1130 Students of NBJK-Run Schools to Receive Free Breakfast and Lunch

18 November 2024, Chouparan (Hazaribagh): Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) has extended its Feeding India: A Zomato Giveback program to three additional schools in the Chouparan block of Hazaribagh district. The initiative, previously implemented only at Amoli Apurva Middle School, Bahera, will now benefit students at:

1. Amoli Apurva Primary School, Prajapat Nagar
2. Amoli Apurva High School, Mangarh
3. Chandrakala Devi Daga High School, Kewalia

This expansion will ensure nutritious meals for 1130 students, including 565 girls, across four schools. The meals include:

• Breakfast: Sprouted gram, green gram, and milk
• Lunch: Rice, pulses, and vegetables

The initiative targets children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with around 25% of students (80% of them girls) availing freeships. NBJK also provides an affordable fee structure to make quality education accessible to rural children.

Parents have expressed relief as their children, particularly daughters, now receive wholesome meals at school. This initiative not only addresses nutrition but also encourages regular school attendance.

NBJK extends its heartfelt gratitude to Feeding India: A Zomato Giveback for their invaluable support in fostering child-friendly, inclusive education environments.

Mr. Girija Satish Honored with the Jamnalal Bajaj Award

14 November 2024, Mumbai: Yesterday at The Royal Opera House in Girgaon, Mumbai, the founder and president of Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), Mr. Girija Nandan Girija Satish, was honored with the prestigious Jamnalal Bajaj Award for his outstanding contributions to constructive social work. The award ceremony, organized by the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, was presided over by chief guest Dr. Abhay Bang. The award included a trophy, a citation, and a cash prize of INR 20 lakh. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Girija Satish expressed his gratitude, saying that this prestigious award belongs to all the founding members, executive-general body members, staffs, and donors of NBJK, whose support has helped bring positive changes to the lives of millions of poor, marginalized, and needy individuals in society.

Mr. Satish conveyed his thanks to the Jamnalal Bajaj Award Committee, calling the honor a symbol of commitment to Gandhian values. He also voiced his concern about the narrow nationalism, communalism, and racism underlying wars that claim innocent lives across the world, stating that these issues could be resolved through Gandhiji’s principles of Sarvodaya and peaceful methods. Mr. Satish urged the government to implement a nationwide prohibition on alcohol and narcotics, even at the cost of economic loss, to build an ethical and developed nation free from heinous crimes like violence, murder, female abuse, and rape.

As the recipient of the 46th Jamnalal Bajaj Award 2024, Mr. Girija Satish shared his experiences in development work, emphasizing that rather than applying a model development plan across the country or a state, it is more effective and economical to address the needs of individuals or families directly. Alongside him, Ms. Rashmi Bharti, founder of the Avani Society in Uttarakhand, was honored for promoting science and technology in rural development; Dr. Tulsi Munda from Odisha was recognized for her work in women and child development; and Reverend Eric Kumedisa from the Gandhian Monk Community in Congo was honored for promoting Gandhian values abroad.

The chief guest, Dr. Abhay Bang, and the awardees were welcomed by the president of the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, Mr. Shekhar Bajaj. The event was hosted by the foundation’s honorary director, Mrs. Meenal Bajaj. Also present on stage were Dr. R.A. Mashelkar, chairman of the advisory council, selection committee heads Mr. Sudarshan Iyengar, Dr. Anil Gupta, Dr. Firoza Godrej, and Ms. Anu Aga. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the foundation’s trustee, Mr. Madhur Bajaj.

Empowering Young Minds with Nutritious Meals!

11 November 2024, Chouparan (Hazaribagh): We are thrilled to announce that under the Feeding India initiative by Zomato Giveback, free, nutritious breakfast and lunch will now be provided to students at Amoli Apurva Primary School (Prajapat Nagar), Amoli Apurva High School (Mangarh), and Chandrakala Devi Daga High School (Kewaliya)!

This expansion means an additional 900 children, beyond the 235 students at Amoli Apurva Middle School (Bahera), will enjoy healthy breakfasts of sprouted gram with milk and daily lunches of rice, pulses, and vegetables.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Feeding India for making a lasting difference in the lives of these children of Chouparan block of Hazaribagh district. Together, we’re building a healthier future!

#FeedingIndia #ZomatoGiveback #NBJK #NutritiousMeals #BetterEducation #ChildNutrition #SchoolMeals #AmoliApurvaSchools #ChandrakalaDeviDagaHighSchool

NBJK Drives Health, Hygiene, Environment, and Disability Initiatives Across Jharkhand and Bihar

05 November 2024, Jharkhand/Bihar: Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) is making a significant impact on communities across Jharkhand and Bihar with dedicated programs in health care, sanitation, and disability support, touching countless lives and promoting sustainable change.

Comprehensive Eye Care Services: NBJK operates four eye hospitals with a total of 260 beds, 24 vision centers, and has conducted 1,274 eye camps. In 2023-24 alone, the organization recorded 1,49,745 OPD visits, performed 24,750 cataract surgeries—85% of which were free—and provided 39,410 spectacles. NBJK’s commitment extends to 1,408 other surgeries, 70,159 refractions, and broad accessibility for patients across rural areas.

Mobile Medical Unit Outreach: Through 440 outreach camps in 20 villages, NBJK’s Mobile Medical Unit delivered 5,288 consultations, addressing common ailments like fever, anemia, diabetes, and joint pain. This mobile approach ensures that basic medical services are accessible to underserved populations.

Sanitation & Hygiene Initiatives: NBJK has taken bold steps to improve sanitation. Safe drinking water has reached 3,058 households, 50 tons of garbage have been cleared, and waste materials have been transformed into 825 metric tons of Vermi Compost and 370 metric tons of Green Millboard, promoting eco-friendly practices and agricultural enhancement.

Menstrual Health Awareness: In promoting menstrual health, NBJK has trained 2,500 women and girls, with 2,107 adopting improved hygienic practices. This initiative helps address a critical need for education and empowerment among women in rural areas.

Disability Support Program: With a commitment to inclusivity, NBJK has aided 5,000 individuals with disabilities, including vocational training for 872 participants, of whom 444 found employment. The program has facilitated 1,525 UDID enrollments, conducted 594 hospital assessments, supported 63 clubfoot surgeries, distributed 309 assistive devices, and secured 750 linkages to government schemes, ensuring comprehensive support.

These initiatives exemplify NBJK’s dedication to fostering health, environmental care, and inclusion, building resilient communities for a brighter future.

Together, NBJK is working towards a healthier, inclusive future in Jharkhand and Bihar.

Differently-Abled Trainees Celebrate Diwali!!

01 November 2024, Hazaribagh: With support from Cheshire Disability Trust and Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, differently-abled trainees at the Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra’s employment training center in Amrit Nagar celebrated Diwali with enthusiasm. NBJK President Mr. Girija Satish and Secretary Mr. Satish Girija joined the festivities, sharing sweets and lighting sparklers with the trainees.

This free of cost residential training program, conducted by the organization, offers a one-month course in basic computer skills and DTP to differently-abled youth and assists with their job placement. This special employment training program, which began in Hazaribagh in August, is now in its third batch, with a total of 42 trainees trained so far. A similar program in Ranchi has already benefited 28 trainees.

Mr. Ajay Kumar, the program coordinator, shared that the goal for the current financial year is to train 200 differently-abled youth and connect at least 140 with employment, a target they are actively working to achieve. He said that enrollment process for this course is going on and any differently-abled youth can get admission at NBJK Hazaribagh or Ranchi very easily.

Women Receive Training in Sewing and Entrepreneurship Skills

30 October 2024, Hazaribagh: The nine-day residential training program on sewing and entrepreneurship for 22 rural women from Sadar, Ichak, Daru, Katkamsandi, and Katkamdag blocks of Hazaribagh district has been concluded on 29th October at Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra’s Amrit Nagar based coordination office. This program, organized under the Usha Silai School initiative by Usha International Ltd. and NBJK, with support from WestBridge Capital, offered participants hands-on training on various aspects of sewing. They learned how to set up sewing machine parts, fix minor technical issues, and practiced designing, cutting, and stitching popular garments on machines. Additionally, the training introduced basic life skills and essential business knowledge to enhance their professional understanding.

Addressing the women at the closing ceremony, NBJK President Mr. Girija Satish emphasized the importance of sewing skills, highlighting that this knowledge empowers women to pursue self-employment and achieve economic independence. Mr. Felix Tirkey, State Program Officer of Usha International, expressed hope that these trainees will establish Usha Silai Schools at home, teach sewing to others, and generate income through tailoring. Each woman received a certificate, a new sewing machine, a signage board, a syllabus guide, and a service manual upon completing the training. Program Coordinator Mr. Shailesh Kumar played an essential role in organizing this initiative.

Lok Samiti Stands with Sarva Seva Sangh: Fast & Satyagraha for Justice

29 October 2024, Patna: In protest against the demolition of Sarva Seva Sangh complex and Sarva Seva Sangh Prakashan properties at Rajghat, Varanasi by the Railways and local administration, Bihar Pradesh Lok Samiti organized a one-day fast and Satyagraha on 27th October, the 47th day of the Gandhian organizations’ 100-day Satyagraha at Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, Congress Maidan, Kadamkuan, Patna.

The event was attended by National Lok Samiti President Mr. Girija Satish, Coordinator Mr. Kaushal Ganesh Azad, Secretary Mr. Chandrabhushan, Bihar Pradesh Lok Samiti General Secretary Mr. Shivji Singh, Gram Nirman Mandal President Mr. Prabhakar Kumar, and members of Bihar Pradesh Mahila Lok Samiti, including Mrs. Putul Kumari and Mrs. Meena Devi, among many senior activists.

Meanwhile, in Varanasi, Mr. Bhupendra Tripathi, President of Lok Samiti’s Madhya Pradesh unit, along with Coordinator Mr. Chandrashekhar, Sarvodaya activist Mr. Sampat Namdev, and Mr. Hirish, participated in the fast and Satyagraha. It is noteworthy that in 1960, with the inspiration of Saint Vinoba and the support of then-Railway Minister Mr. Lal Bahadur Shastri, Sarva Seva Sangh Prakashan was established in Varanasi and has played a significant role in promoting Gandhian literature.

Tagore House Wins the Inter-House Basketball Tournament!

28 October 2024, Hazaribagh: The girls’ inter-house basketball tournament at Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School, Bahera (Chouparan, Hazaribagh), managed by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra, concluded with Tagore House emerging as champions! All four houses—Gandhi, JP, Subhash, and Tagore—played with high spirit. After an intense series of matches, Tagore House clinched the title by defeating Subhash House 10–4 in the finals on 25 October.

Principal Ms. Reena Pandey kicked off the final match with a ceremonial toss. In a thrilling game, Nikita Kumari from Subhash House showed excellent skill, but Tagore House’s players, led by stars Kumkum Bharti and Sakshi Kumari, made a powerful comeback to secure victory. Kumkum Bharti’s remarkable play earned her the title of Player of the Tournament.

Congratulations to all players, including Honey Singh, Aradhya Sharma, and others, for their teamwork and sportsmanship! A special thanks to our physical education teachers and the organizing team for their invaluable support. Principal Reena Pandey praised the girls for excelling in both academics and sports, awarding medals and offering her blessings for their future.

Feeding India Team’s Visit to Schools Operated by NBJK

24 October 2024, Hazaribagh: The team from Feeding India visited Amoli Apurva Middle School, Bahera, operated by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra in Chouparan block, on 22nd October to inspect the free breakfast and lunch distribution program for children. It is worth noting that since 2nd September, under the Feeding India – A Zomato Giveback Initiative, 235 students of this school have been provided breakfast in the morning consisting of sprouted chickpeas or mung beans with milk, and lunch in the afternoon with pulse, rice, and green vegetables.

Ms. Iya Khandelwal, Head of the Eastern Region of Feeding India, and Mr. S. Dev, Associate Program Manager, visited the school with NBJK Secretary Mr. Satish Girija. They observed the breakfast distribution process, cleanliness, and visited each classroom to interact with the students regarding their experience with the meals and studies. They also visited Bahera Ashram to observe the preparation of the meals and inspected the hygiene standards.

The officials from Feeding India personally distributed meals to the children and expressed their satisfaction after reviewing the entire system. They also visited Chandrakala Devi Daga High School, Kewaliya, Amoli Apurva Primary School, Prajapat Nagar, and Amoli Apurva High School, Mangarh, where they interacted with the children and teachers. Mr. Virendra Sinha, Manager of Bahera Ashram, informed that NBJK has requested the Feeding India team to extend the breakfast and lunch program to these schools as well.

Empowering Women through Usha Silai School Training!

21 October 2024, Ranchi: A 9-day residential training for Usha Silai School Teachers started on 16th October 2024 at NBJK’s Ranchi branch, supported by Usha International Ltd. 15 enthusiastic women from Lohardaga district are learning essential tailoring skills, sewing machine repair, and garment making.

The training aims to equip them with the tools and knowledge to start their own Usha Silai Schools, empowering them to teach neighborhood girls and provide tailoring services.

Upon completion, they’ll receive a new Usha sewing machine, a signage board, and more!

#EmpowerWomen #UshaSilaiSchool #SkillDevelopment #TailoringTraining #NBJK #WomenEmpowerment #UshaInternational