The ninth edition of Proud Fathers for Daughters, an annual fundraiser organized by Project Nanhi Kali, took place on January 11 and 12, 2025, at the National Sports Club of India in Mumbai. The event saw a remarkable turnout, with 265 father-daughter pairs from across the country, and 527 portraits captured over the two-day celebration. The funds raised will help support the education of these 527 underserved girls, opening doors to better opportunities and a brighter future.
Founded by Anand Mahindra, Chairperson of the Mahindra Group, and renowned photographer Atul Kasbekar, Proud Fathers for Daughters was created to shift societal views on gender equality and promote the value of a daughter’s education. The event aims to break stereotypes, portraying fathers as active supporters and advocates for their daughters’ growth, dreams, and independence. By celebrating the bond between fathers and daughters, it highlights the transformative power of support and encouragement in helping girls realize their full potential.
Since its inception, the event has created 2,397 stunning portraits, symbolizing the unwavering support fathers provide for their daughters. The funds raised through the event have enabled Project Nanhi Kali to support the education of over 5,597 girls, empowering them to overcome social inequalities and build promising futures.
This year’s theme, “Her First Coach,” aligns with Project Nanhi Kali’s new curriculum, which emphasizes 21st-century skills, sports leadership, and holistic development for girls. The theme celebrates the essential role fathers play as their daughters’ first mentors, role models, and motivators, encouraging them to pursue their ambitions fearlessly.
Renowned photographers Atul Kasbekar, Colston Julian, Jaideep Oberoi, Prasad Naik, Rafique Sayed, Tarun Vishwa, and Tejal Patni generously contributed their time and expertise to this inspiring event. Their photography not only captured the precious father-daughter moments but also showcased their commitment to promoting a cause that uplifts and empowers young girls.
Participants contributed INR 10,000 for a professional photoshoot, with each donation funding one girl’s education for a year through Project Nanhi Kali. In addition to academics, the program equips girls with leadership skills through sports, teamwork, and critical thinking, ensuring they are ready to thrive in today’s world.
Sheetal Mehta, Executive Director at Project Nanhi Kali, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received at the event: “At Project Nanhi Kali, we strive to create an environment where girls are empowered to dream big and succeed. This year’s theme, ‘Her First Coach,’ emphasizes the critical role fathers play in shaping their daughters into confident leaders. We are truly grateful for the support of our participants and photographers, and this success reaffirms our belief that empowering girls benefits not just them, but society as a whole.”
Celebrity father-daughter duos, including Vidya Balan and P.R. Balan, Shatrughan Sinha and Sonakshi Sinha, Sachin Tendulkar and Sara Tendulkar, and Leander Paes and Aiyana Paes, have also taken part in the event in the past, further adding to its visibility and impact.
Project Nanhi Kali, a collaborative initiative between the K.C. Mahindra Education Trust and the Naandi Foundation, empowers underprivileged girls across India by providing them access to education and essential life skills. Launched by Anand Mahindra in 1996, the project goes beyond traditional academics, offering training in financial literacy, digital skills, life skills, and sports leadership. By tackling significant challenges such as societal biases, high dropout rates, and resource limitations in rural areas, Nanhi Kali ensures that these girls not only stay in school but also gain the confidence and capabilities needed to pursue meaningful careers and leadership roles. This comprehensive approach is breaking the cycle of poverty, fostering a future where girls realize their potential. To date, the project has positively impacted over 800,000 girls across 15 states.
Founded in 1945, the Mahindra Group is a multinational conglomerate with a workforce of 260,000 employees spread across over 100 countries. Recognized for its leadership in sectors like farm equipment, utility vehicles, IT, and financial services, the group is also the world’s largest tractor manufacturer by volume. Mahindra has a significant presence in renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, hospitality, and real estate. With a strong commitment to global leadership in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, the group is dedicated to driving rural prosperity, enhancing urban living, and creating positive societal impact to help communities and stakeholders Rise.
