NBJK Honoured by Bihar Legislative Assembly Speaker for Outstanding Community Development Work

04 July 2026, Patna: Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), a leading voluntary organization working for inclusive and sustainable development, was honoured by Dr. Prem Kumar, Hon’ble Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, in recognition of its outstanding and dedicated contribution towards the development and empowerment of communities across Bihar and Jharkhand.

The prestigious recognition was conferred during the Foundation Day celebration of Navbihar Times, a popular Hindi daily, held at A.N. College Auditorium, Boring Road, Patna.

On behalf of NBJK, Md. Dastagir Ali Azam, Director of Disability Programs at the organization’s Patna Branch, received the memento and citation. The ceremony was attended by Mr. Kamal Kishor, Chief Editor of Navbihar Times, and senior journalist and veteran of the Jayaprakash (JP) Movement, Mr. Ajay Shrivastava, among other distinguished guests.

Expressing gratitude for the honour, NBJK stated that the recognition reflects the collective efforts of its staff, community volunteers, development partners, donors, government agencies, and the communities it serves. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive development, sustainable livelihoods, quality education, healthcare, disability inclusion, women’s empowerment, and social justice across Bihar and Jharkhand.

Established in 1971, NBJK has been working for over five decades to improve the lives of marginalized and vulnerable communities through participatory and community-led development initiatives. The organization views this recognition as an encouragement to continue its mission of building an equitable, inclusive, and empowered society.

NBJK Schools Serve Over 15,500 Nutritious Meals to Students under Feeding India Programme

02 July 2026, Hazaribagh: Four schools run by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) in Chauparan Block of Hazaribagh district served a total of 7,756 breakfasts and 7,756 lunches to their students during the period from 11 to 30 June 2026, following the reopening of schools after the summer vacation. The meals were provided under the Feeding India Programme, supported by Eternal Foundation.

The initiative covered 15 working days in Amoli Apurva High School, Mangarh; Amoli Apurva Middle School, Bahera; Amoli Apurva Middle School, Prajapat Nagar; and Chandrakala Devi Daga High School, Kewaliya. Students received nutritious breakfasts comprising sprouted gram or green gram with milk, while lunch included rice, pulses, and vegetables.

Among the participating schools, Amoli Apurva High School, Mangarh served 3,058 breakfasts and an equal number of lunches, followed by Amoli Apurva Middle School, Bahera (2,036 each), Amoli Apurva Middle School, Prajapat Nagar (1,381 each), and Chandrakala Devi Daga High School, Kewaliya (1,281 each).

The nutritious meal programme has contributed to improved student nutrition, enhanced social interaction among children, and increased school attendance. NBJK expressed its sincere gratitude to Eternal Foundation for its continued support in promoting the health, well-being, and education of children through the Feeding India Programme.

Murhu Nari Shakti Kisan Producer Company Wins Two Prestigious Awards at CInI–Tata Trust Annual Workshop

01 July 2026, Khunti (Jharkhand): Murhu Nari Shakti Kisan Producer Company Limited (MNSKPCL), Khunti, promoted by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) and facilitated by CInI–Tata Trust, has received two prestigious awards on 30th June at the CInI–Tata Trust Annual Workshop held at the beginning of the financial year.

CInI currently facilitates seven Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) across Jharkhand, and MNSKPCL emerged as one of the top-performing FPCs through its outstanding business achievements.

The company received the First Prize for Highest Business Turnover, recognizing its exceptional business performance. The award was presented to one of the Board Directors of MNSKPCL. In addition, the company was honored as the Best Farmer Producer Company Based on Overall Business Turnover for recording the highest business turnover among the seven CInI-facilitated FPCs in the state.

These recognitions reflect the collective efforts and commitment of the Board of Directors, shareholders, farmer members, and the dedicated support of NBJK and CInI–Tata Trust. The awards underscore MNSKPCL’s success in strengthening farmer livelihoods, promoting sustainable agricultural enterprises, and establishing a thriving farmer-owned business model in Jharkhand.

NBJK congratulated the entire MNSKPCL team on this remarkable achievement and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmer producer organizations that enhance rural incomes and promote sustainable agricultural development.

Lok Samiti Observes 49th Foundation Day; Calls for Greater Youth Participation

30 June 2026, Ranchi: A seminar was organized at the NBJK office in Ranchi to mark the 49th Foundation Day of Lok Samiti, founded by Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan on 30 June 1977. The programme commenced with flag hoisting, the national anthem, floral tribute to Jayaprakash Narayan, and ceremonial lamp lighting.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Girija Satish, National President of Lok Samiti, said that the time has come to take Lok Samiti to greater heights by connecting more effectively with young people. He emphasized that Lok Samiti is a non-partisan people’s platform that works to strengthen democratic values and ensure accountability of governments at both the state and central levels.

Speakers, including JP movement veteran Mr. Bharat Singh, National and State Treasurer Mr. Vinod Sharma, Mr. Rajiv Ranjan of Lohardaga, and social activist Dr. Kiran, highlighted the need for greater youth and women’s participation, constructive engagement with the administration, and stronger grassroots action to address contemporary social and national challenges.

The seminar was attended by social activists, journalists, and Lok Samiti representatives from across Jharkhand.

UNICEF Organizes Child Rights Workshop for Teachers in Hazaribagh

29 June 2026, Hazaribagh: UNICEF, in collaboration with Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), organized a one-day workshop on Child Rights for teachers at Hotel Canary Inn, Hazaribagh. The workshop brought together 60 teachers and headmasters from 60 government schools across six blocks of Hazaribagh district—Ichak, Katkamdag, Churchu, Hazaribagh Sadar, Katkamsandi, and Chauparan. Block Education Extension Officers (BEEOs), Block Programme Officers (BPOs), and Assistant Programme Officers (APOs) also participated.

The workshop aimed to strengthen teachers’ understanding of child rights and equip them with the knowledge and skills to promote child protection and create safe, inclusive, and child-friendly school environments.

Technical sessions conducted by UNICEF and NBJK covered key issues including child rights, child protection, child marriage, child labour, violence against children, and the role of schools in safeguarding children’s well-being.

Addressing the participants, NBJK Secretary Mr. Satish Girija emphasized that teachers play a vital role in protecting children’s rights and fostering child-friendly schools. He noted that such workshops enhance teachers’ understanding of the four pillars of child rights—survival, development, protection, and participation—enabling them to create a safer and more supportive learning environment.

Assistant Programme Officer Mr. Ajay Kundu appreciated UNICEF and NBJK for organizing the workshop, stating that it would help teachers effectively promote awareness of child rights among students. BEEOs Mr. Rakesh Kumar and Mr. Vijay Ram also addressed the gathering and encouraged teachers to actively uphold children’s rights in schools.

The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening child protection mechanisms and empowering teachers to play a proactive role in preventing child marriage, child labour, violence against children, and ensuring every school remains a safe and inclusive space for all children.

VRBEH Expands Eye Care Services through Outreach Camps with Support from Seva Foundation

27 June 2026, Deoghar: Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra’s Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital (VRBEH), Deoghar has continued its efforts to provide accessible eye care services to underserved communities through outreach screening camps and vision center services.

During June 2026 (up to 26 June), VRBEH conducted nine outreach eye screening camps in remote villages of Chakai and Sono blocks in Jamui district and Deoghar Sadar block in Deoghar district with support from Seva Foundation. A total of 208 patients received eye examinations. The camps identified 85 cataract cases, 76 cases of refractive errors, and 12 cases of pterygium. In addition, 29 patients were provided free medicines and six patients were referred to the base hospital for further treatment.

All identified cataract patients will be provided free cataract surgery at the hospital, including transportation, accommodation, meals, medicines and post-operative follow-up services. The outreach screening camps and cataract surgeries are being supported by Seva Foundation.

Meanwhile, VRBEH’s Vision Center at Jamua, Giridih, served 163 patients during the same period. The center identified 123 cases of refractive errors and 31 cataract cases. Underprivileged cataract patients will be offered free surgery facilities at the base hospital.

Through its outreach initiatives and vision center network, VRBEH continues to strengthen community eye health services and ensure that quality eye care reaches people in remote and underserved areas.

Eye Health Training Conducted for Community Stakeholders in Daru Block

26 June 2026, Hazaribagh: Under the Netra Vasant – Rural Eye Health Programme supported by Sightsavers India, Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) organized an eye health training programme at Irga Panchayat Bhawan in Daru block. The training was conducted for Sahiyas, Panchayat representatives, and JSLPS cadres to strengthen community awareness and action on eye health.

The programme was attended by Ms. Jharna Devi, Mukhiya of Irga Panchayat; Mr. Rajesh Kumar, Mukhiya of Daru Panchayat; Mr. Rajkumar, Block Programme Manager, JSLPS; Mr. Raman Vishwakarma, District Programme Coordinator – Social Inclusion, Sightsavers India; and Ms. Kirti Rawat, District Programme Coordinator – Rural Eye Health. A total of 47 Sahiyas, 3 BTT Coordinators, and 9 JSLPS cadres participated in the training.

The session focused on improving eye health awareness, early detection of eye diseases, and ensuring timely treatment. Participants discussed strategies for identifying people with vision problems and facilitating their access to appropriate eye care services.

During the programme, all stakeholders collectively resolved to work towards making Daru a cataract-free block. Special emphasis was placed on ensuring timely medical support for eye patients, particularly persons with disabilities, through coordinated community efforts.

The initiative reflects the commitment of Sightsavers India and NBJK to strengthening rural eye health systems and promoting inclusive access to quality eye care services.

Discussion Held in Hazaribagh on the 51st Anniversary of the Emergency

25 June 2026, Hazaribagh: A thought-provoking discussion on the theme “Emergency of June 25, 1975: A Blot on Democracy” was organized at Hazaribagh Press Club by District Lok Samiti and Jagriti to mark the 51st anniversary of the Emergency imposed in India in 1975.

The programme was chaired by senior advocate and former JP Movement activist Swarup Chand Jain. Paying tribute to Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, speakers reflected on the significance of democracy, civil liberties, freedom of expression, and the lessons learned from the Emergency period.

Several speakers, including former student activists, social workers, and academicians, described the Emergency as a dark chapter in independent India’s history, emphasizing the importance of protecting constitutional rights and democratic institutions. They also highlighted the role played by Jayaprakash Narayan and the people’s movement in restoring democratic values.

In his presidential address, Swarup Chand Jain stressed that the violation of citizens’ rights during the Emergency was a serious assault on democracy and that such discussions are essential to educate younger generations about the importance of safeguarding democratic freedoms.

The programme concluded with a two-minute silence in memory of those who sacrificed their lives during the movement against the Emergency.

International Yoga Day Observed at Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School

24 June 2026, Bahera (Chouparan, Hazaribagh): Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School, Bahera, run by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), celebrated International Yoga Day on 21 June with great enthusiasm. Students, teachers, and staff members participated in a special yoga session organized on the school campus.

The session was conducted by yoga instructor and teacher Mr. Ashutosh Kumar, who guided participants through various yoga asanas and pranayama exercises while explaining the importance of regular yoga practice for physical and mental well-being.

Addressing the gathering, Principal Ms. Reena Pandey highlighted the role of yoga in maintaining good health, reducing stress, improving concentration, and enhancing overall productivity. She encouraged students to incorporate yoga into their daily lives for a healthy and balanced future.

Students from LKG to Class XII actively participated in the programme. The event concluded with a collective pledge to practice yoga regularly and promote a healthy and positive lifestyle.

Jharkhand Sarvodaya Mandal Holds State-Level Meeting in Ranchi

23 June 2026, Ranchi: A state-level meeting of Jharkhand Sarvodaya Mandal was held on 21 June at Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), Ranchi, under the chairmanship of Shri Shankar Rana. The meeting focused on promoting Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals and engaging the younger generation in Gandhian values and constructive social action.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Girija Satish, Trustee of Sarva Seva Sangh, emphasized the need to connect youth with Gandhian principles through grassroots initiatives. Shri Arvind Anjum, Minister of Sarva Seva Sangh, announced that special programs would be organized at places in Jharkhand associated with Mahatma Gandhi’s visits. As part of this initiative, a seven-day Padayatra from Ranchi to Hazaribag will be organized in September 2026.

The meeting also finalized plans for district-level programs in Deoghar, Singhbhum, Hazaribag, Giridih, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Palamu, and Sahibganj to spread Gandhian thoughts and values. Senior social activist Shri Ghanshyam highlighted the importance of strengthening Gram Sabhas in line with Gandhi’s vision of grassroots democracy.

Several Sarvodaya leaders, social activists, and community representatives attended the meeting and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, self-reliance, and social harmony through Gandhian principles.