NBJK Hosts “Jagte Raho” Bharat Yatra in Support of Women’s Safety and Dignity

07 May 2025, Hazaribagh: NBJK today hosted a stop of the “Jagte Raho” Bharat Yatra at its coordination office in Amritnagar. The 100-day nationwide campaign, launched on 8th March 2025 from Mount Abu, Rajasthan—International Women’s Day—is aimed at promoting women’s safety and dignity. Covering 21,000 kilometers across 21 Indian states, the Yatra will conclude in New Delhi on 7th June.

Welcoming the Yatra, NBJK Secretary Mr. Satish Girija described it as a timely and essential initiative in light of growing concerns around women’s security. He emphasized that while women must be empowered to stand up for their rights, support from both society and the government is equally important. Mr. Girija also highlighted NBJK’s long-standing commitment to women’s empowerment through initiatives such as microcredit, Usha Silai Schools, and advanced agricultural practices, which have enabled thousands of women to achieve economic self-reliance.

A moving moment came when 75-year-old participant Ms. Jammuben from Gujarat performed a heartfelt song centered on peace and human compassion, earning admiration from the audience.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Shatrughan Jha, Bihar Coordinator of the Yatra and a noted Gandhian activist, spoke about the historical significance of women’s power in Indian culture. Quoting the Vedas, he noted that over 200 female sages have been mentioned in the scriptures. He stressed the importance of nurturing strong values in children, sharing the example of Rukmini Devi, mother of Vinoba Bhave, who raised three sons who all became scholars and ascetics.

Mr. Rajendra Yadav, National Coordinator of the Yatra from Haryana, commended NBJK for upholding timeless values such as compassion and love. He also addressed the grim reality of gender-based violence in India, where over 90 incidents of rape or sexual assault are reported daily, many ending in death. Recalling Mahatma Gandhi’s belief that the safety of women reflects a truly independent nation, Mr. Yadav called for urgent societal change and stronger legal measures to protect women’s dignity.

The event also saw participation from community members, including Anganwadi worker Ms. Aarti Devi from Rola and Self-Help Group member Ms. Meena Devi, who shared their perspectives on women’s issues.

The event was moderated by Mr. Rajeev Singh, Senior Program Manager at NBJK, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Geeta, Jharkhand Coordinator of the “Jagte Raho” Bharat Yatra.

SPBPS Alumnus Makes His School Proud on National Stage

03 May 2025, Bahera, Chouparan (Hazaribagh): Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School (SPBPS), Bahera—run by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK)—is proud to share the remarkable achievement of its former student Mr. Amit Kumar Dangi, who has brought immense honor to the school and his community.

Amit Kumar Dangi, hailing from Daihar village in Chouparan block, completed his Plus Two from SPBPS. He then graduated from Annada College, Hazaribagh, and pursued a professional course in Physical Education Teaching from Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Uttarakhand. Deeply passionate about service and discipline, Amit joined the National Cadet Corps (NCC), which proved to be a turning point in his life.

Thanks to his outstanding performance in NCC, Amit was selected to participate in the prestigious Republic Day Parade held on 26th January in New Delhi, where he had the rare opportunity to march before the Hon’ble President of India and was awarded a medal in recognition of his excellence.

Recently, Amit returned to SPBPS to complete his internship. The school welcomed him with pride and affection. On this occasion, Ms. Rina Pandey, Principal of SPBPS, felicitated Amit with a citation for his inspirational journey. She also announced that the school will honor Amit’s parents, Mrs. Anita Devi and Mr. Ajit Dangi, for their support and encouragement in shaping such a dedicated young achiever.

SPBPS and NBJK celebrate Amit’s achievements as a shining example for all students and youth in the region. His journey is a testament to hard work, discipline, and the value of education.

Local Youth Becomes Entrepreneur with Support from NBJK-SIDBI and PMFME Scheme

29 April 2025, Hazaribagh: Saurabh Kumar, a young resident of Hazaribagh, has successfully transformed from a street marketer of whole spices to a budding entrepreneur, thanks to the support of NBJK-SIDBI’s Micro Enterprise Promotion Program (MEPP) and the PMFME scheme under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India.

After completing his intermediate education, Saurabh worked for over seven years delivering spices to households and shops in and around Hazaribagh to support his family. A turning point came when he met Mr. Anurag, Supervisor of the MEPP program, who introduced him to the PMFME scheme and helped him prepare necessary documentation.

Saurabh received a loan of ₹1.4 lakh, which enabled him to start Shree Enterprises, a packaged spice manufacturing unit. Today, his brand is gaining popularity, and he employs five support staff.

Saurabh credits the timely support of NBJK-SIDBI and Anurag for this positive transformation in his life.

Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra Organizes Free Health Camps at Vegetable Markets in Hazaribagh

28 April 2025, Hazaribagh: Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) organized free health camps today at the vegetable markets located in Korrah and Gandhi Maidan, Hazaribagh. Through the Mobile Medical Unit operated by the organization, a total of 60 patients were examined and provided with free medicines. The beneficiaries included men and women suffering primarily from diabetes, hypertension, and gynecological ailments.

The initiative proved to be highly beneficial for both vendors and customers frequenting the vegetable markets.
The health camp team comprised Dr. Banshidhar Pandey, pharmacist Harishchandra Yadav, lab technician W. Kumar Paswan, ANM Roma Ragini Tirkey, and van driver Surendra Yadav. Chandan Kumar and Program Manager Shailesh Kumar played key roles in organizing the camps.

Program Manager Shailesh Kumar informed that NBJK currently conducts regular free health camps in 80 villages across the districts of Gaya, Chatra, Pakur, Godda, and Jamtara, offering on-site pathological tests and free medicines.

NBJK and Feeding India Ensure Nutritious Meals for Rural School Children in Hazaribagh

26 April 2025, Chouparan (Hazaribagh): Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), in collaboration with Feeding India, a Zomato Giveback Initiative, has successfully provided breakfast and lunch to the students of its schools in Chouparan block of Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand.

The beneficiary schools include:

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

Most of the students enrolled in these schools come from economically disadvantaged rural backgrounds. Along with quality education and a low-fee structure, the meal program has significantly benefited the children by improving their school attendance and reducing the financial burden on their families.

Between 17 and 26 April 2025, a total of 6090 meals were served. The students received sprouted gram or moong with milk for breakfast, and rice, pulses, and vegetables for lunch. The school-wise distribution of meals was:

• 1976 meals at Amoli Apurva High School, Mangarh
• 1515 meals at Amoli Apurva Middle School, Bahera
• 1249 meals at Amoli Apurva Middle School, Prajapat Nagar
• 1350 meals at Chandrakala Devi Daga High School, Kewaliya

Parents and community members have expressed their deep appreciation for the initiative. Many have noted that such a nutritious meal program has created a positive impact that is praised even among private schools.

NBJK sincerely thanks Feeding India for their generous support in making this vision a reality, nourishing the children and paving the way for a brighter, healthier future.

NBJK’s Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital Conducts 15 Free Eye Screening Camps in Jharkhand-Bihar

22 April 2025, Deoghar: In a major outreach initiative aimed at eliminating avoidable blindness, Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra’s (NBJK) Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital, Deoghar successfully conducted 15 free eye screening camps between 26 March and 21 April 2024 across Giridih, Jamui, and Bhagalpur districts of Jharkhand and Bihar.

During this period, the hospital’s Vision Center at Jamua (Giridih) played a crucial role in enhancing rural eye healthcare, operating for 19 working days and catering to underserved villages in the region.

The combined outreach efforts led to:

• 359 OPD consultations
• 118 patients diagnosed with cataract
• 190 individuals treated for refractive errors
• 80 people provided with spectacles
• 5 cases of pterygium identified
• 6 referrals made to the base hospital
• 26 patients provided with medicines

All patients diagnosed with cataract underwent free-of-cost surgeries at the base hospital. They were also provided with accommodation, meals, transportation, medicines, and follow-up care—ensuring comprehensive and compassionate eye care.

This impactful initiative was made possible with the generous support of Sightsavers India, Vision Foundation of India, Kotak Securities, and BHEL, who continue to champion the cause of preventing blindness and promoting vision health in rural and underserved communities.

NBJK remains committed to accessible, equitable, and quality eye care for all.

Public Felicitation Ceremony Held in Honor of Jamnalal Bajaj Awardee Shri Girija Satish

18 April 2025, Patna: A public felicitation ceremony was organized on April 18, 2025, at the premises of Bihar State Gandhi Smarak Nidhi in Kadamkuan, Patna, to honor Shri Girija Satish, a prominent Gandhian social worker and the recipient of the 46th Jamnalal Bajaj Award for the year 2024. Shri Satish is the Founder and Chairperson of Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) and currently serves as the National President of Lok Samiti, a non-political people’s organization established by Loknayak JayPrakash Narayan.

The prestigious award, presented by the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, Mumbai, on November 13, 2024, recognized Shri Girija Satish for his lifelong dedication to public and constructive work inspired by Gandhian principles. His recognition has brought immense pride and joy to Gandhian institutions, organizations, and social activists in Bihar and Jharkhand, leading to a series of felicitations across the region.

The Patna event was marked by the gracious presence of several eminent Gandhian leaders, civil society representatives, and citizens. Distinguished guests included:

• Shri Prabhakar Ji, President of Gram Nirman Mandal, Shekhodewra (Nawada) and Bihar State Gandhi Smarak Nidhi
• Shri Shubhmurti Ji, Vice-President of Gandhi Smarak Nidhi–Delhi and former President of Bihar Bhoodan Yagna Committee
• Shri Chandrabhushan Ji, President of Bihar Sarvodaya Mandal
• Shri Arvind Kumar, Pradhan Mantri of Gram Nirman Mandal
• Shri Mukhtarul Haque, Bihar State Coordinator of Bachpan Bachao Andolan
• Shri Ashok Kumar, Mantri of Nawada District Khadi and Village Industries Committee
• Shri Dinesh Singh, Senior Correspondent of Hindustan and noted activist associated with the farmers’ movement

During the ceremony, Shri Girija Satish was honored with garlands, shawls, and floral bouquets as a token of respect and admiration. Almost all speakers expressed their heartfelt congratulations and emphasized that the award is not just a personal achievement for Shri Satish but a collective pride for Bihar. They also extended wishes for his continued good health and long life in the service of society.

This celebration served as a reminder of the enduring relevance of Gandhian ideals and the power of grassroots leadership in bringing transformative change.

NBJK Schools Serve 7,894 Free Meals to Rural Students in 10 School Days with Support from Feeding India

16 April 2025, Chouparan (Hazaribagh): Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) is pleased to share that from 2nd April to 16th April 2025, its schools operating in Chouparan block of Hazaribagh district served 7,894 free breakfasts and the same number of lunches to their students. This initiative, generously supported by Feeding India, a Zomato Giveback initiative, continues to make a significant impact on the nutritional well-being and academic engagement of children from rural communities.

During this 15-day period, meals were distributed on 10 school days, reaching children in the following institutions:

• Amoli Apurva Middle School – Prajapat Nagar: 1,702 meals
• Amoli Apurva Middle School – Bahera: 2,170 meals
• Amoli Apurva High School – Mangarh: 2,198 meals
• Chandrakala Devi Daga High School – Kewaliya: 1,824 meals

Each school day, students received a wholesome breakfast of sprouted moong or gram with milk, followed by a nutritious lunch consisting of vegetables, pulses, and rice. The program not only ensures improved child nutrition but also plays a vital role in supporting families, especially in rural villages, by partially relieving them of the responsibility of providing daily meals.

This initiative has encouraged better attendance and attentiveness among students, while fostering a positive and joyful school environment. Parents, too, have been able to focus more on their children’s education, assured that their nutritional needs are being met.

NBJK extends heartfelt gratitude to Feeding India for their continued support in strengthening education through food security.

Empowering Farmers through Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Farmers Field Schools Established in Ranchi District

02 April 2025, Ranchi: Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), with financial support from HDFC Parivartan CSR, has established four Farmers Field Schools (FFS) under the Focused Rural Development Project (FRDP) in Chanho Block of Ranchi District. This initiative aims to equip local farmers with climate-resilient agricultural techniques and smart farming practices, enhancing their capacity to combat the adverse effects of global climate change.

The Farmers Field Schools, set up in Karkat, Chaliyo, Madhukam, and Lepsar, serve as centers for hands-on learning, where farmers receive training in advanced farming methods, including soil-less nurseries, trellis farming, intercropping with horticulture, drip irrigation with poly mulching, sprinkler irrigation, and the use of weather stations and polyline ponds. These innovations are designed to improve productivity and sustainability, particularly for small landholders.

Each FFS was established on a one-acre plot of land, secured through an agreement with the landowner in the presence of villagers and village development committee members. These schools function as knowledge-sharing platforms where progressive farmers and agricultural experts impart technical and conventional farming knowledge in a language that local farmers understand. One of the key aspects of the initiative is the promotion of the Integrated Farming System, which helps farmers diversify their agricultural activities, increase their income, and build resilience against climate-related uncertainties.

Since their inception, the Farmers Field Schools have benefited approximately 5,000 small and marginal farmers, enhancing their skills and enabling them to adopt sustainable agricultural practices. By providing real-time weather information and access to modern farming technologies, these schools empower farmers to make informed decisions and secure their livelihoods against unpredictable climate conditions.

Farmers Field Schools stand as a crucial step toward transforming agriculture in rural communities, fostering self-reliance, and ensuring food security through climate-adaptive farming. NBJK remains committed to strengthening the rural economy by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that can withstand the challenges of climate change.

NBJK Provides 8,619 Breakfasts and Lunches to Students in Chouparan

01 April 2025, Chouparan, Hazaribagh: In a significant step towards ensuring child nutrition and well-being, Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) successfully provided 8,619 breakfasts and an equal number of lunches between 18 to 29 March 2025. This initiative benefited an average of 784 students daily across four NBJK-run schools in Chouparan block:

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

This intervention was made possible through the generous support of Feeding India, a Zomato Giveback initiative. The students received sprouted gram or moong with milk as their breakfast, while lunch included a nutritious meal of rice, pulses, vegetables, and khichdi-chokha on Saturdays.

NBJK has implemented strict hygiene and sanitation measures in the preparation and serving of meals to ensure the well-being of children. This initiative has also significantly reduced the burden on parents, particularly mothers, as their children receive nutritious meals at school. Additionally, it fosters a sense of equality and community spirit among students.

Speaking about the program, NBJK’s Manager, Mr. Birendra Sinha, emphasized the social impact of this initiative: “Providing nutritious food in schools not only enhances children’s health and learning ability but also instills a sense of togetherness and equality among them.”

NBJK remains committed to enhancing the health, education, and overall development of children through such impactful initiatives.