NBJK Hosts Symposium on Communal Harmony and Iftar Feast

22 March 2025, Hazaribagh: Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) organized a symposium on communal harmony and an Iftar feast at its coordination office, emphasizing peace, unity, and respect for all faiths.

NBJK President Mr. Girija Satish highlighted that respect for all religions is the essence of civilization, citing teachings of Prophet Muhammad, Lord Buddha, Mahavir Swami, Jesus Christ, and Guru Nanak Dev. JP movement activist Mr. Gautam Sagar Rana warned against religious extremism, urging harmony as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi. Mr. Shamsher Alam and Advocate Mr. Md. Muazzam stressed that all religions promote peace, equality, and truth.

Speakers including Mr. Awadhesh Pandey, Mr. Vijay Verma, Mr. Arjun Yadav, and NBJK Secretary Mr. Satish Girija underscored the importance of unity and vigilance against divisive elements. Women’s activist Ms. Ghausia Parveen noted that people are inherently non-communal but must remain alert.

Presiding over the discussion, senior advocate Mr. Swaroop Chand Jain emphasized the shared core values of all religions. Lok Samiti’s state convener, Mr. Shankar Rana, moderated and concluded the event, which was attended by around 300 participants. The gathering reinforced the message of communal harmony and shared humanity.

SBI Gram Saksham Project: Strengthening Water Conservation and Farmers’ Prosperity

22 March 2025, Jamui & Deoghar: On the occasion of World Water Day, farmers across Jamui and Deoghar districts expressed their deep gratitude for the SBI Gram Saksham Project, implemented by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) with support from SBI Foundation. The initiative has significantly advanced water conservation efforts and enhanced irrigation facilities, resulting in improved agricultural productivity and increased farmers’ incomes.

Water Conservation Initiative in Chakai Block

In Chakai block, farmers from Gamharia village, including Kailash Yadav, Rajiv Yadav, and Gultan Yadav, successfully cultivated paddy on 10 acres using water from a traditional Ahar (reservoir) and later grew wheat and mustard on three acres. Similarly, Nandkishore Pandey from Diringi village benefited from a motor pump provided by the project, enabling him to cultivate mustard on 10 Katha (0.34 acres).

The project has renovated 100 wells in villages such as Kasajor, Baljori, Gaji, Sone, Guriyadih, Gosaidih, Narodih, Gamharia, Kasidih, Tetariya, Biringi, Chhotpar, Konkri Pipra, Kalibak, Badiyadih, Ghormo, Mehraiyadih, Jamni, and Binjhagdhara, significantly improving irrigation facilities. Additionally, 20 ponds were deepened to ensure water availability for agriculture, and 300 farmers received electric motor pumps for irrigation.

As part of the SBI Gram Seva Project, villages such as Heth Chakai, Patjori, Chhachhudi, Garhi, and Mamatadih have seen the installation of 14 new hand pumps, the repair of 55 hand pumps, and the restoration of 42 wells. To ensure clean drinking water in government schools, submersible pumps, water tanks, and tap connections have been installed. Additionally, 5,568 saplings have been planted as part of a broader water conservation initiative.

Positive Impact of Water Management in Deoghar Sadar Block

In Barsatia village of Deoghar Sadar Block, farmer Ameen Yadav lauded the renovation of his well and the provision of an electric motor pump under the SBI Gram Saksham Project. He shared that this support doubled his income, allowing him to cultivate wheat, maize, onions, potatoes, mustard, tomatoes, and eggplants, earning up to ₹70,000 per year.

In Balraydih village, the deepening of a public pond has ensured year-round irrigation. The project is also active in villages such as Modidih, Babudih, Gokhuldih, Digharia, Joramh, Joruadih, Tetariya, Semradih, Dumarkundi, Bandarvasa, Alagzara, Bhagwanpur, Basakola, Ukhariya, Navdiha, Bahangia, Dalluraidih, Parandi, Bhalusar, Belatukur, Sarukha, and Balraydih. Here, 100 wells have been renovated, 19 ponds deepened, and 300 farmers received electric motor pumps.

Under the SBI Gram Seva Project, 22 new hand pumps were installed, 49 hand pumps repaired, and 27 wells renovated in villages including Navadiha, Barsatia, Ramaldi, Sahari, and Gadi, enhancing water conservation efforts. A government school kitchen was also equipped with a submersible pump, water tank, and tap connection, ensuring clean drinking water for students. Additionally, 9,585 saplings were planted to reinforce water conservation measures.

Commitment of SBI Foundation

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director of SBI Foundation, stated:
“Water is the most critical component of human life, particularly for agrarian communities. Watershed development and the promotion of sustainable water management practices have been key focus areas of our Gram Saksham program. We are pleased to see the positive impact of our efforts in partnership with Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra in Jamui and Deoghar districts. We believe that local communities will continue to take ownership of these interventions in the future.”

Transforming Rural Communities

The SBI Gram Saksham Project plays a crucial role in water conservation and improving farmers’ livelihoods. By promoting efficient water resource management, the initiative strengthens rural resilience, making villages self-reliant and ensuring sustainable agricultural growth.

Teachers’ Workshop on Anando Program Concludes Successfully!

20 March 2025, Hazaribagh: With the support of Light of Life Trust, Mumbai, Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) organized a two-day teacher orientation workshop at its coordination office in Amrit Nagar, Hazaribagh. The workshop focused on the Anando Program, aiming to strengthen schools and enhance academic development.

NBJK President Mr. Girija Satish inaugurated the session, emphasizing the program’s role in empowering schools. Ms. Kanchan Thorve, Senior Manager, and Mr. Sudhir Kumar, Head of Education, from Light of Life Trust, served as resource persons. They guided teachers on SWOT analysis, strategic school evaluation, classroom objectives, student-teacher-parent coordination, career counseling, and academic excellence.

Teachers from six high schools actively participated, sharing insights and feedback. NBJK Program Manager Mr. Rajiv Singh and Supervisor Mr. Abhay Kumar played a crucial role in organizing the event.

A step forward towards quality education and holistic development!

SBI Sanjeevani Clinic on Wheels Provides Primary Healthcare to Rural Jharkhand

18 March 2025, Chatra-Godda-Pakur: The SBI Foundation-supported SBI Sanjeevani Clinic on Wheels program, implemented by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), continues to bring essential primary healthcare services to underserved rural communities across 60 villages in Chatra, Godda, and Pakur districts of Jharkhand.

Under this initiative, Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) are ensuring healthcare accessibility in 20 villages per district, benefiting hundreds of villagers. Each unit is well-equipped with modern medical devices, an in-house laboratory, and a dedicated healthcare team comprising a doctor, lab technician, pharmacist, and health assistant-cum-driver.

Key Achievements (March 1-17, 2025):

• Chatra District: 24 visits across 20 villages in Lawalong and Kunda blocks, treating 413 patients. On-the-spot checkups included Diabetes (33), Malaria (15), Typhoid (30), Hemoglobin (54), Pregnancy (2), and Urine (52).
• Godda District: 22 visits in 20 villages of Podaiyahat block, treating 461 villagers with Diabetes (61), Malaria (10), Typhoid (15), Hemoglobin (22), Pregnancy (4), and Urine (1) tests conducted.
• Pakur District: 24 village health camps in Pakuria block, treating 447 patients and conducting tests for Diabetes (58), Malaria (28), Typhoid (29), and Hemoglobin (41).

The SBI Sanjeevani Clinic on Wheels ensures that needy women, children, and elderly individuals in remote villages receive free medical consultations, medicines, and diagnostic tests.

This initiative reflects SBI Foundation’s commitment to healthcare accessibility and community well-being, in partnership with NBJK. By bridging the healthcare gap, the program is making a tangible impact in rural Jharkhand.

NBJK-Run Schools Provide 2,773 Nutritious Meals under Feeding India Initiative

17 March 2025, Chouparan (Hazaribagh): In a significant step towards promoting health and education, four schools run by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) in Chouparan block of Hazaribagh district have successfully served 2,773 nutritious breakfasts and lunches to their students under the Feeding India initiative, a Zomato Giveback program.

The schools—Amoli Apurva High School (Mangarh), Chandrakala Devi Daga High School (Kewaliya), Amoli Apurva Middle School (Bahera), and Amoli Apurva Middle School (Prajapat Nagar)—ensured that children received wholesome meals from March 8 to March 17, 2025, on all school days. The breakfast menu included sprouted gram or moong with milk, while the lunch menu featured rice, pulses, and vegetables.

Due to the Class 10 board exam, Sunday, and the Holi festival, Amoli Apurva High School could serve meals on only two school days during this period, while the remaining schools provided meals for five days. Despite these limitations, the initiative has had a profound impact on student attendance and community engagement.

The Food for School Children program has played a crucial role in fostering nutritional security and social equality among students. By providing free and healthy meals, it has encouraged parents to ensure regular attendance of their children and has strengthened a sense of unity among students from all backgrounds.

NBJK remains committed to ensuring access to quality education and nutrition for children in rural communities. With the continued support of Feeding India and Zomato Giveback, the organization aims to expand and sustain this initiative to benefit more students in the future.

🌾 From Struggle to Strength: Monica Mundu’s Journey of Empowerment 🌾

13 March 2025, Khunti: Meet Monica Mundu from Bari Doudhi, Murhu Block, Jharkhand—a trailblazing leader transforming lives through the Lakhpati Kisan™ Smart Village Project run by NBJK with support from CInI-Tata Trusts!

Her journey began in 2016 with a Self-Help Group (SHG), empowering women through goat rearing, poultry farming, and financial support from NRLM. With guidance from NBJK & CInI, she played a key role in the Murhu Nari Shakti Kisan Producer Co. Ltd., an FPO promoted under the Lakhpati Kisan™ project, and in 2023, she became its President, driving economic growth and self-reliance in her community.

Her message? “With dedication and effort, anything is possible!” 💪✨

#WomenEmpowerment #LakhpatiKisan #NBJK #CInI #RuralLeadership #SelfReliance #TataTrusts

Cholamandalam Supports RO Water Plants for Passengers & Villagers in Gaya

10 March 2025, Gaya: With the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support of Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Limited, Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) has successfully established two RO Water Plants at Sikariya More Bus Stop and Dhanawa village in Gaya district. These water plants aim to provide pure and cold drinking water to passengers and villagers, addressing a crucial need in these areas.

Mr. Manish Kumar Choudhary, Regional Business Manager of Cholamandalam, inaugurated the RO Water Plants at both locations in the presence of NBJK’s Program Director Mr. Gandharv Gaurav, Branch Manager Mr. Pawan Lal Gupta, and Assistant Manager Md. Nayeem. The initiative has been warmly welcomed by the local community, who had long struggled to access clean drinking water.

At Sikariya More Bus Stop, local social worker Mr. Sanjay Kumar has been entrusted with the management of the RO Water Plant, ensuring its smooth operation for the benefit of travelers and residents. Similarly, in Dhanawa village, a representative of Dr. Pintu Kumar has taken charge of overseeing the facility. The locations for these installations were carefully selected by Cholamandalam and NBJK officials after thorough consultations with local residents.

Expressing gratitude, Mr. Sanjay Kumar emphasized that additional facilities, such as seating arrangements for passengers and bus staff, as well as a vehicle washing outlet, are being planned to enhance public amenities. He extended his heartfelt thanks to Cholamandalam and NBJK for their commitment to community welfare.

The launch event was also graced by Cholamandalam’s Regional Sales Manager Mr. Pankaj Kumar, Regional Receivables Manager Mr. Bipin Kumar, Regional Sales Manager Mr. Saurabh Kumar, and Regional Credit Manager Mr. Yogeshwar Kumar. As part of the awareness campaign, a street play highlighting the importance of water conservation and pollution control was staged during the event, engaging the local audience effectively. The overall arrangements and execution of the initiative were efficiently managed by Md. Nayeem.

Lok Samiti & Jagriti Socio Economic Empowerment Services Celebrate International Women’s Day

08 March 2025, Patna: Bihar State Lok Samiti, Patna, and Jagriti Socio Economic Empowerment Services (JSEES), Ranchi, jointly organized a Women’s Conference at Mahila Charakha Samiti, Kadamkuan (Patna), to mark International Women’s Day 2025. The event was presided over by Mrs. Manti Verma, President of Patna District Lok Samiti, and conducted by Mr. Shivji Singh, General Secretary of State Lok Samiti.

In his written address, Mr. Girija Satish, National President of Lok Samiti, extended his greetings to all participants, expressing concern over the lax implementation of the prohibition law in Bihar. He urged women to take a proactive role in preventing the illegal consumption and trade of alcohol and assured them of his full support in their efforts toward prohibition.

The conference commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a welcome address by Mrs. Kranti Rashosh, Convener of Women Lok Samiti. Mr. Kaushal Ganesh Azad, National Coordinator of Lok Samiti, emphasized that despite advancements, women continue to face harassment and inequality. He called for the implementation of employment reservations for women to ensure their empowerment.

Former MLA Shri Suryadev Tyagi highlighted the negative impact of alcohol on society, linking it to increased domestic violence and social instability. While acknowledging Bihar’s stringent laws against alcohol, he stressed the need for greater public awareness and enforcement to achieve successful prohibition.

Women leader Smt. Kanchanbala spoke on the persistent gender disparity in society, emphasizing that women still face subjugation within families and limited access to equal opportunities. She strongly advocated for 50% reservation for women in governance, questioning why women, who form 50% of the population, are only granted 33% representation.

Several distinguished speakers, including Smt. Meena Devi, Smt. Neelu Devi, Smt. Mridula Prakash, farmer leader Shri Suresh Prasad, Shri Satyendra Kumar, Shri Amit Ranjan, and Shri Nitya Mishra, addressed the gathering, reinforcing the call for women’s rights, leadership, and social justice.

The conference concluded with a vote of thanks by Smt. Meena Devi, acknowledging the participation and contributions of all dignitaries and attendees.

This Women’s Day celebration underscored the importance of women’s collective strength in driving social change, ensuring gender equality, and advocating for stronger laws and policies. Lok Samiti and JSEES remain committed to empowering women and fostering a more just society.

🌾 Empowering Women Farmers in Jharkhand! 🌾

08 March 2025, Murhu (Khunti): Murhu Nari Shakti Kisan Producer Company Ltd. (MNSKPCL) is transforming rural livelihoods in Khunti district! Established under the Lakhpati Kisan: Smart Village program by NBJK & CInI (Tata Trusts), this women-led FPO is creating economic resilience through:

✅ Input Supply – HVA crops, piglets, fish fingerlings & more
✅ Market Linkages – Selling NTFP produce to institutional buyers
✅ Training & Financial Support – SRI farming techniques & credit access
✅ Micro-entrepreneurship – 34+ entrepreneurs in lac, poultry, piggery & fisheries

🏆 Awards & Achievements:
🥇 Best FPO Award – Jharkhand (2022)
🏅 Vijayalakshmi Das Friend of Women FPO Award (2021)
🥈 ONGC Foundation Social Impact Summit Runner-up (2022)

With solar cold storage, Better Life Farming Centres, and new initiatives like the Finger Millet Value Chain, MNSKPCL is empowering women to lead & thrive! 🌟

💬 “We will become Lakhpati and make everyone Lakhpati!” – MNSKPCL Board of Directors

#MNSKPCL #WomenEmpowerment #LakhpatiKisan #NBJK #CInI #TataTrusts #RuralEntrepreneurship #Jharkhand

NBJK Distributes 4,127 Nutritious Meals among School Children with Support from Feeding India

07 March2025, Chouparan (Hazaribagh):  Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) successfully distributed 4,127 meals, including breakfast and lunch, to school children from March 1st to March 7th, 2025. The initiative benefited students of Amoli Apurva Middle School – Bahera, Amoli Apurva Middle School – Prajapat Nagar, Chandrakala Devi Daga High School – Kewaliya, and Amoli Apurva High School – Mangarh. Some students from Amoli Apurva High School joined the meal program on March 4th after their school was used as a Class X board exam center.

Under this initiative, students receive nutritious meals every study day:
✅ Breakfast: Sprouted gram or green gram with milk
✅ Lunch: Wholesome rice, pulses, and vegetables

The Feeding India – Zomato Giveback Initiative has been instrumental in providing this vital food support, ensuring that children receive the necessary nutrition to stay focused and engaged in their studies. By alleviating hunger, this initiative makes school education more accessible and attractive for children.

NBJK management ensures strict hygiene and sanitation during food preparation and serving, maintaining a safe and clean environment for students.