Nav Jagriti Project Empowers Musahar Community to End Child Labour and Child Marriage

28 October 2025, Gaya, Bihar: The Nav Jagriti Project, run by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) with support from Kindernothilfe, has made remarkable progress during 2024–25 in empowering children and communities across 10 Musahar (SC) caste populated villages of Bodhgaya and Mohanpur blocks.

The project reached 1,600 children (6–14 years) with child rights education, 800 adolescents (15–18 years) with life skills and livelihood training, and 1,600 young children (0–5 years) with improved health, nutrition, and preschooling. It established 10 Setu Vidyalayas enrolling 300 out-of-school children (202 girls & 98 boys) for reintegration into mainstream education.

In addition, 50 Self-Help Groups and 50 Mothers’ Associations were strengthened through capacity building on child rights and protection. The project also conducted awareness campaigns, workshops, and competitions with over 1,000 children and 1,500 mothers, while 167 youth received vocational training for sustainable livelihoods.

Through continuous community engagement, Nav Jagriti is fostering child-friendly villages—free from child labour and child marriage—ensuring every child’s right to education, safety, and dignity.

#NBJK #Kindernothilfe #NavJagriti #ChildRights #CommunityEmpowerment #EndChildLabour #StopChildMarriage #Musahar

NBJK’s Child Reporters Program Empowers 12,500 Children in Ranchi & West Singhbhum

25 October 2025, Ranchi/West Singhbhum: Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), supported by UNICEF Jharkhand, successfully implemented its Child Reporters Program during 2024–25, reaching 12,500 children (7,807 girls & 4,693 boys) across 100 government schools and 15 KGBVs in 22 blocks of Ranchi and West Singhbhum districts.

The program strengthened children’s understanding of rights, protection, education, health, and mental well-being, while building capacities of teachers, parents, and community members. Highlights include:

* 1,155 capacity-building sessions with 99,136 participations on child rights, school safety, health, and government schemes.

* 84 school-level quizzes and 127 participants in workshops on priority child issues.

* Community engagement: 99 village events, 20 cluster-level experience-sharing sessions, and 100 home- and community-based activities led by child reporters.

* Exposure & leadership: 22 visits to public institutions, UNICEF office visit, and a meeting with Jharkhand Legislative Assembly Speaker Shri Ravindra Nath Mahto.

* Child-led initiatives: Radio programs on nutrition, protection, mental health, and ending child marriage.

The program continues to amplify children’s voices, foster leadership, and promote child-centric awareness in schools and communities.

Feeding India Supports Tree Plantation at NBJK-run Schools in Hazaribagh

24 October 2025, Hazaribagh: Feeding India, a Zomato Giveback initiative, has extended its support towards environmental conservation by providing 25 saplings of Indian Mahogany for plantation at NBJK-run schools — Amoli Apurva High School (Mangarh), Amoli Apurva Middle School (Bahera), Amoli Apurva Middle School (Prajapat Nagar), and Chandrakala Devi Daga High School (Kewaliya), all located in Chouparan block of Hazaribagh district.

On 17th October, the plantation event was inaugurated by Mr. Gandharv Gaurav, Program Director, NBJK, with a token plantation at one of the school campuses. The students from all four schools participated enthusiastically by planting 6 saplings at AAHS, 9 at AAMS–Bahera, 7 at AAMS–Prajapat Nagar, and 3 at CDDHS–Kewaliya under the guidance of their teachers. Ms. Salma Baskey, Program Manager, NBJK, was also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Gaurav emphasized the importance of involving children in such eco-friendly initiatives to help them understand the value of nature and sustainability from a young age.

It is noteworthy that Feeding India has been providing nutritious breakfasts and lunches to the students of these schools on every school day for the past one year, ensuring their well-being and contributing to their educational growth. This tree plantation drive further strengthens their commitment to creating a healthier and greener learning environment.

Money Power Undermines Democracy: Lok Samiti

23 October 2025, Ara (Bhojpur): A meeting of Lok Samiti workers was organized jointly by Bhojpur District Lok Samiti and Geeta Mahila Utthan Samiti as part of the fortnight-long celebration of the birth anniversary of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, the founder of Lok Samiti. The meeting was chaired by Mrs. Geeta Pandey, a dedicated women worker of Lok Samiti, and conducted by Mrs. Sajla Sinha.

The chief guest, Mr. Shivji Singh, General Secretary of Bihar State Lok Samiti, in his address, warned that the lure of money power during the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections poses a grave threat to democracy. He emphasized that Loknayak JP always advocated for the empowerment of ordinary citizens so that voters could elect honest and capable candidates.

Mr. Singh further observed that following the untimely demise of the late Mr. Mani Pandey, the Lok Samiti organization in Bhojpur district has weakened. He called upon existing members to strengthen the organization through constructive and struggle-based initiatives along with a renewed membership drive. He urged workers to identify local public issues and raise their voices, stressing that “great changes begin with small initiatives.”

The meeting saw participation from several active members including Mrs. Kalawati Devi, Mrs. Munni Devi, Mrs. Kusum Devi, Mrs. Pushpa Devi, Mr. Vikas Kumar, Mr. Rajkumar Sinha, Mr. Santosh Kumar Yadav, and Mr. Dhananjay Kumar Singh, who shared their views.

It was unanimously decided that an extended organizational meeting of Lok Samiti will be held in Ara on November 17, 2025, which will be attended by Mr. Suresh Prasad, President of Shahabad Region Lok Samiti, and Mr. Ashutosh Kumar, President of Rohtas District Lok Samiti.

NBJK Promotes Rural Entrepreneurship under Micro Enterprise Promotion Program with Support from SIDBI

22 October 2025, Hazaribagh: Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), in collaboration with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), is implementing the Micro Enterprise Promotion Program to strengthen micro and small enterprises across Jharkhand. The initiative aims to empower youth, artisans, and local entrepreneurs through capacity building, financial linkage, and market support—transforming them from job seekers into job providers.

The program covers Hazaribagh, Ramgarh, Giridih, Khunti, and West Singhbhum districts and focuses on artisans, traditional craftsmen, SHG/JLG members, and existing small units that require capital, skills, and market access to grow sustainably. With a goal to promote at least 1,100 micro enterprises over five years, NBJK acts as a Business Development Service Provider, facilitating skill training, project report preparation, and bank financing through linkages with government schemes like PMEGP, PMFME, and MUDRA.

In its second year, the program has successfully grounded 264 enterprises, 184 of which are women-led, across the five districts.

* Hazaribagh: 91 units – including furniture & doll making, tailoring, garage services, bakeries, and wooden art.

* Ramgarh: 85 units – general stores, beauty parlours, garages, and small mills.

* Giridih: 55 units – furniture, parlours, garages, and other enterprises.

* West Singhbhum: 20 units – tailoring, paper plate, pickle, and incense stick production.

* Khunti: 13 units – bamboo crafts, candle making, lac work, and food processing units.

By ensuring that a significant majority of enterprises are led by women, NBJK and SIDBI are fostering inclusive and gender-responsive entrepreneurship. This partnership continues to create sustainable livelihoods, promote local employment, and reduce urban migration through self-reliant enterprise development.

Annual Day Celebration at Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital, Deoghar

20 October 2025, Deoghar: Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital (VRBEH), Deoghar — the 4th unit of the LNJP Eye Hospital Group run by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) — celebrated its 4th Anniversary and the birthday of Shri Niraj Bajaj (Chairman, Bajaj Auto Ltd.) from 10th to 17th October 2025 with great enthusiasm.

The event marked the hospital’s successful journey since its establishment in 2021, made possible through the visionary leadership and philanthropic support of Shri Niraj Bajaj and Shri Shekhar Bajaj (CMD, Bajaj Electricals Ltd.).

The celebration began with a welcome address by Dr. D.K. Maurya, who thanked the Bajaj family and NBJK for their continued guidance. Shri Anand Abhinav, Programme Director – NBJK, delivered a keynote highlighting the hospital’s achievements and read out a message from Shri Niraj Bajaj, reaffirming his commitment to community eye health.

Shri Girija Satish, Founder & President – NBJK, shared the inspiring journey of NBJK’s eye hospitals in Hazaribagh, Dumka, Gaya, and Deoghar, emphasizing the Bajaj Group’s vital role in expanding affordable eye care across Jharkhand and Bihar.

ShriMr. Mrigendra Kumar, District Coordinator – PMJAY, announced that VRBEH is in the process of being empaneled under Ayushman Bharat PMJAY, enabling free or subsidized treatments for underprivileged patients.

During the felicitation ceremony, outstanding staff, community workers, and partners were honored for their contributions.

In his vote of thanks, Shri Abdul Malik, Director (Hospitals) – NBJK, expressed gratitude to all dignitaries and reiterated VRBEH’s commitment to delivering affordable, quality eye care to rural communities.

The celebration reflected the Bajaj family’s enduring legacy of service and NBJK’s mission to make quality eye care accessible to all.

Empowering Rural Women through Skill and Livelihood Training

18 October 2025, Hazaribagh (Jharkhand): Under the Usha Silai School Program supported by Usha International Ltd., Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) successfully organized a nine-day (9-17 Oct’25) residential training for rural women at its Coordination Office, Amrit Nagar, Hazaribagh.

The training, held under the Classical Category, was attended by 15 women from Sadar, Gandey, and Bengabad blocks of Giridih district. During the course, participants were trained in stitching, cutting, and designing popular garments, along with basic machine maintenance and repair skills. The sessions were conducted by Master Trainer Ms. Pinky Sharma and Usha Service Engineer Mr. Gopal Kumar Mishra.

In the valedictory session, NBJK Secretary Mr. Satish Girija motivated the trainees to utilize their skills for professional tailoring and to train other women and girls in their villages. He also encouraged them to form collective production clusters, adopt digital transactions, and showcase their skills in local fairs and exhibitions.

Each participant was provided with a certificate, a new sewing machine, Usha Silai School board, syllabus, and guidebook upon successful completion of the training.

Continuing the series, Usha Satellite School trainings were also conducted for 20 women in Katihar (Bihar) on 10–11 October 2025 and for 30 women in Seraikela (Jharkhand) on 13–14 October 2025.

These initiatives are part of NBJK’s ongoing efforts to empower rural women through skill development and livelihood promotion, fostering self-reliance and sustainable income generation across Jharkhand and Bihar.

Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School Student Shines at National Gatka Championship

16 October 2025, Bahera (Chouparan, Hazaribagh): The students of Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School, Bahera, run by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), have brought laurels to their school and the state by showcasing exceptional performances at the National Gatka Championship held in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh.

In this prestigious competition organized by the National Gatka Association of India, more than 500 participants from across the country took part. Among them, Palak Kumari, a student of Class 10 “B”, made a remarkable achievement by winning a Gold Medal in the Junior Group and a Silver Medal in the Senior Group. She is the first student from the school to win a Gold Medal at the national level, marking a proud milestone for the institution and the state of Jharkhand.

Along with her, other students — Ananya Rituraj (Class 9), Suhani (Class 10), Mayuri Sinha (Class 9), Adarsh (Class 9), and Aryan (Class 9) — also performed admirably and secured Silver Medals in their respective events.

Expressing her happiness, Principal Mrs. Reena Pandey congratulated Palak and all the winners for their dedication and hard work. During a special morning assembly, the medalists were felicitated with medals and certificates in the presence of teachers and students.

The entire school family extended heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and wished them great success in their future endeavours.

NBJK Serves 7,887 Breakfasts and Lunches to School Children in Chouparan Block with Support from Feeding India

16 October 2025, Hazaribagh: With the support of Feeding India, a Zomato Giveback Initiative, Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) has served 7,887 breakfasts and an equal number of lunches in its schools located in Chouparan block of Hazaribagh district during the last fortnight.

The beneficiaries include students from Amoli Apurva High School, Mangarh, Amoli Apurva Middle School, Bahera, Amoli Apurva Middle School, Prajapat Nagar, and Chandrakala Devi Daga High School, Kewaliya. Over 11 school days, these children received sprouted gram or green gram with milk as breakfast and rice, pulses, and vegetables as a wholesome lunch.

The meal distribution figures stand at 2,614 for AAHS-Mangarh, 1,935 for AAMS-Bahera, 1,622 for AAMS-Prajapat Nagar, and 1,716 for CDDHS-Kewaliya, reflecting the consistent outreach of NBJK’s food initiative.

For the past year, this nutrition program has been successfully run by NBJK in its schools across Chouparan block. It not only ensures improved nutrition and better health among rural children but also provides relief to parents, as schools have effectively shared their responsibility for their children’s well-being.

NBJK’s collaboration with Feeding India continues to exemplify a strong partnership for child nutrition and education — ensuring that no child studies on an empty stomach.

Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School Students Shine at Inter-School Drawing Competition, Chouparan

13 October 2025, Chouparan, Hazaribagh: The students of NBJK’s Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School (SPBPS) delivered an outstanding performance at the Inter-School Drawing Competition organized by Youth for Youth at Town Hall, Chouparan. The competition brought together students from all CBSE, government, and private schools in the area.

From the 25 students shortlisted for the junior and senior categories, 10 students from SPBPS advanced to the final round. In the junior category, Pihu Kumari (Class 6-C) won the first prize, while in the senior category, Abhinav Singh (Class 9-A) secured the third prize. Their exemplary performance brought accolades to the school and highlighted the students’ artistic talent and creativity.

The school’s teachers, Ms. Amrita Massey and Mr. Vivek Kumar, played a pivotal role in mentoring and guiding the students. On receiving their awards, the students were congratulated by Principal Ms. Rina Pandey, who expressed her appreciation for their achievements and extended her best wishes for their future endeavors.

Special recognition was also given to Ankit Kumar Singh, a former student of SPBPS and current engineering student in Pune, who organized the event and contributed to its success, earning gratitude from all participants and attendees.