Anganwadi is a grassroots government-sponsored childcare and maternal health centre that is common in villages in India. The term “anganwadi” is a blend of the Hindi words “angan,” which means “courtyard,” and “wadi,” which means “centre.”

These facilities are built in rural communities to provide a variety of essential services and support to promote the well-being and development of young children and pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. It serves as a community development and rural population well-being institution, with a heavy emphasis on improving the lives of society’s most vulnerable citizens.

A vital community resource

Anganwadis are important in today’s setting because they give services in the following domains: Healthcare, nutrition, child development, community development, early intervention, gender equality, rural-urban migration, and community resilience.

In today’s rapidly changing world, where urbanisation, technological advancements and globalisation are transforming societies, anganwadi centres remain steadfast in their mission to provide essential services and support to vulnerable populations. They bridge the gap between traditional rural life and the demands of modernity, helping communities navigate the challenges and opportunities of our time.