Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital Helps a Domestic Help Regain Her Livelihood

06 April 2023, Deoghar: Parvati Devi, a 60-year-old woman belonging to the SC community and a poor socioeconomic background, faced a setback when she lost her eyesight due to cataracts in her right eye. Parvati used to work as a domestic help for five-six households and earned around Rs. 6,000 to support her family. However, her diminishing eyesight forced her to leave her work, leaving her with no source of income.

Fortunately, Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital in Deoghar came to her rescue. With the support of Naraindas Morbai Budhrani Trust, Parvati underwent cataract surgery at the hospital and regained her eyesight. She was able to resume her work as a domestic help, giving her the freedom to join her daily routine once again. Recently, she even provided monetary support to her daughter-in-law for medical treatment of a gynecological problem.

Parvati expressed her gratitude to VRBEH and NMBT for their support in helping her regain her livelihood. She believes that the removal of her cataract has not only solved her vision problem but also re-established her life in many ways.

The VRBEH and NMBT’s efforts to provide free of cost medical treatment to underprivileged individuals have helped many people like Parvati regain their independence and continue their daily lives.

Tribal Farmer becomes a Model of Sustainable Farming

05 April 2023, Chanho (Ranchi): Shri Bandhu Oraon, a tribal farmer from the Tangar village near Bijupara in Chanho block of Ranchi district, has become a model of sustainable farming with the help of the Holistic Rural Development Programme by NBJK, in partnership with HDFC Bank.

Despite having financial difficulties that prevented him from completing his education, Oraon has been involved in agriculture since the age of 20 and has received horticulture training from the Ramakrishna Mission in Ranchi. He now teaches other farmers at his Farmer Field School (FFS) and is an active member of the Village Development Committee in his village.

Thanks to his experience and expertise, Oraon was chosen to receive a Solar Irrigation Pump under the HRDP. He received orientation and training on how to use the solar pump and other equipment, and it was installed on his farmland. However, this was not just for his benefit, but also for other farmers in the area, as it was a demonstrational activity with an inclusive approach.

After receiving the solar pump and other equipment, Oraon has adopted better farming practices such as vermin-composting, drip and mulching, and greenhouse farming. He has cultivated a variety of crops, including cauliflower, tomato, green chilli, fabshell beans, and strawberries, and has significantly increased his yield at a low cost.

Bandhu Oraon says that the solar pump is easy to use and requires very little maintenance. He has also received support from MNREGA to cultivate mango trees, which further enhances his farming practices. Oraon has been able to run his FFS more efficiently and provide other farmers with first-hand learning experiences.

In addition to the Solar Irrigation Pump, NBJK and HDFC Bank provided Oraon with a Mulching and Drip Irrigation system under the HRDP. All of these resources have provided him with an enormous opportunity to create a model of sustainable farming, and Oraon hopes to inspire other farmers in the area to adopt similar practices.

Appeal of Lok Samiti for Peace and Harmony

03 April 2023, Hazaribagh: Gandhian thinker and National President of Lok Samiti Shri Girija Satish has expressed deep concern over the violent incidents in many states on the occasion of Ram Navami across the country.

He said that India is a democratic and secular country, where there has been a tradition of equality of all religions with respect and admiration for all faiths. He expressed this in the context of violent incidents at many places like Howrah in West Bengal, Sonipat in Haryana, Nalanda and Sasaram in Bihar, Jamshedpur in Jharkhand, Vadodara in Gujarat, Sambhajinagar in Maharashtra and Hyderabad in Telangana.

Mr. Girija Satish said that creating hatred in the name of religions in the holy month of Ram Navami and Ramzan is an anti-religious practice in itself. It may be noted that the Lok Samiti has been running a “Nafrat Chhodo-Manav Jodo” campaign across Bihar since last October 2, 2022 and the sensitive issue of communal harmony is on its priority.

Mr. Girija Satish has appealed to all intellectuals, social workers and general public to cooperate in restoring peace and harmony so that mutual love, harmony and brotherhood prevail in the society.

Central Tribal Affairs Minister Attends Prohibition Conference in Jharkhand

02 April 2023, Kharsawan (Saraikela, Jharkhand): One-day prohibition conference was held at Kharsawan, organized by Yuva Jagriti Evang Swavalamban Sangh in collaboration with Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra and Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation. The event was jointly inaugurated by Union Tribal Affairs Minister Shri Arjun Munda and National President of Lok Samiti Shri Girija Satish, with the garlanding of photographs of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Mahatma Gandhi.

The conference was attended by several social workers, including Mr. J. B. Tubid, Mr. Angura Mahato, Mr. Rajesh Singhdev, Mr. Vijay Mahato, Mrs. Sudha Verma, Mrs. Sunita Taped, Mrs. Sushila Nayak, Mr. Ganesh Mahali, Mr. Shankar Rana, and Jharkhand Pradesh Lok Samiti President Mr. Satish Girija.

During his speech, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Shri Arjun Munda paid tribute to the sacrifice of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and highlighted the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi in building a healthy-conscious society based on democratic values in India. He emphasized the need to avoid consumption of not only alcohol but also other dangerous drugs.

Shri Girija Satish, the National President of Lok Samiti, discussed Gandhiji’s anti-liquor stand and the constitutional position of prohibition, stating that liquor consumption-drug abuse is a major reason behind unrest, crime, women oppression, road accidents, and is ruining the new generation. He called for political willpower for prohibition and suggested financial discipline, phased prohibition, cooperation of all sections of society, and a rein on social acceptance instead of encouraging liquor for revenue generation.

The Secretary of Yuva Jagriti Evang Swavalamban Sangh, Mr. Rajesh Singhdev, welcomed all the guests and the people participating in the conference, stating that prohibition is a matter of concern for all those who want social change. He demanded that not only liquor but all intoxicants should be banned, including throughout Jharkhand. He expressed that the women of Saraikela have woken up and can complete this difficult task with their determination.

The conference also saw the submission of a memorandum to the Union Tribal Affairs Minister on behalf of Jharkhand Pradesh Lok Samiti regarding the demand for liquor ban. The event was attended by hundreds of people, with a significant number of women leaders such as Mrs. Nidhi Singhdev, Mrs. Baby Oraon, Mrs. Prabhavati Mahato, Mrs. Kunti Behan and Mrs. Rita Mahto.

The conference was an important initiative towards building a healthier and more conscious society, with a focus on the eradication of drug abuse and the demand for prohibition.

NBJK Makes Schooling Possible

31 March 2023, Chouparan (Hazaribagh): Sunita Kumari hails from village-Kewalia, post-Vrindavan, ps-Chouparan, dist-Hazaribagh. She belongs to a landless SC community and her father Shri Umesh Bhuiyan passed away during Covid time.

Currently Sunita’s mother heads the family along with Sunita, her three sisters and two brothers. She is a daily waged labourer and passing through hardship to take care of her children.

Considering the family condition, NBJK run Chandrakala Devi Daga High School shoulders responsibility of schooling for Sunita, the semi-orphan girl. She is a student of class VII and avails 100% free-ship. She is good in study and NBJK supports to complete her school education.

NBJK enables Sunita to nurture big dream and encourages her to face the challenges in life.

A New Life for Abha Devi

30 March 2023, Deoghar: Mrs. Abha Devi, a 70-year-old widow from a small village near Deoghar in Jharkhand, had lost all hope due to her deteriorating eyesight caused by cataracts. Despite her family’s financial struggles, she could not afford the treatment she needed for a long time. She had become isolated, living in a world of imagination, and detached from her surroundings. Simple tasks became impossible, and she had to rely on others for everything.

However, Abha Devi’s life changed when she received a cataract surgery at NBJK run Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital in Deoghar, all expenses covered by the Naraindas Morbai Budhrani Trust. The surgery was a turning point in her life, and she regained her vision, which allowed her to see the world clearly once again.

Now, with her vision restored, Abha Devi is grateful for every day and takes pleasure in even the little things. She can perform her daily activities with ease, go outside without support, and even interact with her neighbors. Her newfound independence has given her the strength and confidence to take care of her personal hygiene and keep her home clean.

Abha Devi’s journey from despair to hope is a testament to the power of intervention and care. She is a shining example of how a small act of kindness can change someone’s life forever.

Teacher-Parents Meetings at RCCs

28 March 2023, Hazaribagh: Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra, in collaboration with Action Village India, has organized teacher-parents meetings at Remedial Coaching Centers (RCCs) as part of the Girls Education Project. The objective of these meetings was to discuss various issues related to the educational level of girls, regularity in class, homework, better performance, parent-teacher phone contact, new enrollment in class 8, inclusion of needy girl students, prohibition of child marriage, and gender equality.

The meetings started with mutual introductions, and in-depth discussions were held to address the concerns of parents and teachers. Mr. Abhay Kumar, Project Supervisor, represented the organization throughout the event. He informed that Remedial Coaching Centres are located at various villages in Katkamsandi, Katkamdag and Sadar blocks of the district.

A total of 474 parents and girl students participated in the meetings, which were held from March 14 to 26. These meetings provided an opportunity for meaningful dialogue between parents and teachers, which will ultimately help in the betterment of girls’ education.

Nav Bharat Jagruti Kendra and Action Village India are committed to promoting education among girls and ensuring their equal participation in society. These teacher-parents meetings are a small step towards achieving this goal.

Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital Conducts Outreach Screening Camps

27 March 2023, Giridih-Jamui-Deoghar: During the last 9 days from 17th to 26th March 2023, NBJK Run Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital organized 17 events of outreach screening camps in Giridih, Deoghar, and Jamui districts. The hospital aimed to provide eye care services to the underprivileged and rural communities in these districts.

In Giridih district, the hospital’s Vision Centre at Bengabad block with support from Sightsavers was open on 19th, 20th, and 26th March. The remaining days were dedicated to community awareness and household screening across villages like Jaridih, Simariya, Kenduwa, Gadi, Alodih in Birni, Sadar, and Jamua blocks of the district to identify potential cataract patients for their free surgery at the base hospital under sponsorship by Naraindas Morbai Budhrani Trust.

Similarly, the SBI Foundation supported the hospital to arrange eye checkup camps in the neighboring district of Jamui (Bihar), and the VRBEH medical team publicized the camps in advance. Such camps took place at B.S. Middle School, Dhamni Middle School, Panichunwa Middle School, Kali Pahadi Middle School, and Mowra Middle School in Sono block, covering dozens of villages. Besides this, screening camps were held at Jamui Nagar Vikas Bhawan-Jamui, Biliadih Middle School, and Chanai Middle School in Jhajha block in Jamui district.

In total, 432 OPD cases were reported in the camps. Of these, 201 cases were of cataract, 27 were of refractive errors, and 2 were of pterygium. The hospital detected these cases and provided treatment and medicines free of cost. All cataract patients were brought to VRBEH, underwent surgery free of cost, and regained their eyesight.

On 21st March, with the support of Sightsavers and Naraindas Morbai Budhrani Trust, a special camp was organized at Saras Kunj Blind School, Jasidih (Deoghar), which made screening of 24 blind children possible. The hospital found that the vision of 6 children could be restored with the help of advanced treatment. The school is being run by the Government of Jharkhand.

VRBEH is committed to providing affordable and accessible eye care services to the underprivileged and rural communities in Jharkhand and Bihar. With such outreach screening camps, the hospital hopes to reach out to more people and help them regain their eyesight.

LNJP Eye Hospital Organizes Awareness Training on World Optometry Day

23 March 2023, Bahera (Chouparan, Hazaribagh): On the occasion of World Optometry Day, Lok Nayak JayPrakash Eye Hospital, Bahera (Chouparan, Hazaribagh), organized a one-day training program. The event was attended by ASHAs, students of LNJP Paramedical Institute, and hospital staff. The program was jointly inaugurated by ophthalmologists Dr. Alok, Dr. Vishakha Gupta, and Dr. Faizah, along with Mr. Santosh Kumar Puri, the hospital manager.

During his address, Dr. Alok highlighted Glaucoma as a silent thief that can cause visual impairment by drying eye nerves, stopping blood circulation inside the eyes. Dr. Vishakha explained that diabetic retinopathy is common among people with long-term diabetes, leading to bleeding in the retina and blurred vision. She emphasized the importance of regular eye examinations to prevent diabetic retinopathy. Dr. Faizah urged paramedical students to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining good eye health.

The event was attended by hospital staff, including Mr. Karuna Nidhi, Mr. Subendra Pandey, Mr. Sudhir Kumar, Mr. Amit Rana, Mr. Amber Nidhi Shroff, and others. The training program aimed to educate participants about the various eye diseases that can lead to visual impairment, and the steps to prevent and treat them.

The LNJP Eye Hospital has been providing comprehensive eye care services to the people of Hazaribagh and surrounding areas. The hospital is committed to promoting eye health and raising awareness about the importance of regular eye check-ups to prevent and treat eye diseases.

The training program organized on World Optometry Day is part of the hospital’s ongoing efforts to promote eye health and provide quality eye care services to the community. The hospital plans to organize similar training programs in the future to raise awareness about eye health and prevent blindness.

Sports Competition for Girls of Remedial Coaching Centers

22-23 March 2023, Nagri (Churchu, Hazaribagh): We are proud to announce the successful completion of a two-day sports competition for girls of Remedial Coaching Centers run by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra under Young India Project of UTI Mutual Fund. The sports competition held at Roshni Dhruv High School campus.

The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Sukhdev Prasad Yadav (School Executive Committee President) and other esteemed guests. The girls participated in various competitions with great enthusiasm, including 100 meters Race, Kabaddi, Speech, and Music.

Priyanka Kumari, Angel Kumari, and Priyanka Besra emerged as the top three winners in the race. The Kabaddi team, consisting of Sarita Murmu, Lakshmi Kumari, Aradhana Ekka, Pooja Kumari, Avantika, Golu Kumari, and Bebo Khatoon, showcased an exceptional performance. In Music, Simran Kumari, Laxmi Kumari, and Asha Besra won the first, second, and third positions, respectively. While Lakshmi Kumari stood first, Avantika Singh secured the second position, and Radhika Kumari bagged the third position in the speech competition.

All the girls were awarded with books, shields, and medals to appreciate their hard work and dedication. The event was organized with the support of UTI Mutual Fund, and currently, 14 remedial coaching centers are running in Churchu block, providing free tuition facility in Mathematics, Science, and English to approximately 500 school girls.

We would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Kirti Tiwari, Mr. Vijay Kushwaha, and RCC teachers, including Mr. Shyam Kumar Pandey, Mr. Umeshwar Chaudhary, Mr. Imtiaz Ahmed, Mr. Raghuveer Mahto, and Mr. Rajbhushan Kumar, for their commendable efforts in organizing this event.

A special shoutout to Mr. Dineshwar Singh and Md. Imran for anchoring the stage, and Project Supervisor Mr. Parvez Alam for proposing the vote of thanks.

Let’s congratulate all the participants for their remarkable performance and making this event a grand success!