Seminar on “Memories of Emergency” in Hazaribagh

26 June 2023, Hazaribagh: Today, a thought-provoking seminar on “Memories of Emergency” took place at the Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra Coordination Office, Amritnagar, organized by the Hazaribagh District Lok Samiti. This event held great significance as it marked the 48th anniversary of the imposition of the 21-month emergency in India on June 25, 1975.

During the seminar, esteemed speakers shared their insights and experiences. Mr. Girija Satish, the National President of Lok Samiti, highlighted the undemocratic nature of the emergency and stressed the need to continuously strengthen democracy. He emphasized the importance of public awareness to combat the misuse of government machinery.

Former MLA Gautam Sagar Rana, a key figure in the anti-Emergency movement in Hazaribagh, discussed the challenges faced by democracy in the present era, with rising costs of elections, the influence of capitalism, and social divisions. He urged everyone to take a stand against such injustices.

Other speakers addressed various aspects related to the emergency and its aftermath. They expressed concerns about the behavior of public servants, growing communal sentiments, the need for change through democratic means, and the importance of corruption-free governance. The seminar also shed light on the role of youth activists, emphasizing non-violence and Gandhian ideology as powerful tools for social change.

A significant moment during the seminar was when Mr. Swaroop Chand Jain, a senior advocate who himself defended the agitators during the emergency, presented the book “The Inside Story of Emergency” by Late Kuldip Nayyar to Mr. Girija Satish. Mr. Jain emphasized the significance of decentralization of power in a democracy.

The seminar served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals during the emergency and the importance of safeguarding democracy. It urged citizens to actively participate in shaping a better future for our nation.

NBJK run Family Counseling Center’s Sub-committee Meeting Concluded

24 June 2023, Hazaribagh: The Family Counseling Center by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), with support from the Central Social Welfare Board and the Jharkhand State Social Welfare Board, has successfully concluded its Sub-committee meeting. The meeting, held at the NBJK meeting hall, aimed to know the progress of FCC’s work as well as to enhance its efficiency.

Mr. Satish Girija, Secretary of NBJK, presided over the meeting and pointed out about the rising cases of cheating and misleading girls in love affairs, focusing on preventive measures and counseling sessions for youth, particularly college students. He emphasized the need for proactive initiatives to combat such issues. Present at the sub-committee meeting were esteemed members including Mrs. Sheela Kumari (Secretary, Stri Shakti), Mrs. Sharda Devi (Sashakt Nari Utthan), Advocates Mrs. Poonam Gupta, Mr. Anuj Kumar Rai, Mr. Chandan Kumar, and the dedicated Counselors, Mrs. Meera Gupta and Dr. Sanjay Kumar.

During the meeting, Counselor Mrs. Meera Gupta presented the progress report of the Family Counseling Center for the period from April to June 2023. The report highlighted that a total of 34 cases were registered at the center, encompassing various issues such as husband-wife disputes (15), family discord caused by alcohol (7), second marriage (4), disputes between son and daughter-in-law (4), land disputes (1), dowry-related issues (1), and disputes between mother/father-in-law (1) and neighbors (1). Encouragingly, 22 of these family disputes were successfully resolved through mutual consent.

Mrs. Meera Gupta further informed the sub-committee members that the FCC is planning to organize awareness dialogues specifically tailored for college female students, focusing on equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of modern relationships.

NBJK remains committed to promoting harmonious family relationships and societal well-being through its Family Counseling Center. By addressing the prevailing challenges and empowering individuals with guidance and support, the organization strives to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all.

Training on Accessibility Audit to Eye Health Services

20 June 2023, Hazaribagh: We are thrilled to share about a recent training conducted under the Inclusive Eye Health Programme by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra in collaboration with Sightsavers. The training, held at Jan Vikas Kendra in Zulu Park, Hazaribagh, aimed to sensitize 20 key stakeholders on access to eye healthcare and the importance of a barrier-free environment.

During the training, participants from the Inclusive Education Department, District Social Welfare Department, Hospitals, and Vision Centers actively engaged in discussions. Their valuable insights and dedication are crucial for fostering inclusive eye health services in the region.

We are grateful to Mr. Jyoti Prasanna, the master trainer from Bhubaneswar, for his significant contribution in imparting training. His expertise and commitment have undoubtedly made a lasting impact.

The presence of esteemed guests added immense value to the training program. We were honored to have the DEO In-charge of Inclusive Education as the Chief Guest, along with personnel from LNJP Eye Hospital (Bahera), Sadar Hospital, and Barkattha-Keredari-Churchu Vision Centers. Their support and collaboration are instrumental in advancing eye health initiatives in the area.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Kirti Rawat, District Manager of the Inclusive Eye Health Program, for his exceptional coordination and leadership. His efforts ensured a seamless and productive training experience for all participants.

At Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra and Sightsavers, we firmly believe that access to quality eye healthcare should be a fundamental right for all individuals. By fostering inclusivity and removing barriers, we strive to create a world where everyone has equal opportunities for a healthy vision.

The Teacher & the Students of RCC Pabra Get Honoured

16 June 2023, Pabra (Hazaribagh): Md. Farukh, the teacher and his students at Remedial Coaching Center, Pabra have been felicitated by NBJK for their remarkable performance in class X board exam by Jharkhand Academic Council, Ranchi.

Pabra RCC in Katkamsandi block (Hazaribagh) is one among 17 RCCs being run by NBJK under AVI supported Girls’ Education programme across Sadar, Katkamsandi, Katkamdag blocks of Hazaribagh district and its five students have secured their place in the list of Top Ten among RCCs. Ria Raj is the highest scorer with 94% marks and followed by Kalpna Kumari, Riya Kumari, Mateshwari Kumari and Sunaina Kumari as all above 92%.

Mr. Abhay Kumar (Programme Supervisor) visited RCC Pabra and commended the success it achieved. He praised the teacher & the students for their dedicated study plan. The girl students have appreciated their teacher Md. Farukh for making study materials easy to understand. Topper Ria Raj wants to be an engineer. She shared her learning experiences with juniors and encouraged them to study regularly.

It’s noteworthy that total 230 girls have appeared for board exam from these RCCs and 184 girls or 80% students could secure first division.

Drishti Kendra, a Vision Center, Inaugurated in Jasidih to Provide Eye Care Services to the Community

09  June  2023, Jasidih(Deoghar, Jharkhand): A new milestone in eye healthcare services was achieved today with the inauguration of Drishti Kendra, a Vision Center, in Jasidih, a satellite town of Deoghar, Jharkhand. The center, operated by the Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital (VRBEH) under the auspices of NBJK, aims to address the lack of accessible eye care services in the area.

The grand opening ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Dr. Yugal Kishor Choudhary, the Civil Surgeon of Deoghar district, who welcomed this commendable initiative. Expressing his appreciation, Dr. Choudhary acknowledged the pressing need for eye healthcare in the region and anticipated significant benefits for the local community.

Mr. Anand Abhinav, Program Director of NBJK, extended a warm welcome to the chief guest and other attendees. He emphasized the organization’s commitment to ensuring convenient eye care services for the general public. Notably, the Drishti Kendra has received support from the Seva Foundation, USA. As an initial step, all patients visiting the center will be provided with free eye checkups and glasses frames.

Additionally, Mr. Abhinav outlined the center’s commitment to assisting financially disadvantaged individuals. For those suffering from cataracts or other eye conditions requiring surgery, VRBEH will offer treatment either free of charge or at subsidized rates. To further extend their reach, competent staff members from the Drishti Kendra will also visit households to provide doorstep eye checkup facilities.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence and active participation of Mr. Jitendra Kumar, Manager at VRBEH, Mr. Abhishek Anand from the Marketing team, and other dedicated individuals who contributed to the success of the event.

The establishment of Drishti Kendra marks a significant step towards enhancing eye healthcare accessibility in Jasidih and its surrounding areas. With its comprehensive range of services, including free checkups, subsidized surgeries, and convenient home visits, the center aims to empower the community by ensuring good vision for all.

From Darkness to Light: The Mahto Brothers’ Journey

05 June 2023, Giridih: In the village of Dhurgadgi, Jharkhand, Shri Nirpat Mahto and Shri Bandhan Mahto, two elderly brothers relying on agriculture, faced cataracts that robbed them of their vision and livelihood. However, a screening camp organized by Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital (VRBEH)-Deoghar, in their locality sponsored by Naraindas Morbai Budhrani Trust, offered them hope and a path towards recovery.

At the camp, Nirpat and Bandhan received the diagnosis of cataracts, prompting their families to consent to their surgeries at VRBEH-Deoghar, sponsored by NMBT. The skilled medical team successfully removed the cataracts, restoring the brothers’ eyesight and empowering them with newfound freedom.

Reclaiming Independence: With clear vision once again, Nirpat and Bandhan emerged from the hospital with renewed confidence, thanks to the surgeries sponsored by NMBT. They joyfully resumed their responsibilities in agriculture and animal husbandry, feeling unburdened by their former blindness.

The brothers’ remarkable journey, supported by NMBT, spread hope throughout the village, inspiring others with vision impairments to seek help. The success of their surgeries at VRBEH-Deoghar, made possible with the support of NMBT, became a beacon of possibility, ensuring a brighter future for those living with visual impairments.

Shri Nirpat Mahto and Shri Bandhan Mahto’s transformation from darkness to light highlights the life-changing impact of accessible healthcare. Thanks to the screening camp and the expertise of VRBEH-Deoghar’s medical team, the brothers regained their sight, independence, and ability to contribute to their community. Their story serves as a testament to the power of compassion and medical expertise, as well as the generosity of Naraindas Morbai Budhrani Trust, in restoring hope and transforming lives.

VRBEH Making a Difference in Eye Care: May 2023 Recap

31 May 2023, Deoghar-Giridih-Jamui (Jharkhand & Bihar): We are thrilled to share the impactful work conducted by NBJK run Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital (VRBEH) in Deoghar. Throughout the month of May 2023, we organized 30 eye screening events across Bengabad, Jamua, and Birni blocks in Giridih district, as well as Sono and Khaira blocks in Jamui district of Jharkhand and Bihar.

As part of our commitment to the community, SightSavers supported & VRBEH-associated Vision Centre in Bengabad (Giridih), has played a pivotal role in our outreach efforts. Through Netra Vasant – Rural Eye Health programme, the Vision Centre successfully conducted 10 screening camps in remote villages of Jamua and Birni blocks as well as provided specialized eye care services to individuals on remaining days at the centre itself.

In the villages of Sono and Khaira blocks in Jamui district, our dedicated medical team embarked on a door-to-door eye screening campaign. This intensive effort allowed us to identify several cataract patients who urgently required our attention.

Our combined efforts resulted in 406 outpatient department (OPD) visits. During these visits, we identified 91 patients with refractive errors, 157 individuals with cataracts, and 6 cases of pterygium. Additionally, we provided follow-up services to 5 elderly patients and distributed required medicines to 98 individuals in need of eye care.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff, SightSavers, and all the volunteers who contributed to the success of these initiatives. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of individuals by enhancing their eye health and vision.

Remarkable Results from Remedial Coaching Centers for Rural Girls!

31 May 2023, Hazaribagh (Jharkhand): We’re delighted to share about the outstanding performance of our Remedial Coaching Centers (RCCs) in Hazaribagh district in collaboration with Action Village India. Through these RCCs, NBJK has empowered school girls from Sadar, Katkamdag, and Katkamsandi blocks.

In the recent Class X board exams, 230 girls from 17 RCCs appeared, with incredible outcomes: 184 achieved first division, 42 obtained second division, and 1 received a marginal division. Another student’s result is pending.

These girls’ overall success rate is nearly 100%. An impressive 80% attained first division, proving the efficacy of our RCCs in rural areas. In the list of top 10 students, Riya Raj at RCC-Pabra village scored highest as 94% while Prerna Kumari at RCC-Khapariyawan village earned 89%. Special thanks to RCC-Pabra as their five girl children made presence in this selected list.

Congratulations to all the students for their dedication and hard work! We extend gratitude to Action Village India and our passionate teachers for their unwavering support.

At NBJK and AVI, we believe in equal education opportunities for all. These results inspire us to continue empowering rural girls and building a brighter future.

Taking Steps towards Better Eye Health!

27 May 2023, Charahi (Churchu, Hazaribagh): Under the Netra Vasant – Rural Eye Health Program, a joint initiative of Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra and Sightsavers, an informative training session was conducted at the Charhi Primary Health Center in Churchu Block of Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand (India). The session aimed to educate ASHAs/Sahiya Didis about eye care, identification of related diseases, preventive measures, and referral services, with a special focus on cataract awareness.

Mrs. Lalita Devi, an expert in the field, provided the trainees with practical knowledge about eye structure, vision measurement, and cataract testing methods. She highlighted that for cataract surgery, the services of Sadar Hospital or LNJP Eye Hospital, Behera (Chauparan) are easily accessible.

The training was attended by 52 enthusiastic participants, including Sahiya Didis, Sahiya Sarathi, and BTT trainers from Churchu block. To facilitate their learning, measuring tapes, e-charts, and informative materials related to cataract and other eye diseases were distributed.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Sightsavers DPC Kirti Rawat and Churchu block’s eye assistant Akash Kumar for their significant contributions in ensuring the success of this event.

Let’s join hands to spread awareness about the importance of eye health and encourage regular check-ups. Together, we can ensure brighter and healthier futures for our communities!

Empowering Farmers & Laborers: Highlights from the Farmer-Labor Convention in Bodhgaya

25 May 2023, Boadhgaya (Gaya, Bihar): Recently, the Kisan-Majdoor Convention took place in Bodhgaya, organized by Gaya District Lok Samiti and allied organizations. Esteemed guests included former Bihar CM Mr. Jitan Ram Manjhi and Gandhian thinker Mr. Girija Satish.

Mr. Manjhi emphasized the challenges faced by farmers and laborers, demanding minimum support prices and fair wages. Mr. Satish highlighted the need for widespread awareness on prohibition and revival of the APMC market system.

Resolutions were passed, addressing issues such as fair purchase prices, strict prohibition compliance, irrigation system repair, agricultural subsidies, and land acquisition for landless families.

Supporting voices included MLA Mrs. Jyoti Manjhi, social worker Mrs. Putul Kumari, and Lok Samiti’s Mr. Kaushal Ganesh Azad.

The convention united around 300 men and women from Gaya district, committed to the betterment of farmers, laborers, and society.

Together, we call for immediate action, fair prices, improved education, and a brighter future for all.

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