Building Careers and Curing Blindness: LNJP Paramedical Institute’s Path to Success

24 Septemer 2024, Hazaribagh: India, with 15 million people living in blindness, accounts for a quarter of the global blind population. The surprising fact is that 85% of blindness cases are treatable if diagnosed early. However, rural India faces a significant shortage of eye doctors, with only 20,000 ophthalmologists in the country, 75% of whom reside in urban areas. Diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, which are the main causes of blindness, go untreated in rural areas due to a lack of accessible care.

Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) established Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Eye Hospital in 2005, addressing this critical need. Operating in Jharkhand and Bihar, the hospital treats around 2.5 lakh patients annually and performs 25,000–30,000 cataract surgeries each year, offering hope to those in need.

Recognizing the increasing demand for eye care, NBJK launched the LNJP Paramedical Institute in 2019. This institute, affiliated with the Jharkhand State Paramedical Association-Govt. of Jharkhand, provides a two-year Diploma in Ophthalmic Assistant course. Each year, 40 students, including 20 sponsored by CMPDI, Ranchi (A Mini Ratna Company of Govt. of India), are trained in eye care, with a focus on girls from poor and backward communities.

The comprehensive course covers theoretical knowledge, hands-on training with advanced ophthalmic equipment, and patient care skills. The students gain the expertise by working in LNJP Eye Hospital and dealing with patients in eye screening camps in villages. Their placement rate is 100%. They find employment with well-known companies like Lenskart, Titan Eyeplus, Eye Hospitals, Nursing Homes or start their own ventures, earning Rs. 20-25,000 monthly.

This initiative not only offers respectable employment opportunities for youth but also significantly improves eye care accessibility in rural areas. Through LNJP Paramedical Institute, young individuals are transforming communities by bringing essential eye health services to the doorstep.

Free Cataract Surgeries & Eye Care at Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital!

18 September 2024, Deoghar: During the period of 9th August to 16th September 2024, NBJK’s Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital, Deoghar has organized 42 screening camps in the remote villages of 12 blocks including Deoghar Sadar, Mohanpur, Karon, Madhupur, Giridih Sadar, Jamua, Dhanwar, Sono, Khaira, Chakai, Katoria and Chadan under Deoghar, Giridih, Jamui and Banka districts of Jharkhand-Bihar.

These screening camps have ensured 925 OPD, identified 367 patients of Cataract, 216 patients of Refractive Error, 17 patients of Pterygium and 30 cases of other ophthalmic problems. Besides this, 171 patients have been referred to the base hospital for better treatment and 114 eye patients have got medicines during these camps. Most importantly all Cataract patients have received their surgery free of cost with transportation, food, stay and a comprehensive eye care before and after their surgery.

This initiative of Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital was supported by Sightsavers India, Vision Foundation of India, Nippon LifeIndia Asset Management Ltd., Westbridge Capital, Herbalife International India Ltd.and Netram Eye Foundation. We are thankful to these institutions for their kind support and trust.

Zomato Supports Breakfast & Lunch for Children at Amoli Apurva Middle School

06 September 2024, Bahera (Hazaribagh): Feeding India, a Zomato Giveback initiative, is now supporting the children of NBJK’s Amoli Apurva Middle School in Bahera (Chouparan, Hazaribagh) with nutritious meals. This initiative ensures that 235 students, who come from economically weaker sections, receive sprouted gram or moong with 100g of milk for breakfast and a wholesome lunch consisting of rice, pulses, and green vegetables—free of cost on all school days.

The school, which enrolls children from Class I to VIII across six nearby villages, offers education to 80 children under a freeship program, with school fees as low as ₹20-₹30. This initiative, with CSR support from Zomato, aims to improve nutrition and education for these children.

The program’s opening ceremony took place on September 2, 2024, with NBJK-Bahera’s Manager, Mr. Virendra Sinha, and Principal Mr. Premchand Ram, along with teachers, expressing joy for this much-needed support.

NBJK’s Program Manager, Mr. Gandharv Gaurav, extended heartfelt thanks to Zomato for their financial assistance, helping to make a difference in the lives of these children.

#ZomatoGiveBack #FeedingIndia #NBJK #CSR #EducationForAll

Inter House Football Tournament at SPBPS!

29-30 August 2024, Hazaribagh: In celebration of National Sports Day, NBJK’s Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School, Bahera (Chouparan, Hazaribagh), organized an exciting Inter House Football Tournament among its four houses: Gandhi, JP, Subhash, and Tagore. The event kicked off on August 29th, marking the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.

The initial matches saw Gandhi House narrowly defeating JP House 2-1, while Tagore House triumphed over Subhash House with a 1-0 win. The thrilling final showdown between Gandhi and Tagore Houses had the audience on edge as Gandhi House emerged victorious, winning the title with a 3-2 scoreline.

The event was inaugurated by Principal Ms. Rina Pandey, who paid tribute to Major Dhyan Chand and officially launched the tournament. After the final match, she distributed awards to the outstanding players, including Sushant, Sumit, Sudhanshu, Adarsh, and Aryan. She praised all the participants, emphasizing the importance of sports in building physical and mental strength.

The event was supported by several dedicated teachers, including Mr. Rakesh Ranjan (Sports Teacher), Mr. Ashutosh Kumar, and Mr. Umesh Lal Bhagat, who ensured its success.

#NationalSportsDay #SPBPSSports #FootballTournament #MajorDhyanChand

Empowering Education: Bicycle Distribution for School Girls

21 August 2024, Hazaribagh: In a significant initiative at Oriya Village Durga Mandap Ground (Hazaribagh), organized by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) and supported by Australian Aid, bicycles were distributed to 160 schoolgirls. This effort included students from Birsa Public School-Devkuli (Ichak), Roshni Dhruv High School-Churchu, Gyan Darshan School-Gurhet, and Amritnagar High School-Amritnagar.

The program, sponsored by the Australian Consulate-General in Kolkata, aimed to reduce the dropout rate among schoolgirls by addressing their transportation challenges. Although Hazaribagh Deputy Commissioner Mrs. Nancy Sahay couldn’t attend due to prior engagements, Mr. Lokesh Warangi, a trainee IAS officer, stepped in as her representative to distribute the bicycles. He emphasized the positive impact this initiative will have on the girls’ education and encouraged them to continue their studies.

NBJK President Mr. Girija Satish presented a memento to the chief guest and Secretary Mr. Satish Girija highlighted NBJK’s work in education, health, and livelihood promotion across Jharkhand and Bihar. The event also saw enthusiastic feedback from the girls, who expressed how the bicycles would save time, reduce fatigue, and help them focus more on their studies. Local Mukhiya Mrs. Rekha Devi and Sarpanch Mr. Ashok Yadav were present in the event and commended the program.

Inspiring Visit by SBICAPS Leadership!

20 August 2024, Deoghar: Mr. Krishnan Kutty (SVP & CFO, SBICAPS) and Mr. Roshan Negi (CSR Head, SBICAPS) recently visited the villages served by NBJK’s Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital, Deoghar.

They met children whose eyesight was restored through cataract surgeries made possible by SBICAPS’ support. Their contribution also led to the establishment of a Pediatric Cataract Department and a Glaucoma Unit at the hospital.

Mr. Anand Abhinav, Program Director, NBJK, accompanied them on this heartwarming visit. Thank you, SBICAPS, for your unwavering commitment to transforming lives through sight!

#EyeCare #CSR #SightRestoration #SBICAPS #NBJK #VimlaRamkrishnaBajajEyeHospital

NBJK Celebrates India’s 78th Independence Day

15 August 2024, Hazaribagh: Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) marked India’s 78th Independence Day with fervor at their Coordination Office in Amritnagar, Hazaribagh. The event began with the flag hoisting by President Mr. Girija Satish, who emphasized the need to address social evils and superstitions, despite progress in resolving economic issues. He criticized the selfish policies of rich nations for ongoing wars, affecting common people the most. Drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Swarajya, he urged the adoption of a natural lifestyle and the prohibition of liquor and drugs.

NBJK Secretary Mr. Satish Girija honored the martyrs and stressed the importance of gender equality, respect for women, improved irrigation, profitable farming, and youth employment. He highlighted NBJK’s efforts to bridge these gaps through various programs and urged the government to focus on empowering marginalized communities by enforcing laws related to disabled individuals and mental health.

Program Director Mr. Gandharva Gaurav underscored the significance of scientific thinking and the role of youth in driving India’s development. The celebration was attended by several key officials, making it a memorable tribute to India’s independence.

#India #IndependenceDay #SocialEvils #Prohibition #Martyrs #ProfitableFarming #Employment #Youth

Legal Services Awareness Camp at NBJK

12 August 2024, Hazaribagh: A Legal Services Awareness Camp was held at NBJK Coordination Office, Amritnagar, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Hazaribagh. The camp focused on supporting children affected by drug addiction and disabilities.

DLSA Secretary and Civil Judge, Mr. Gaurav Khurana, emphasized the alarming rise in drug addiction among children and teenagers, urging parents to stay vigilant and involved in their children’s lives. He highlighted the monthly camps organized by DLSA at Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College Hospital, Hazaribagh, to provide essential services for Children with Disabilities.

NBJK Secretary, Mr. Satish Girija, welcomed the DLSA officials and stressed the importance of public awareness about key legal provisions. Advocates Mr. Gaurav Sahay and Mr. Saurabh Anand discussed the growing drug trade in Hazaribagh and the critical role of laws like NDPS and POCSO in protecting children.

The event, attended by 60 participants, was a significant step towards combating drug abuse and supporting vulnerable children in the community. Special thanks to the dedicated NBJK team for their contributions in making this camp a success. #LegalAwareness #NBJK #DLSA #ChildProtection #CommunitySupport

Jamnalal Bajaj Award to Mr. Girija Nandan “Girija Satish”

10 August 2024, Hazaribagh: The president of Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), Mr. Girija Nandan “Girija Satish” will be honored with prestigious Jamnalal Bajaj Award for the year 2024 in the category of Constructive Work. On behalf of the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, Mumbai, Dr. R. A. Mashelkar (Chairman, Council of Advisers) and Mr. Shekhar Bajaj (Chairman, Board of Trustees) have congratulated Mr. Girija Satish and informed that he has been selected for this award.

It’s noteworthy that in the year 1977, Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation was established in the memory of a renowned Indian industrialist late Jamnalal Bajaj Jee, who was also a close associate & like a son of Mahatma Gandhi and every year the Foundation felicitates the deserving individuals with three National Awards as for Constructive Work, for Application of Science & Technology for Rural Development and for Development & Welfare of Women-Children including an International Award for Promoting Gandhian Values Outside India.

These awards go to such men and women involved at the grassroots level who are committed to inclusive development working in line with Mahatma Gandhi’s constructive work program and who have taken a vow to selflessly serve the people, their community and nation, at large. Each award carries a Citation, a Trophy and a Cash Prize of Rs. 20,00,000. As the birth anniversary of late Jamnalal Bajaj Jee is November 4 and hence the Awards function will be organized around that time of the year in Mumbai.

It is a matter of pride for Jharkhand that Gandhian Karmayogi Mr. Girija Satish, who has been continuously engaged in inclusive constructive development work at the grassroots level for almost five decades through Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra, has been selected for the Jamnalal Bajaj Award. Mr. Girija Satish is also the national president of Lok Samiti, a non-political mass organization founded by Loknayak Jayaprakash.

Eye Screening Camps by Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital, Deoghar

08 August 2024, Deoghar: During one month period from first week of July to first week of August 2024, NBJK run Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital, Deoghar has organized 33 eye screening camps at the villages in Deoghar Sadar, Mohanpur, Jamua, Bengabad, Khaira blocks of Deoghar, Giridih and Jamui districts of Jharkhand-Bihar.

These screening camps have ensured eye checkup for 692 patients belong to remote areas lacking eye healthcare service. Through these camps, 245 patients have been detected with Cataract, 262 with Refractive Error and 03 with Pterygium while 63 have received medicines and 106 eye patients were referred to the base hospital for better treatment. All Cataract suffering patients have got free surgery, pre-post medical care, black glasses, medicines and transportation facilities for restoration of their vision.

Such regular initiative by VRBEH is quite helpful to eradicate avoidable blindness across rural pockets where people lack awareness, eye healthcare services and forced to be preys of blind making circumstances.

#VimlaRamkrishnaBajajEyeHospital #ScreeningCamps #NetraVasant #SightsaversIndia #CataractSurgery #VisionRestoration #OasisMedicalEyeCamp