Project Nanhi Kali was founded in 1996 at K.C. Mahindra Education Trust by Anand Mahindra with the vision of creating a world where girls, despite the patriarchal challenges and societal biases they face, are empowered through education.

Beginning in the academic year 2024-25, Project Nanhi Kali embarks on a new mission to empower girls from lower-income backgrounds by supporting their education from Grades 6 to 10 through targeted initiatives. Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, the program equips students in India with 21st-century skills to ensure a smoother transition from school to the workforce. This includes training in financial and digital literacy, as well as essential life skills.