Electricity lights up TV screens in Nashik’s anganwadis, more children & mothers drop in to learn

Nashik: Electricity has upscaled an anganwadi's functions in Khokari village in Nashisk district's Surgana taluka since Jan. More children have joined and more mothers are in attendance.
Three-year-old Dhiraj Dhum is fascinated by the flitting images on the TV screen that works on solar power while his friend Asmita Dhum chimes in, "We love the songs about rabbits. It's our favourite." Another child, Khushal Chavan, watches exercise videos. "If I exercise daily, I will become strong. My mother says so," he added.
Children between two and five years of age here are taught Marathi and English nursery rhymes through television programmes aimed at making early learning fun and to enhance children's attendance.
Anganwadi sevika Bharati Dhum said, "When there was no electricity, TV sets would not work. We would teach the children via posters and other visual material. Since the solar panel installation about two months ago, things have changed. Attendance of children and their eating patterns have improved."
In Sapatpali village near Harsul in Trimbakeshwar taluka, a pregnant Mohini Kanoje and Yashoda Kanoje, mother to a two-month-old, watch IIT Bombay's educational videos on television on correct infant feeding methods, exercise routines and dietary guidance.
"The sevikas explained to us with models about posture and nutrition. But through the videos, it is easier to understand as the experts directly get connected to us," Yashoda said.
Vanita Raut, an assistant at Sapatpali's anganwadi, noted a change because of the audio-visual exchange — improved understanding in children and the women. It became possible after the anganwadi centre got power for the first time.
In Nov 2024, during an anganwadi inspection, Nashik ZP chief executive officer (CEO) Ashima Mittal spotted the lack of electricity in 3,030 out of 5,121 anganwadi centres.
Mittal said, "Audio-visual aids enhance learning among children by engaging them, drawing their attention and promoting interaction, improving cognitive abilities and increased attendance. It was most required in rural areas, and hence we decided to electrify every anganwadi."
There are 5,121 anganwadi centres in Nashik district, of which 692 have solar-powered connections. The rest have conventional power supply.
Bill settlements were a prime concern, as some connections were discontinued when payments were not made. Subsequently, anganwadi centres were connected to the nearest govt offices. Where this arrangement wasn't feasible, solar panels were installed.
"We have now completed electrification of 99.7% of the anganwadis and the remaining 15 centres will get it in a fortnight," Mittal said.
The state administration has recognised this initiative and directed all zilla parishads statewide to ensure electrification of anganwadis following the Nashik ZP framework.