The event captured heartfelt father-daughter moments through the lenses of India’s top photographers, raising funds to support 700+ girls at Project Nanhi Kali.
The tenth season of Proud Fathers For Daughters, an annual fundraising event by Project Nanhi Kali, was held on December 13 and 14, 2025 at the National Sports Club of India, Worli, Mumbai. The milestone season saw an overwhelming turnout, with 240 father-daughter pairs participating from across India. The proceeds from the event will go towards supporting 700+ girls at Project Nanhi Kali, giving them the opportunity to learn, lead and soar. Proud Fathers For Daughters was founded by Anand Mahindra, Chairperson of the Mahindra Group and K.C. Mahindra Education Trust, and renowned photographer Atul Kasbekar, with an intention of reshaping societal perceptions of the girl child and championing gender equality. The initiative challenges long-standing stereotypes by showcasing fathers not simply as protectors, but as fierce supporters for their daughters’ aspirations. Each portrait serves as a visual pledge, when fathers stand firmly beside their daughters, they help dismantle generational barriers and reimagine what’s possible for every girl. Acclaimed photographers Atul Kasbekar, Colston Julian, Jaideep Oberoi, Jatin Kampani, Prasad Naik, Rafique Sayed, Rid Burman and Tarun Khiwal lent their artistry and creative expertise generously to make Proud Fathers For Daughters a truly unforgettable event. They turned every portrait into a cherished memory, while underscoring the power of storytelling through photography to inspire change and drive impact. Their commitment to using their art for social good added a profound depth to the event, amplifying its message of empowerment and hope.
This year’s theme, “Wings of Courage,” celebrates two powerful truths. For daughters, courage often takes flight the moment they are reminded they are seen, valued and believed in. For fathers, pride becomes a catalyst for change, encouraging them to champion their daughters publicly, loudly and unapologetically. The theme is also deeply inspired by Project Nanhi Kali’s core mission of giving girls the wings to rise, through 21st century and sports leadership skills training. Participants contributed INR 10,000 for a professional father-daughter photoshoot, with each contribution funding the education of one girl for an entire year at Project Nanhi Kali. Beyond providing education and skilling, Project Nanhi Kali’s new curriculum emphasises leadership through critical thinking, sports and teamwork, preparing girls to thrive in the 21st-century. Over the years, Proud Fathers For Daughters has seen enthusiastic participation from celebrity father-daughter duos such as Neha Dhupia and Pradip Singh Dhupia, Vidya Balan and P.R. Balan, Shatrughan Sinha and Sonakshi Sinha, Sachin Tendulkar and Sara Tendulkar, and Leander Paes and Aiyana Paes, among others. Since its inception, Proud Fathers For Daughters has become a symbol of hope and empowerment with the participation of 15 photographers, we have raised funds to support 6297 girls at Project Nanhi Kali.
Anand Mahindra, Chairperson of the Mahindra Group and K.C. Mahindra Education Trust, said: “Every year, Project Nanhi Kali’s Proud Fathers For Daughters initiative reminds us of a simple truth: when a father invests in his daughter’s education and dreams, he builds the strongest foundation for her future. This initiative has grown into a movement that celebrates not just the father–daughter bond, but the belief that every girl deserves the opportunity to learn and lead. I am deeply grateful to the photographers who have given their time and talent to the event, helping raise funds to support girls through Project Nanhi Kali. A special thanks to Atul Kasbekar for helping create this initiative and standing by it for ten remarkable editions; his commitment has been instrumental in shaping both its impact and its heart.”
Sheetal Mehta, Executive Director at Project Nanhi Kali and Senior Vice President, CSR, Mahindra, said: “At Project Nanhi Kali, we have always believed that when you educate a girl, you uplift an entire community. Through our new curriculum which focuses on 21st century and sports leadership skills, we continue to give girls the wings they need to Rise- wings of confidence, wings of leadership, wings of courage. Wings of courage is a celebration of this journey: fathers proudly standing by their daughters, and girls discovering just how high they can fly when they feel supported and believed in.”
About Project Nanhi Kali
Project Nanhi Kali is jointly managed by K.C. Mahindra Education Trust and Naandi Foundation. The project empowers underserved girls in India by providing them with access to education and life skills. Started by Anand Mahindra in 1996, the project goes beyond academics, equipping girls with financial literacy, digital proficiency, life skills and sports leadership skills training. By addressing critical barriers like societal mindsets, dropout rates, and the lack of resources in rural areas, Project Nanhi Kali ensures that these girls not only stay in school but also develop the confidence and skills needed to pursue formal employment and leadership roles. Through this holistic approach, the project is breaking cycles of poverty and fostering a future where girls learn they matter. The project has impacted over 9,00,000 girls till date across 15 states.
About Mahindra
Founded in 1945, the Mahindra Group is one of the largest and most admired multinational federation of companies with 324000 employees in over 100 countries. It enjoys a leadership position in farm equipment, utility SUVs, information technology and financial services in India and is the world’s largest tractor company by volume. It has a strong presence in renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, hospitality, and real estate. The Mahindra Group has a clear focus on leading ESG globally, enabling rural prosperity and enhancing urban living, with a goal to drive positive change in the lives of communities and stakeholders to enable them to Rise.
