Workshop India Trust (SWIT ) co-hosted the “Early Foundations, Bright Futures” roundtable, bringing over 80 participants from government, CSR, academia, and civil society together to discuss scalable, joyful, and inclusive models for early learning. The event highlighted the importance of partnerships, innovation, and purpose in transforming Anganwadi Centres into engaging spaces for children.
Uttar Pradesh is home to more than 1.8 lakh Anganwadi Centres, serving as the first classroom for millions of children. While these centres are a cornerstone of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), resources are often stretched, and providing quality early learning remains a challenge. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2022 recognize Early Childhood Care and Education (#ECCE) as foundational to lifelong learning. Yet translating policy into practice requires more than guidelines, it calls for committed partnerships that bring expertise, empathy, and sustained support to Anganwadi Centres.
Smt. Leena Johri, Principal Secretary, Women & Child Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh, set the tone, emphasizing that preschool education must spark curiosity, earn parents’ trust, and create welcoming, child-friendly environments. Her remarks underscored the importance of reimagining Anganwadis not just as service points, but as vibrant learning spaces where children can truly flourish.
Marico Limited’s flagship education initiative, Nihar Shanti Pathshala Funwala, works in collaboration with SWI through the #LearnPlayGrow programme to drive foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) for children aged 3 to 6 years. Amit Bhasin, Chief Legal Officer & Group General Counsel at Marico, reflected on the company’s evolution from compliance-driven CSR to purpose-led action, highlighting the critical insight that early interventions lay the groundwork for lifelong learning. Over 100 Anganwadi Centres in Bahraich district are now being transformed into enriched learning environments, reaching over 1,500 children and caregivers and embedding playful, engaging learning into daily routines.
Satya Naidu, CSR Manager at Marico, brought a hands-on perspective to the discussion, sharing lessons from her field visits to Anganwadis. She noted that the vibrancy of these centres is not defined by infrastructure alone but by the joy children experience and the confidence of Anganwadi workers who implement the programs. She highlighted examples of children leading mini-clean-up drives, practicing eco-friendly habits, and showing increased curiosity in classroom activities, demonstrating that when frontline workers are supported, learning outcomes flourish. Satya’s reflections underscored the importance of empathy and practical support in scaling impactful programs.
Sonali Khan, Managing Trustee of Sesame Workshop India Trust, offered insights rooted in research and mission. She reminded participants that 85% of brain development occurs before age six, emphasizing that early interventions are not optional but essential. She shared SWI’s approach to building child-friendly learning environments that combine play, emotional well-being, and foundational literacy. Sonali highlighted how partnerships between government, corporates, and civil society help close critical gaps, ensuring that every child has access to quality, inclusive education regardless of background.
The roundtable also featured insights from organizations including HCL Foundation, Jhpiego, Room to Read, Pratham, Aga Khan Foundation, Reliance Foundation, Central Square Foundation, Ernst & Young, and Tata Trusts. Together, participants explored innovative, play-based learning approaches, community-led Anganwadi transformations, and inclusive infrastructure, while identifying opportunities to replicate SWI-led models across more districts. The roundtable in Lucknow reaffirmed a shared commitment to building stronger systems, supporting frontline champions, and creating child-friendly, joyful spaces where young children in Uttar Pradesh can grow, learn, and thrive. By combining expertise, collaboration, and purpose, these partnerships are paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future for every child.
