Government of Rajasthan, IMC India and Sesame Workshop
India Trust Launch Khelo. Seekho. Badho. Rajasthan to Transform Early Childhood Care and Education in Baran
Jaipur, Rajasthan ,October 9, 2025 : The Government of Rajasthan, IMC India Securities Private Limited (IMC India) and Sesame Workshop India Trust (SWIT) have formally launched Khelo. Seekho. Badho. Rajasthan, a three-year flagship initiative aimed at strengthening Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in Baran, an aspirational district under the Government of India’s Aspirational District Program (ADP).
The initiative was formalized through a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that seeks to build a scalable, evidence-based ECCE model that integrates Foundational Learning (FLN) and improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices across the Anganwadi Centre (AWC) ecosystem. With implementation starting in 2025, the program will focus on 8,000 children and 500 Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) in Kishanganj and Atru blocks, establishing a model for quality, play-based early education.
“The MoU marks a significant step toward advancing quality early childhood education in Rajasthan. Through this partnership, we are introducing a new standard for Early Childhood Care and Education, one that blends the principles of play-based pedagogy, inclusion, and community participation into the daily rhythm of Anganwadi Centres. By building the capacity of Anganwadi Workers and Supervisors through structured, continuous training and by equipping them with high-quality, contextually relevant materials, we are transforming how learning unfolds in the early years. The Khelo. Seekho Badho. initiative in Baran district represents more than a localized intervention; it is a model of how innovation and evidence-based approaches can strengthen the existing ICDS framework. Our collective goal is to make every Anganwadi a joyful and stimulating learning space where children explore, imagine, and grow with confidence.” said Mr. Vasudev Malawat, Director, Integrated Child Development Services, Rajasthan; Dr. Dharmveer Meena, Deputy Director – IEC, Integrated Child Development Services Rajasthan and Mr. Gurdarshan, Join Director – Monitoring, Integrated Child Development Services Rajasthan.
At the heart of Khelo. Seekho. Badho. Rajasthan is the belief that every child deserves joyful, inclusive, and meaningful learning experiences. The program aligns closely with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2022, both emphasizing the importance of play and experiential learning in foundational stages
Sesame Workshop India Trust (SWIT) will act as the Knowledge and Implementing Partner, introducing high-quality teaching-learning materials (TLMs) and capacity-building programs for AWWs to create engaging, play-based classroom environments. The TLMs, ranging from puzzles and flashcards to books and activity sheets, will include QR codes linked to short, educational Sesame videos in Hindi and local dialects, bridging digital and physical learning. Sonali Khan, Managing Director, Sesame Workshop India, highlighted the larger vision behind the initiative:
“At Sesame Workshop India, we believe that every child deserves the chance to grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Our partnership with IMC India and the Government of Rajasthan allows us to establish a scalable ECCE model that addresses critical gaps in foundational literacy and numeracy. Through Khelo. Seekho. Badho. Rajasthan, we’re investing in the entire learning ecosystem, empowering AWWs, developing engaging materials aligned with NCF 2022, and equipping parents to be active partners in learning. This program is a deep, sustained investment in Rajasthan’s early learning landscape.”
A key feature of Khelo. Seekho. Badho. Rajasthan is the Peer Leadership Model, which trains ICDS Supervisors as Peer Leaders to provide ongoing mentorship to AWWs. These Peer Leaders will facilitate monthly cluster meetings to share learnings, discuss challenges, and strengthen peer-driven professional development. The program also emphasizes data-backed impact through baseline and endline assessments measuring progress in foundational literacy and numeracy, ensuring that children are ready for formal schooling by age six.
IMC India Securities Private Limited, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, is supporting the initiative with a three-year investment, covering key components like TLM development, capacity building, digital content dissemination, and on-ground human resource deployment. Karolina Brzozowska, Charity Manager, IMC India Securities Private Limited (IMC India), reiterated IMC India’s commitment to education and inclusive growth:
“Through Khelo. Seekho. Badho. Rajasthan, IMC India aims to strengthen the foundations of early education in Baran district. We recognize that investment in the early years yields the most enduring impact for society. Partnering with Sesame Workshop India and the Government of Rajasthan allows us to combine resources, expertise, and intent to deliver measurable, lasting outcomes aligned with Sustainable Development Goals on education and well-being.”
The implementation team, comprising of Supriya Khandakar (State Head), two Master
Trainers, and five Field Coordinators, will ensure continuous mentoring of 500 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) in a phased manner. Field coordinators will provide hands-on classroom support, while digital monitoring tools will track daily teaching practices and child progress in real time. Recognizing that parents are children’s first teachers, Khelo. Seekho. Badho. Rajasthan also embeds strong community engagement and parental participation components. Sanjay Kumar, Community Outreach Expert, Sesame Workshop India, emphasized this community-first approach:
“Learning doesn’t stop at the Anganwadi door, it continues at home and in the community. Through Khelo. Seekho. Badho. Rajasthan, we’re creating awareness among parents and caregivers about the importance of early education and WASH practices. Melas and mother’s meetings will be organized, complemented by digital campaigns featuring Sesame characters like Chamki and Elmo. We are aiming to reach up to and onwards of one million children and caregivers, ensuring every family is equipped to nurture a child’s learning journey.”
By combining the strengths of the public sector, private sector, and civil society, Khelo.
Seekho. Badho. Rajasthan represents a transformative model for early learning reform. Beyond Baran, the initiative aspires to inspire similar multi-stakeholder collaborations across Rajasthan and other aspirational districts in India.