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.

#LokSamiti #EmpoweringFarmersAndLaborers #KisanLaborConvention #ChhatraYuvSangharshVahini #MajdoorKisanSangharshSamiti #SocialChange #UnitedForProgress

Talent Award Ceremony at SPBP School

22 May 2023, Bahera (Chouparan, Hazaribagh), Jharkhand: NBJK managed & CBSE affiliated Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School (SPBPS) recently held a Talent Award Ceremony on 20th May’23 to recognize the exceptional achievements of Class X and XII students from the 2022-23 academic session in their Board Examinations.

Congratulations to Sanny Kumar, son of Mr. Mukesh Kumar Singh, for securing the top position in Class X with a perfect score of 100% in Mathematics. Along with the guardians of other deserving toppers, Sanny’s father has received a Certificate, medal, and memento from the school.

Principal Ms. Rina Pandey advised students to set new goals and make careful subject choices, highlighting the importance of the Guru-Shishya culture and discipline in achieving academic success.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the toppers and express our gratitude to the dedicated teachers and supportive parents who played a vital role in their accomplishments.

Certificate Distribution Ceremony for MRTC Trainees

21 May 2023, Giridih: NBJK run & UTI Mutual Fund-supported Mission Rozgar Training Centre, Giridih held a successful Certificate Distribution Ceremony to honor its pass-out trainees.

Esteemed guests, including Mr. Sameer Raj Choudhary (City Care Hospital), Mr. Ravindra Vidyarthi (Science World Coaching), Mr. Sahdev Rana (Gramin Kalyan VO), Mr. Amit Swarnkar (Guru Nanak School), and Mr. Jay Shankar, graced the occasion. They presented course completion certificates and encouraged the trainees to pursue a path of growth.

Ms. Rumana Azmat (Centre Co-ordinator, MRTC) presided over the event, and Mr. Vishal Verma (Faculty) welcomed the guests. Kudos to the dedicated faculties and the Placement Co-ordinator, Mr. Ranveer Singh, for making the ceremony a success.

NBJK run SPBP School with Shining Result in CBSE Exams

18 May 2023, Bahera (Chouparan, Hazaribagh), Jharkhand: Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra run & CBSE affiliated Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School, Bahera (Chouparan, Hazribagh) came out with shining result in the exams held for class XII & X. The students have achieved good marks and proved themselves as the harbingers of academic success.

For class XII, Aarav Raj emerged as the topper with 92% marks and overall result of the school is 96% in comparison of 89.7% result in Jharkhand. Ms. Rina Pandey (Principal, SPBPS) informed that total 68 children have appeared for the exam, 48 could get first division while top 20 students have secured 78% or above.

Similarly for the exam of class X, Sweety Gupta & Sanni Kumar shared the top position with 94% marks and on the whole 98% result has made the school proud as average result of Jharkhand is 94.4%. In class X, total 174 students have appeared, 105 obtained first division and top 20 students have secured 78% or plus marks. It’s significant that out of these 20 students, 11 are girl children.

Ms Pandey said that because of proper guidance from teachers-parents, hard labour by the students and NBJK’s able leadership, Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School has been performing well in CBSE exams. We all will put more effort further to make the performance better, she added.

NBJK’s President Mr. Girija Satish, Secretary Mr. Satish Girija and Programme Director Mr. Gandharv Gaurav have extended their heartfelt blessings & best wishes to all the students. They congratulated the school family and encouraged to do better in future.

Tata Trusts’ COO Mrs. Aparna Uppaluri Visits Operational Villages of Lakhpati Kisan™

11 May 2023, Murhu (Khunti, Jharkhand): Tata Trusts COO Mrs. Aparna Uppaluri has visited implementation villages of Smart Village Lakhpati Kisan™ project by NBJK with support of CInI-Tata Trusts in Murhu block of Khunti district of Jharkhand.

The very first village was Chatta of Bichna panchayat where Mrs. Uppaluri reached and interacted with women’s SHG farmers use Solar-Based Micro-Lift Irrigation system and cultivate around 06 acres of land. The COO asked them about the journey of Lakhpati Kisan™ Project and shown interest regarding implementation process, their income enhancement from high-value crops cultivation and new life choices. The women farmers have shared that now their income ranges from Rs. 30K – 80K in each season of 03 crop seasons and currently their life choices increase in terms of child education, savings, etc.

Mrs. Aparna Uppaluru participated in the Community Meeting with 05 Panchayats’ women leaders and the project beneficiaries. They discussed upon various prototypes like High-Value Agriculture, Horticulture, NTFP-Lac Cultivation, Animal Husbandry-Pig Farming, Goat Rearing, Poultry, Fishery with their execution process and benefits.

The women farmers have shared about the integration projects on Drinking Water, Healthcare and their contribution to develop model villages with a collective approach under guidance of NBJK. It’s significant that now the tribal women of Murhu are being benefitted from the training on Menstrual Health Management, Cancer Awareness and overcame many concerned taboos. Also they got Cancer Insurance and went through Screening Camps.

At last the COO of Tata Trusts met the Board Directors of Murhu Nari Shakti Kisan Producer Co. Ltd., the FPO promoted Lakhpati Kisan™ project.

During the visit, CInI-Tata Trusts Regional Manager-Jharkhand Mr. Sirshendu Paul, Area Manager Mrs. Garima Kumari, Grant Manager-Health Care Thematic Anchor Mr. Umesh Rana, Coordinator Mr. Somnath Das and Branch Manager, NBJK-Khunti Manager Mr. Mohit Purty have accompanied Mrs. Aparna Uppaluri  and made her arrival a success.

Strengthening School Education for Girl Children

11 May 2023, Hazaribagh: NBJK runs Remedial Coaching Centers across 100 villages in Sadar, Churchu and Daru blocks of Hazaribagh district (Jharkhand, India). These RCCs prepare school girls for better academic performance through extra tuition on the subjects like English, Maths and Science.

UTI Mutual fund supports the endeavor under Young India Mission, its CSR initiative. Total 1020 students of class VIII, IX & X are enrolled with these Remedial Coaching Centers; they get learning materials and participate in co-curricular activities to enjoy school education with ease. There is a competent & experienced teacher at each of the center, the students are not needed to pay any tuition fee and their parents can ensure about safety of their wards without doubt.

The RCCs’ girls are performing well in their school exams, 314 students appeared for class X board exam and their results are awaited.

VRBEH-Deoghar Conducts Outreach Screening Camps

07 May 2023, Giridih-Jamui-Lakhisarai: NBJK run Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital-Deoghar, in collaboration with Sightsavers, SBI Foundation, Naraindas Morbai Budhrani Trust, and Vision Foundation of India, organized 34 screening camps in the rural communities of Jharkhand-Bihar during the month of April 2023.

Our outreach efforts provided free eye health care services to individuals from over 170 villages, with a total of 706 patients receiving treatment. Among them, 317 individuals underwent Cataract Surgery, 85 were treated for Refractive Error, 06 for Pterygium and 02 of DCR. Additionally, 110 patients received medicines, while 25 could get follow-up services.

We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to our partners and the local communities for their invaluable support in making this initiative a success. Let’s continue to work together to ensure access to essential eye care services for all.