Community Health Workers Trained on Eye Health and Inclusion under Netra Vasant Programme

25 July 2026, Keredari, Hazaribagh: A one-day training programme on Eye Health and Inclusion was organised under the aegis of the CLF Livelihood Organisation, Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS) on 23^rd July at the Panchayat Bhawan, Keredari, as an activity of the Netra Vasant – Rural Eye Health Programme, implemented by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) with the support of Sightsavers India.

The training brought together 57 participants, including Sahiyas, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), health workers, Panchayat members and Gender Community Resource Persons (CRPs). The programme aimed to strengthen community-level capacity for the early identification of eye diseases and to promote inclusive access to quality eye care services.

During the training, participants were oriented on cataract identification, referral mechanisms, community-based eye care services and the importance of enhancing women’s participation in eye health initiatives. Discussions also focused on achieving the goal of eliminating avoidable blindness through village-level household surveys and the organisation of community eye screening camps. Cataract patients identified during these activities will be referred to the Community Health Centre for primary examination and subsequently to LNJP Eye Hospital, Chauparan, or Sadar Hospital, Hazaribagh, for cataract surgery, wherever required.

The technical sessions were facilitated by Mr. Vipin Kumar and Mr. Akash Kumar, who highlighted the crucial role of frontline health workers in ensuring timely detection and referral of patients with visual impairment.

The programme was attended by Mrs. Anju Devi, Mukhiya of Keredari Panchayat; Mr. Kirti Rawat, District Programme Officer, Rural Eye Health Programme; Mr. Sadanand Kumar; and other stakeholders, who appreciated the initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening community participation in preventing avoidable blindness and ensuring inclusive eye health services for all.

Women’s Financial Literacy Camp Promotes Financial Inclusion and Awareness

24 July 2026, Hazaribagh: A Women’s Financial Literacy Camp was organised at Hotel Shri Vinayak by Sa-Dhan, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)-authorised Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for microfinance institutions, with the objective of enhancing financial awareness and promoting informed financial decision-making among women.

Welcoming the guests and participants, Mr. Satish Girija, Secretary of Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), highlighted the transformative role of microfinance in improving livelihoods, strengthening women’s economic participation, and fostering inclusive development.

Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Ms. Richa Bharti, District Development Manager (DDM), NABARD, shared detailed information on various government credit-linked schemes and encouraged participants to make effective use of formal financial services for their socio-economic advancement.

Mr. Mukesh Kumar from Bank of India explained key aspects of the banking system, including the benefits of savings, digital banking, and responsible financial practices. Mr. Gautam from Muthoot Finance delivered an informative session on the importance of financial literacy and prudent financial management. The programme was effectively moderated by Mr. Souvik Saha, representative of Sa-Dhan.

The camp witnessed the participation of around 100 women and representatives from Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra, Cashpor Micro Credit, Ujjivan Microfinance Bank, Sampoorna Microfinance, NABFINS Limited, and Swamaan Finance, reflecting a collective commitment to advancing financial literacy and women’s empowerment.

The successful organisation of the programme was supported by Mr. Sudhir Upadhyay, Mr. Santosh Sinha, and Mr. Dheeraj Mishra from Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra, along with Mr. Devanand (Sampoorna Finance), Mr. Vijay Narayan (Cashpor Micro Credit), Mr. Surendra Kumar (Ujjivan Microfinance Bank), Mr. Sujit Kumar (NABFINS Limited), and Mr. Naresh Kumar (Swamaan Finance), whose contributions were instrumental in the smooth conduct of the event.

Subhash House Wins Inter-House Boys’ Basketball Championship at Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School

16 July 2026, Bahera (Chouparan), Hazaribagh: The Inter-House Boys’ Basketball Championship at Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School, Bahera, run by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), concluded on a high note with an exciting final match showcasing outstanding teamwork, discipline, and sporting spirit.

In the semifinal matches, Subhash House defeated Tagore House, while JP House overcame Gandhi House to book their places in the final. In the championship match, Subhash House delivered an impressive all-round performance to defeat JP House by 27–14, emerging as the tournament champions.

The winning team comprised Adarsh Kumar Singh, Monty Kumar, Vishal Kumar, Vishu Kumar, Ayush Kumar, Veer Kumar, Sumit Kumar, and Bunty Kumar, all of whom played a significant role in the team’s success. For his exceptional performance throughout the tournament, Adarsh Kumar Singh was named Player of the Tournament.

The championship was inaugurated by the school’s Principal, Mrs. Reena Pandey, who declared the tournament open by tossing the ball and encouraged the participants to compete with dedication and true sportsmanship.

The matches were officiated by Mr. Rakesh Ranjan, Sports Teacher, who served as the referee, while Mr. Umesh Bhagat, Sports Teacher, performed the duties of scorer.

Addressing the closing ceremony, Principal Mrs. Reena Pandey congratulated both the winners and runners-up for their commendable performances. She praised the students for demonstrating a high standard of basketball and expressed confidence that, with regular practice and proper guidance, the young players would bring laurels to the school at the state and national levels.

House in-charges, teachers, and students enthusiastically cheered the participants throughout the tournament, making the championship a memorable celebration of talent, teamwork, and healthy competition.

Feeding India Supported Food Programme Serves 17,038 Nutritious Meals to Children in NBJK Schools During First Half of July

15 July 2026, Hazaribagh: During the first fortnight of July 2026, Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), with support from the Eternal Foundation under the Feeding India supported Food Programme, served 8,519 breakfasts and an equal number of lunches, totalling 17,038 nutritious meals, to students studying in four NBJK-run schools in Chouparan Block of Hazaribagh district.

The programme benefited children enrolled at Amoli Apurva High School, Mangarh; Amoli Apurva Middle School, Bahera; Amoli Apurva Middle School, Prajapat Nagar; and Chandrakala Devi Daga High School, Kewaliya.

During the period from 1 to 15 July 2026, Amoli Apurva High School, Mangarh served 7,184 breakfasts and 7,184 lunches, followed by Amoli Apurva Middle School, Bahera with 4,132 breakfasts and lunches, Amoli Apurva Middle School, Prajapat Nagar with 3,108 breakfasts and lunches, and Chandrakala Devi Daga High School, Kewaliya with 2,614 breakfasts and lunches.

The daily breakfast menu included sprouted gram or green gram with milk, while lunch comprised rice, pulses, and seasonal vegetables. All meals were prepared and served following strict hygiene and food safety standards, ensuring that every child received safe, nutritious, and wholesome food.

The programme continues to be a vital source of nutritional support for children, particularly those from economically weaker families. By providing healthy meals at school, it helps improve attendance, enhances classroom concentration, and fosters an inclusive environment where all children dine together with dignity and equality.

Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra sincerely acknowledges the continued support of the Eternal Foundation and Feeding India in strengthening child nutrition and promoting quality education. Through this partnership, thousands of children are receiving the nourishment they need to stay healthy, learn effectively, and build a brighter future.

NBJK’s Program Director Anand Abhinav Honoured with Vision 2020 India’s Eye Health Champions Award 2026

13 July 2026, Hazaribagh: Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) is proud to announce that its Program Director, Mr. Anand Abhinav, has been conferred the prestigious Eye Health Champions Award 2026 by Vision 2020 India. The award was presented on July 11, 2026, during a ceremony held at Sankara Eye Hospital, Bengaluru.

The Eye Health Champions Award recognizes and celebrates outstanding young frontline leaders below the age of 40 who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing eye health. It honours passionate change-makers, innovators, and emerging leaders who are working with purpose and determination to improve people’s lives by expanding access to quality eye care services.

Under the leadership of Mr. Anand Abhinav, NBJK has significantly strengthened its eye health program through its network of four charitable eye hospitals: Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Eye Hospital at Bahera (Chouparan, Hazaribagh), Dumka, Kajha (Wazirganj, Gaya), and Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital at Deoghar. Together, these institutions provide comprehensive eye care services to approximately 150,000 patients every year and perform 35,000 to 40,000 cataract surgeries annually, making them among the leading eye care providers in the region.

The hospitals are equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities, dedicated paediatric ophthalmology services, modern infrastructure, highly skilled ophthalmologists and support teams, and Mobile Medical Units that extend quality eye care to remote and underserved communities. Through regular outreach screening camps and affordable, patient-centred services, the programme has helped restore sight and improve the quality of life for thousands of people across Bihar and Jharkhand.

Congratulating Mr. Anand Abhinav on this distinguished recognition, Mr. Girija Satish, Founder President of NBJK, and Mr. Satish Girija, Secretary of the organization, described the award as a proud milestone for the institution. They stated that the honour reflects the dedication, professionalism, and collective efforts of the entire eye health team and will inspire the organization to further strengthen its commitment to delivering accessible, affordable, and high-quality eye care services to the most vulnerable sections of society.

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.