Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, is taking a significant stride towards community welfare with the groundbreaking ceremony for Anganwadi Center No. 2 in the Umraya village, Baroda. This initiative is part of the company's corporate social responsibility commitment to nurturing young minds and contributing to the well-being of the community.

Anganwadi, a centrally funded initiative established by states and union territories in India, plays a crucial role in rural child and maternal care. In 1975, the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program was launched to address child hunger and malnutrition.

Anganwadi centers provide essential services such as supplemental nutrition, pre-school non-formal education, immunizations, health check-ups, nutrition and health education, and referral services.

The ceremony was attended by key personnel from Archroma, including Andreas Wickli, Head of Global Technical Operations, Peet de Waal, Global Head of Safety Health and Environment, and Atul Ashtekar, Site Head Baroda, along with village leaders, community members, and Anganwadi representatives.

The new center aims to create a child-friendly environment by incorporating sanitation facilities, waterproof ceilings, safe grills, storage facilities, and an audio-visual screen that is programmed with educational material to enhance children's cognitive skills.

Wickli shared, "At Archroma, we are committed towards improving the livelihoods of communities, and we believe that creating a nurturing environment is critical in fostering early childhood development.” He added, “We are very proud to play a part in crafting a tomorrow that is sustainable, eco-conscious, and offering equal opportunities for everyone."

The Anganwadi Center No. 2 project is in line with Archroma’s commitment to supporting the holistic development of children and addressing fundamental health needs for the underprivileged. As part of the broader community engagement, Archroma will also contribute to the renovation of other Anganwadi centers in the village.