The state’s first face: On-the-ground insights into our Anganwadi worker

Azim Premji University, Publication (2025) The state’s first face: On-the-ground insights into our Anganwadi worker. Learning Curve (21). pp. 1-7. ISSN 2582-1644

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Abstract

Tucked inside a densely populated low-income settlement , is a oneroom Anganwadi centre that has quietly shaped children’s futures since 1996. At its centre is Shashikala (Name changed), now in her early 50s, who has worked as an Anganwadi worker (AWW) for over three decades. Her day begins with cleaning the centre alongside her helper, preparing meals, comforting toddlers, and meticulously documenting everything from immunisations, nutrition, growth monitoring, stimulation, ration distribution along with early childhood education. This article traces her journey, not as a one-off story, but as a window into the state of India’s frontline early childhood services. Her everyday labour speaks volumes about how much we ask of Anganwadi workers (AWWs), and how little we give her in return.

Item Type:	Articles in APF Magazines
Authors:	Azim Premji University, Publication
Document Language:	Language English
Subjects:	Social sciences Social sciences > Education
Divisions:	Azim Premji University - Bengaluru > University Publications > Learning Curve Reimagined for Policy Makers
Full Text Status:	Public
URI:	http://publications.azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/id/eprint/6483
Publisher URL:	https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/

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