Millet and Pigeon Pea Seed Distribution across FRDP Villages for Climate-Resilient Farming

24 July 2025, Chanho (Ranchi): In a concerted effort to promote sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture, Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), with CSR support from HDFC Bank under the Focused Rural Development Program (FRDP), has initiated the distribution of high-yielding varieties of Finger Millet and Pigeon Pea seeds among farmers in 15 project villages of Chanho Block, Ranchi District.

A special convergence program was organized at Chaliyo Farmer Field School (FFS), where 30 progressive farmers from Mathatoli, Gutuwa, Choreya, and Chaliyo villages received the improved seed varieties. The initiative is being carried out under the active leadership of Village Coordinators Mr. Shravan Kumar and Mr. Gajanand Mahto, who are playing a vital role in mobilizing and guiding the farming communities.

This distribution campaign, which began in the last week of June 2025, is part of a larger strategy to ensure food and nutritional security while building resilience against climate change and reducing dependency on rain-fed monoculture.

NBJK believes that promoting nutrition-rich crops like millets and pulses is a step towards self-reliant rural communities and ecological balance. The campaign not only supports traditional farming knowledge but also encourages modern practices that enhance yield and income.

NBJK and HDFC Bank remain committed to empowering farmers through sustainable development interventions and improving livelihoods at the grassroots level.

One-Day Eye Health Training Organized for Frontline Health Workers

23 July 2025, Peto (Daru, Hazaribagh): A one-day training session was organized yesterday at the Community Health Centre, Peto, located in Daru Block of Hazaribagh district, under the joint initiative of Sightsavers India, JSLPS, National Health Mission, and the National Programme for Control of Blindness. The training was conducted under the Rural Eye Health Programme – Netra Vasant, operated by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK).

The training aimed at empowering frontline health workers including Sahiya didis, ANMs, and health staff with vital knowledge related to eye diseases, their prevention, and available treatments. A total of 68 participants attended the session, including 51 Sahiyas, 6 BTT Sahiya Saathis, and BTT Coordinator.

The event witnessed the special presence of Mrs. Farzana Khatoon, Mukhiya of Harli Panchayat, along with her representative. Also present were Dr. Amresh Kumar, In-charge Medical Officer at Daru PHC; Mr. Deepak Kumar, Optometrist from Barhi Hospital; Mr. Gaurav Pandey, Optometrist from Daru; and Mr. Kishore Kumar, Mobilizer, Daru.

During the training, it was also announced that the year 2025 has been set as the target to make Daru Block free from cataract-induced blindness.

The entire training program was coordinated by Ms. Kirti Rawat, District Manager of the Netra Vasant Programme.

Empowering Farmers through Collaborative Efforts: NABARD and HDFC Bank Support FPO Development

22 July 2025, Taranga (Chanho, Ranchi): A significant milestone in rural development and farmers’ empowerment was marked at the office of Taranga Rural Farmer Producer Company Limited (FPO) at Taranga under the HDFC Bank-supported Focused Rural Development Program. A collaborative meeting was held with the gracious presence of Mrs. Neetu Kumari, District Development Manager (DDM), NABARD, alongside dedicated members of the FPO.

The session provided a platform for in-depth discussions on enhancing agricultural productivity, exploring sustainable farming practices, and developing strategies to improve farmers’ income. The meeting also reviewed the FPO’s current sales performance, notable achievements, and future growth plans.

A key highlight of the event was the formal handover of the Certificate of Incorporation from NABARD to the Board of the Taranga FPO, symbolizing official recognition and a new phase of institutional growth for the farmer collective.

Mrs. Neetu Kumari, DDM-NABARD, shared valuable insights on ground-level agricultural challenges and encouraged farmers to adopt innovative techniques for sustainable agriculture. Her interaction was deeply appreciated by the attendees for its practical relevance and motivational tone.

This initiative aligns with the larger objective of strengthening rural economies by empowering farmer groups through capacity building, institutional support, and access to modern agricultural practices.

The FPO board, along with the implementing team, extended heartfelt thanks to NABARD and HDFC Bank for their unwavering support and commitment to rural transformation.

Together, we move forward — building a sustainable and profitable future for farmers.

Inclusive Eye Health Program Reaches Children in Observation and Children’s Homes of Hazaribagh

18 July 2025, Hazaribagh: As part of the Inclusive Eye Health Program supported by Sightsavers India, Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) organized a comprehensive eye screening camp at the Observation Home, Hazaribagh, for children and staff members.

The initiative was supported by the Mobile Medical Unit of LNJP Eye Hospital, Bahera (Chouparan), run by NBJK. The medical team was led by optometrists Mr. Deepak and Mr. Virendra, who conducted thorough eye examinations. A total of 67 OPD consultations were carried out at the Observation Home, including 59 children (one of whom is a child with disability) and 8 staff members. Of these, four individuals were found to have vision impairment or refractive errors.

Following this, another eye screening camp was conducted at the Children’s Home, Barhi, operated by Jan Jagran Kendra. Here, 15 children including 10 children with disabilities were examined. One case of refractive error was detected.

All individuals identified with visual issues during these camps will soon be provided with free spectacles under the Inclusive Eye Health Program.

The event was graced by the presence of Ms. Nivedita, Assistant Director of Social Security, and Mr. Sanjay Prasad, District Child Protection Officer, Hazaribagh. The camps were effectively coordinated by Ms. Kirti Rawat, District Program Manager of the Inclusive Eye Health Program.

This initiative reflects NBJK’s ongoing commitment to accessible eye care for all, especially children and persons with disabilities in institutional settings.

9,000 Nutritious Meals Served to Children in NBJK Schools

17 July 2025, Chouparan (Hazaribagh): Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), with generous support from Feeding India, a Zomato Giveback initiative, has successfully served 9,360 breakfasts and an equal number of lunches between 7th and 17th July 2025 to schoolchildren in its four educational institutions across Chouparan block of Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand.

The beneficiary schools include:

• Amoli Apurva High School, Mangarh
• Amoli Apurva Middle School, Bahera
• Amoli Apurva Middle School, Prajapat Nagar
• Chandrakala Devi Daga High School, Kewaliya

The breakfast menu consists of sprouted gram and milk, while rice, pulses, and vegetables are served for lunch, ensuring a balanced and nutritious diet for the children.

This initiative has been met with enthusiastic response from students and their parents, who are grateful that schools are not only imparting education but also caring for their nutritional well-being.

NBJK acknowledges the critical role played by Feeding India in making this initiative possible and reaffirms its commitment to holistic development of rural children.

Talent Felicitation Ceremony Held at Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School

09 July 2025, Bahera (Chouparan), Hazaribagh: Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School, Bahera – operated by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) – organized a Talent Felicitation Ceremony to honor students of Classes 10 and 12 who successfully cleared their board examinations.

The ceremony was inaugurated by Mr. Gandharv Gaurav, Program Director, and Ms. Reena Pandey, Principal of the school. The top 10 students received gold medals and certificates of excellence, while the next 10 students were awarded silver medals and certificates in recognition of their academic achievements.

Both Mr. Gaurav and Ms. Pandey lauded the students for their hard work and acknowledged the pivotal role played by teachers in guiding them. They also highlighted the school’s family-like environment, which contributes significantly to students’ overall development and success.

The dedicated efforts of the school staff were instrumental in the success of this event. Teachers including Amrita Macey, Pawan Kumar, Mukesh Kumar Pathak, Ashish Pandey, Shailendra Guru, Amit Kumar, Mithun Pandey, Purnima Kumari, and Shankar Singh were appreciated for their active involvement.

The ceremony concluded with mutual appreciation exchanged between the Program Director and the Principal, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and dedication in achieving academic excellence. They also extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the students for their bright and successful futures.

NBJK Provides Over 10,000 Nutritious Meals to Rural Schoolchildren with Support from Feeding India

05 July 2025, Chouparan (Hazaribagh): Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), in collaboration with Feeding India, a Zomato Giveback initiative, has successfully distributed 10,161 nutritious breakfasts and lunches to students between 21 June and 5 July 2025. This effort covered four schools in Chouparan block of Hazaribagh district:

• Amoli Apurva High School – Mangarh
• Amoli Apurva Middle School – Prajapat Nagar
• Amoli Apurva Middle School – Bahera
• Chandrakala Devi Daga High School – Kewaliya

Across 11 school days, an average of 924 children received healthy meals daily. The breakfast included sprouted gram or green gram with milk, while the lunch featured rice, pulses, and vegetables.

Most of the children enrolled in these schools come from nearby villages and belong to socio-economically weaker sections. This food initiative plays a vital role in supporting their health, boosting school attendance, and fostering a sense of community among them.

NBJK expresses heartfelt gratitude to Feeding India for their continued partnership in the mission to ensure that no child remains hungry in school.

VRBEH Deoghar Brings Eye Care to Remote Villages Across Jharkhand and Bihar

03 July 2025, Deoghar: Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital (VRBEH), run by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), has successfully conducted a large-scale eye care outreach from 23 May to 2 July 2025, reaching underserved populations in the districts of Deoghar, Giridih, Jamui, and Banka. This initiative was carried out through the operational Vision Center at Jamua (Giridih) and specialized mobile medical teams from the base hospital in Deoghar.

During the 41-day period, VRBEH organized 60 screening days, including 34 outreach camps, leading to:

• 872 OPD consultations
• 243 Cataract patients identified
• 316 cases of Refractive Error detected
• 19 Pterygium cases diagnosed
• 134 spectacles distributed to economically weak patients
• 38 patients provided with appropriate medicines
• 12 patients referred to the base hospital for advanced treatment

All cataract patients were provided with free transportation, surgery, food, stay, and medical care under this initiative.

This impactful outreach was made possible with the support of Sightsavers India, Kotak Securities, and Seva Foundation, who partnered with VRBEH to eliminate avoidable blindness and promote accessible eye health for all.

48th Foundation Day of Lok Samiti Celebrated in Aurangabad

30 June 2025, Aurangabad: The 48th Foundation Day of Lok Samiti, a non-political organization established by Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, was celebrated today at Prithviraj Chauhan Memorial Hall, Aurangabad (Bihar).

The event commenced with LS flag hoisting and the national anthem, led by Mr. Girija Satish, National President of Lok Samiti. In his keynote address, he condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and attributed global conflicts to the irresponsibility of ruling powers. He urged citizens to rise above narrow nationalism and stressed the need for combating gender inequality, substance abuse, communalism, and systemic corruption.

Mr. Satish advocated for village-level planning, prohibition, women’s awakening, and electoral reforms through the “one volunteer, one village” model. He honoured Mr. Vinod Sharma, Mr. Ajay Kumar Srivastava, Mr. Wazir Ahmad, and Mr. Sajjan Kumar for their exemplary service to the organization.

Mr. Kamal Kishore, Editor of Nav Bihar Times, recommended installing JP’s statues at all district and block headquarters and including his ideology in school curricula.

Notable speakers included Mr. Suresh Prasad (Shahabad), Mr. Hiralal (Buxar), Mr. Bharat Singh (Chhapra), Mrs. Putul Kumari (Gaya), Mrs. Raju Ranjana (Bhagalpur), Prof. Gyaneshwar Singh, Mr. Rajendra Manjhi (Gaya), Mr. Baleshwar Manjhi, Mr. Badri Prasad Verma (Chatra), Mr. Shankar Rana (Hazaribagh), Mr. Chandrashekhar Singh (MP), and Mr. Chandrabhooshan (National Secretary).

Six key resolutions on global peace, alternative development, farmers’ markets, prohibition, superstition eradication, and electoral reforms were presented by National Convenor Mr. Kaushal Ganesh Azad and passed unanimously.

The event was moderated by Bihar State General Secretary Mr. Shivji Singh and concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Ajay Kumar Srivastava, District President (Aurangabad). Around 200 delegates participated from various states.

Press Conference Held on 50th Anniversary of the Emergency

25 June 2025, Hazaribagh: To mark the 50th anniversary of the Emergency imposed on 25 June 1975, a press conference was organised by Hazaribagh Zila Lok Samiti at the NBJK-run Rojgar Training Centre, Sardar Chowk. The event was addressed by prominent speakers including Shri Girija Satish (President, National Lok Samiti), senior advocate Shri Swaroopchand Jain, Prof. K.P. Sharma, Shri Gautam Sagar Rana (former MLA and JP movement activist), Shri Arjun Yadav, Shri Bateshwar Mehta, Shri Shamsher Alam, Shri Ganesh Citu, Shri Arvind Jha, and Shri Shankar Rana.

Shri Girija Satish called the Emergency a dark chapter in the democratic history of India. He stressed the need to uphold the true spirit of democracy and warned that certain existing laws still infringe on individual freedoms. Highlighting global patterns of democratic suppression, he advocated for educating citizens to empower them to elect responsible leaders in line with Gandhian Gram Swaraj and JP’s Total Revolution.

Prof. K.P. Sharma referred to the Constitution as a sacred document, stating that only morally upright individuals can truly uphold it. Shri Gautam Sagar Rana recalled the sufferings of the Emergency period and urged citizens to remain alert against any signs of authoritarianism.

Shri Ganesh Citu condemned the imprisonment of many social activists during the Emergency, and Shri Bateshwar Mehta demanded state recognition and honour for JP movement veterans. Shri Shamsher Alam spoke about global conflicts and the urgent need to restore peace. Shri Arvind Jha highlighted the importance of educating youth on the value of democracy, while Shri Shankar Rana called for collective efforts to prevent the recurrence of Emergency-like situations.

In his presidential remarks, Shri Swaroopchand Jain emphasized that during the Emergency, all democratic norms were shattered. He noted that even today, justice remains unaffordable for many, with thousands of undertrials languishing in jails due to poverty.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Shri Shankar Rana. The event was coordinated with support from Shri Rajeev Singh, Shri Rupesh Mallik, and Shri Suresh Kumar.