On 25th September 2024, ICDS Maharashtra with support from Rocket Learning, hosted Udaan Maharashtra 2024 in Mumbai, a milestone event that brought together state leaders, educators, and communities to spotlight the future of early childhood care and education (ECCE).
The conference saw powerful participation from across the state such as policymakers and child development officers to Anganwadi workers and parents, united by a shared mission: to strengthen the foundations of learning and nutrition for every child.
Key Highlights
- Launch of “Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi” Training Drive
A state-wide initiative to equip 37,000 Anganwadi workers with integrated tools for early learning and nutrition.
- Curriculum Rollout: “Balmathan” and “Navchetna”
Structured, age-appropriate content introduced to boost school readiness at Anganwadi centres.
- Policy in Action
Panel sessions explored how Maharashtra is advancing NEP 2020 goals by combining grassroots innovation with systemic scale.
Voices from the Frontline
“The ‘School Readiness’ campaign, launched in 2020, highlighted the vital role of mothers in early childhood development. Building on this, we are now training 37,000 Anganwadi workers through the ‘Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi’ initiative. This will address key challenges in early education and set a new direction for its future.”
— Kailas Pagare, Commissioner, ICDS, Government of Maharashtra
“From just 33 blocks and 4000 centres, we now stand tall with 7,076 blocks and 14 lakh Anganwadi centers – marking nearly 50 years of progress in ensuring early childhood care and education for millions of children across India.”
— Dr. Rita Patnaik, Joint Director, ECCE & Women Empowerment and Safety, NIPCCD, MWCD.