Marico Limited announced that its flagship CSR initiative, Nihar Shanti Pathshala Funwala (NSPF), has significantly expanded its early childhood care and education efforts. Partnering with Sesame Workshop India, the program now supports over 1,700 children across 100 Anganwadi centres in Bahraich, a NITI Aayog aspirational district. The initiative focuses on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) skills, utilizing play-based learning and digital tools aligned with the National Education Policy 2020.
NSPF Expands Footprint in Uttar Pradesh
Marico Limited, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, Nihar Shanti Pathshala Funwala (NSPF), has successfully strengthened foundational early childhood education in the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh. This region has been identified as a NITI Aayog aspirational district facing comparatively low early childhood education levels.
The initiative, conducted in partnership with Sesame Workshop India, now covers 100 Anganwadi centres, benefiting over 1,700 children aged 3-6 years. Furthermore, 100 Anganwadi workers, 100 helpers, and 1,500 parents/caregivers have been enrolled in the training programs as of February 25, 2026.
Focus on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN)
The program adopts a holistic approach centered on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN). Key interventions include:
- Training for Anganwadi workers and helpers.
- Deployment of innovative teaching materials via the Chalo! Sesame Street App.
- Use of Pico projectors to facilitate video-based learning in low-connectivity settings.
- Emphasis on community participation through positive parenting sessions and Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) melas.
Amit Bhasin, Chief Legal Officer & Group Counsel and Secretary, CSR Committee, Marico Limited, stated that the focus is on building an ecosystem that empowers people and spaces central to childhood development, aligning efforts with government systems to create a lasting impact.
Scalability and Wider Impact
The multi-layered, community-centric approach is designed to be scalable beyond Bahraich, aiming to promote inclusive teaching and classroom equity. NSPF has a broader commitment to systemic change, having previously enhanced learning outcomes in government schools across Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan, positively impacting over 12 lakh students and 62,500 active teachers to date.
About Marico Limited
Marico is a leading consumer goods company globally recognized for its beauty and wellness categories. In FY 2024-25, the company recorded a turnover of USD 1.3 billion, with international products contributing approximately 25% of the Group’s revenue. Marico’s brand portfolio includes popular names such as Parachute, Saffola, Set Wet, Beardo, and others.
Source: BSE
