LNJP Eye Hospital, Dumka — Delivering Inclusive Eye Care Across Santhal Pargana

03 November 2025, Dumka (Jharkhand): Lok Nayak Jay Prakash (LNJP) Eye Hospital, Dumka, supported by Sightsavers India, CBM India, DBCS and Ayushman Bharat, continues to be a trusted centre for comprehensive eye care in the Santhal Pargana region. With 30 beds, advanced equipment, and skilled specialists, the hospital serves patients from over 8,000 villages across 36 blocks of Dumka, Jamtara, Deoghar, and Godda districts, as well as neighbouring Bihar.

Under the CBM India-supported Comprehensive Disability Inclusive Eye Care (CDIEC) program, 1,185 Sahiyas (ASHAs) were trained on primary eye care, 22 school camps screened 3,160 children, and 165 received free spectacles. The program also facilitated 3,144 cataract surgeries, 24 minor surgeries, and trained 68 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) on rehabilitation and government entitlements.

Through the Sightsavers India-supported National Rural Eye Health (NREH) program, 80 Sahiyas were trained, 8 BCC and 20 screening camps organized, and 2,117 cataract surgeries performed — including 681 free and 1,115 subsidized.

At the base hospital, 46 outreach camps were held, benefitting 16,902 individuals through door-to-door OPD services and 3,617 cataract surgeries.

With dedicated efforts and strong partnerships, LNJP Eye Hospital, Dumka, continues to restore sight and bring hope to thousands across Jharkhand.

Nutritious Meals Continue to Support Rural Students under Feeding India – A Zomato Giveback Initiative

01 November 2025, Hazaribagh: Under Feeding India – A Zomato Giveback Initiative, NBJK-run schools in Chouparan block of Hazaribagh district served a total of 4,357 breakfasts and lunches to their students over eight school days in the second fortnight of November 2025.

At Amoli Apurva High School–Mangarh, 1,320 breakfasts and an equal number of lunches were provided, followed by 1,120 meals at Amoli Apurva Middle School–Bahera, 952 meals at Amoli Apurva Middle School–Prajapat Nagar, and 965 meals at Chandrakala Devi Daga High School–Kewaliya.

Mr. Birendra Sinha, Manager, NBJK Head Office (Bahera, Chouparan), informed that due to Diwali and Chhath Puja holidays, the schools remained closed for several days, and attendance was lower than usual. Despite this, the initiative ensured that enrolled children received wholesome meals.

He added that students were served sprouted gram or green gram with milk for breakfast and rice, pulses, and vegetables for lunch. On Saturdays, as per local tradition, they enjoyed khichdi-chokha.

This initiative reflects NBJK’s and Zomato’s shared commitment to promoting child health and education through nutritious food support in rural schools.

#NBJK #FeedingIndia #ZomatoGiveback #NutritionForEducation #HealthyMeals #ChildWelfare #Chouparan

Empowering Women through Integrated Menstrual Hygiene Management

30 October 2025, Khunti (Jharkhand): NBJK, with support from Collective for Integrated Livelihood Initiatives (CInI) – Tata Trusts, is implementing Women Empowerment through Integrated Menstrual Hygiene Management – Phase II under the Lakhpati Kisan™ Smart Village initiative in Murhu and Khunti blocks.

Within a year, the program has reached over 10,000 women and adolescent girls, enhancing menstrual hygiene awareness, promoting sustainable sanitary products, and ensuring safe waste disposal practices. It conducted 750+ training sessions, strengthened 150+ frontline workers, and promoted local pad production, with 758 reusable pads stitched and 516 Matka Incinerators installed.

The initiative also celebrated Menstrual Hygiene Day across 13 villages, fostering community participation through creative awareness activities. By integrating health, dignity, and livelihood, NBJK and CInI–Tata Trusts continue to empower rural women towards a healthier and more confident future.

#NBJK #CInI #TataTrusts #LakhpatiKisan #WomenEmpowerment #MenstrualHygiene #Jharkhand

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.