Free Nutritious Meals for Students at NBJK Schools under Feeding India Initiative

31 December 2024, Chouparan (Hazaribagh): NBJK is proud to announce that over 1100 students across its four schools in the Chouparan block of Hazaribagh district are benefitting from the Feeding India – A Zomato Giveback initiative, which provides free breakfast and lunch to children from rural and underprivileged backgrounds.

Under this intervention, students are served a nutritious breakfast of sprouted gram or moong with milk in the morning and a wholesome lunch of rice, pulses, and vegetables in the afternoon. These meals are designed to enhance students’ overall health and ensure better learning outcomes.

The initiative covers:

• Amoli Apurva Primary School, Prajapat Nagar
• Amoli Apurva Middle School, Bahera
• Amoli Apurva High School, Mangarh
• Chandrakala Devi Daga High School, Kewalia

These schools were established by NBJK to promote quality education, particularly among rural children and girls, to tackle critical issues like child marriage and child labor.

The Feeding India initiative plays a crucial role in improving retention rates and ensuring no child drops out due to hunger. Over 40% of girls enrolled in these schools benefit from free sponsorships, further empowering them to continue their education and achieve their aspirations.

NBJK expresses heartfelt gratitude to Feeding India and Zomato for their unwavering support in creating a nurturing environment for students, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.

Special Health Camps at Chatra, Godda and Pakur

30 December 2024, Chatra-Godda-Pakur: Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), with support from SBI Foundation, Mumbai, organized special health camps for eye care under the SBI Sanjeevani Clinic on Wheels program.

On 28th December 2024, a camp was held in Kolkole Kala village, Lawalong block, Chatra district, Jharkhand, where 107 people underwent eye check-ups, received free medicines, and 38 individuals were provided spectacles for refractive errors. Additionally, 14 cataract patients were referred to LNJP Eye Hospital, Bahera (Hazaribagh), for free surgeries.

On 26th December 2024, similar camps were organized in two locations. In Tarkhutta village, Podaiyahat block, Godda district, 146 people attended, out of which 86 were identified with eye ailments. Spectacles were provided to 31 individuals, and 11 cataract patients were referred to LNJP Eye Hospital, Dumka, for free surgeries. Another camp in Paliyadah village, Pakuria block, Pakur district, saw 104 people undergoing eye check-ups, with 42 receiving spectacles and 36 cataract patients referred for surgeries at LNJPEH, Dumka.

These camps offered free consultations, medicines, spectacles, and surgeries, benefitting numerous eye patients. The remarkable efforts of the SBI Sanjeevani Clinic on Wheels teams from Chatra, Godda, and Pakur ensured the success of these initiatives. The camps were effectively coordinated by Program Manager Shailesh Kumar.

Mission Rozgar Job Fair Successfully Connects Employers with Skilled Trainees

23 December 2024, Hazaribagh: The Mission Rozgar project, a collaboration between NBJK and SBI Life, organized a successful Job Fair at Prince Hotel, Hazaribag. The event provided a platform for skilled trainees from the 2nd and 3rd batches of the program to connect with potential employers from various sectors.

Employers present at the event included Sashi Kr. Kuswaha (Hexire Group), Abhishek Kr. (Perfect Academy), Upendra Kr. (Apna Mart), Jeetendra Kr. (ICICI Lombard), Lallan Kr. (Child Care), Vinod Jee (Laptop House), Raushan Kr. (Reliance Trend), Ms. Supriya (Galaxy Beauty Salon & Spa), Deepak Kr. (Blue Sky Salon & Spa), and Deepsikha Mishra (Chola Finance).

The event resulted in the on-the-spot appointment of 40 trainees, with salary packages ranging from ₹3,500 to ₹9,000. Additionally, 10-15 trainees were shortlisted for further selection, with their final process to be completed in the coming days.

The event was graced by Ritesh Prasad (GSM, SBI Life, Hazaribag), who, along with his colleagues, attended the occasion to support the recruitment efforts. The successful event was facilitated by Rupesh Mallick (Program Head & Center Manager), Mrityunjay Jha (Placement In-Charge), Shalini (BCA Faculty), Renu Rana (GDA Faculty), Sushila Devi (Tailoring Faculty), and Suresh Kr. (Mobilizer). This event marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of Mission Rozgar to empower youth and provide them with meaningful employment opportunities.

Adolescent Girls’ Health Camps and Swachh Bharat Campaigns Organized under SBI Sanjeevani Clinic on Wheels

21 December 2024, Chatra-Godda-Pakur: Under the SBI Foundation-supported SBI Sanjeevani Clinic on Wheels program operated by NBJK, adolescent girls’ health camps and Swachh Bharat campaigns were organized in remote villages of Chatra, Godda, and Pakur districts.

Chatra District

In Nawada village, Kunda block, Chatra district, awareness sessions on general health, physical and mental changes during adolescence, and hygienic practices during menstruation were conducted for adolescent girls and women. Additionally, 70 sanitary napkins and 100 soaps were distributed. Under the Swachh Bharat campaign, the SBI Sanjeevani Mobile Medical Unit team inspired villagers to lead a clean life by educating them on cleanliness and collectively cleaning the village. Bleaching powder and phenyl were also sprayed. The program witnessed the participation of 154 people, with support from Nawada village head Mr. Bharat Yadav, Piramal Foundation worker Mr. Aditya Kumar, and Mr. Pradeep Kumar. Key contributors from the SBI Sanjeevani Mobile Medical Unit team included Dr. Bansidhar Pandey, ANM Mrs. Roma Ragini Tirkey, pharmacist Mr. Harishankar Yadav, lab technician Mr. Dabloo Paswan, and driver Mr. Surendra Yadav.

Godda District

In Dhobai village, Poraiyahat block, Godda district, the health camp and cleanliness drive were led by Dr. Jackie Shekhar, pharmacist Mr. Lakhiram Tudu, lab technician Mr. Neeraj Saha, ANM Ms. Pooja Kumari, driver Mr. Kishore Bhagat, and district coordinator Mr. Rajkumar Ghosh. The event saw participation from 142 women, adolescents, and men. Also 13 garbage bins have been installed in the village.

Pakur District

In Badasinghpur village, Pakuria block, Pakur district, the camp garnered the support of 140 villagers. The mobile medical unit team included Dr. J.L. Hansda, pharmacist Mrs. Khalida Begum, lab technician Mr. Chotu Bhandari, ANM Ms. Pinky Kumari, driver Mr. Subodh Mandal, and district coordinator Mr. Rajeev Ranjan. Similar to Godda, health awareness sessions on menstrual hygiene were held, followed by a cleanliness drive that involved spraying bleaching powder and phenyl and setting up 13 garbage bins in the village.

Program Details

Mr. Shailesh Kumar, Program Manager of SBI Sanjeevani Clinic on Wheels, shared that adolescent health camps and cleanliness drives are conducted quarterly in project villages across Kundra, Lawalong, Poraiyahat, and Pakuria blocks. Additionally, primary health camps are held daily in two villages across the three districts, covering 20 selected villages in each district (a total of 60 villages). These camps provide free health checkups, medical consultations, and medicines, ensuring each village hosts a health camp every 15 days. Specialized health camps focusing on specific illnesses are also organized under the program.

The SBI Sanjeevani Clinic on Wheels program commenced in July this year in Chatra, Godda, and Pakur districts of Jharkhand. It is also operational in 20 villages of Sadar and Bodhgaya blocks in Gaya district, Bihar.

NBJK-run Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital Organizes 57 Free Eye Screening Camps in Jharkhand-Bihar

21 December 2024, Deoghar: The Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital, managed by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) in Deoghar, successfully conducted 57 Free Eye Screening Camps between 19th November and 20th December 2024 across remote villages in Deoghar, Giridih, Lakhisarai, Banka, and Jamui districts of Jharkhand-Bihar.

These camps provided much-needed eye care services to underserved communities in blocks such as Deoghar Sadar, Devipur, Mohanpur, Sarwan, Sonaraithari, Giridih Sadar, Jamua, Birni, Dhanwar, Lakhisarai Sadar, Chandan, Chakai, and Sono. The initiative focused on identifying and addressing common eye health issues, bringing essential services closer to rural populations.

Key Achievements:

• 694 OPD cases were registered and examined during the camps.
• 361 cases of cataract were identified for surgical intervention.
• 231 patients with refractive errors received treatment.
• 15 cases of Pterygium and 14 patients with other complications were managed during the camps.
• 61 eye patients were provided with necessary medicines.

Commitment to Comprehensive Care:

All cataract patients identified during these camps will receive free surgeries, which include transportation, food, stay, medication, and post-operative essentials such as black goggles. These services aim to eliminate financial and logistical barriers to quality eye care.

The camps were organized with generous support from Sightsavers India and Kotak Securities, whose contributions have been instrumental in advancing NBJK’s mission to eradicate avoidable blindness in Jharkhand-Bihar.

“NBJK is committed to ensuring accessible and quality eye care for all, especially in remote areas where healthcare services are scarce. These camps reflect our dedication to reducing avoidable blindness and improving the quality of life for individuals and communities,” said Mr. Anand Abhinav, Program Director at NBJK.

Farmers Empowered with Electric Motor Pumps under SBI Gram Saksham Project

19 December 2024, Chakai-Deoghar: The SBI Gram Saksham project, implemented by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) with support from SBI Foundation, has taken significant strides in empowering farmers by addressing irrigation challenges in rural areas.

On 16th December 2024, in an event held at NBJK’s Chakai office, 44 electric motor pumps were distributed to 44 Farmer Groups in Chakai block of Jamui district, Bihar. Mr. Vidyut Shekhar, Manager of State Bank of India-Chakai Branch, graced the occasion as the chief guest and personally handed over the pumps to the farmers. Highlighting the importance of modern irrigation tools, he encouraged the farmers to adopt agriculture as an income-generating venture.

Welcoming the farmers, Mr. S. K. Yajal, Program Manager of SBI Gram Saksham-Chakai, emphasized the impact of such initiatives in resolving irrigation issues and boosting agricultural productivity.

Similarly, on 12th December 2024, another milestone was achieved in Basakola village of Deoghar Sadar block, Jharkhand, where 22 electric motor pumps were handed over to 22 Farmer Groups. The distribution event was led by local Mukhiya, Mr. Umesh Yadav, who appreciated the SBI Gram Saksham project for its commendable efforts in empowering rural farmers. Mr. Sahab Ansari, Program Manager of SBI Gram Saksham-Deoghar, shared insights into the project’s various initiatives aimed at ensuring sustainable agriculture in the region.

The SBI Gram Saksham project is being implemented across 30 villages in Chakai and Deoghar blocks, focusing on improving irrigation infrastructure and promoting sustainable farming practices. Key achievements of the project include:

• Renovation of 100 wells and deepening of 23 ponds.
• Organizing training sessions to build farmers’ capacity.
• Distribution of electric motor pumps to facilitate hassle-free irrigation.

These interventions aim to create a robust foundation for agricultural growth and income generation, transforming the lives of farmers and their communities.

NBJK Awards Certificates to Trainees of Mission Rozgar Program

18 December 2024, Hazaribagh: Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), with CSR support from SBI Life, awarded certificates today to the youth of the first and second batches of its Mission Rozgar project. The program aims to enhance employability and self-reliance through skill development in trades like Basic Computer Applications, General Duty Attendant-Nursing Assistant, Beautician–Bridal Makeup & Mehndi, and Tailoring–Embroidery.

The certificate distribution ceremony took place at the Mission Rozgar Training Center, Sardar Chowk. The event was graced by Senior Program Manager of NBJK, Mr. Rajeev Singh; Director of Perfect Academy, Mr. Abhishek; and CEO of Shri Textile and Fabrication, Mr. Shankh Jaiswal.

Welcoming the guests, Training Center In-charge Mr. Rupesh Mallik highlighted the significance of skill development and shared that 228 youth were trained in the two batches, of which 154 have already secured employment or started self-employment. He assured that efforts are ongoing to help the remaining trainees find suitable opportunities.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajeev Singh expressed gratitude to SBI Life for making the training affordable, with fees for each course set at just ₹300, significantly lower than the actual cost. He emphasized that the Employment Training Center has emerged as a robust platform for providing entry-level job opportunities to youth. He further added that over the past 17 years, NBJK has provided skill development training to nearly 50,000 youth, with around 60% currently engaged in sustainable livelihoods.

Encouraging the trainees, startup entrepreneur Mr. Shankh Jaiswal urged them to explore entrepreneurial opportunities, while educator Mr. Abhishek emphasized the importance of dedication to achieve success.

During the ceremony, trainees such as Nazneen Shakila, Azharuddin Ansari, and Pushkar Singh shared their experiences, expressing gratitude for the training and support they received.

The event’s success was credited to the efforts of Placement Coordinator Mr. Mrityunjay Jha, Mobilizer Mr. Suresh Kumar, and faculty members Ms. Renu Rana, Ms. Shalini, Ms. Anjana Sinha, and Ms. Sushila Devi.

Honouring Mr. Girija Satish: A Special Event in Ranchi

13 December 2024, Ranchi: The Jharkhand State Lok Samiti organized a felicitation ceremony at NBJK’s auditorium in Ranchi to honor Mr. Girija Satish, National President of the non-partisan people’s organization Lok Samiti and recipient of the prestigious Jamnalal Bajaj Award. The event highlighted Mr. Satish’s lifelong dedication to Gandhian values and social service.

In his introductory remarks, Mr. Satish Girija, President of the Jharkhand State Lok Samiti and a close associate of Mr. Girija Satish, shared their journey that began during their engineering studies at BIT Sindri. Inspired by Gandhi’s autobiography “The Story of My Experiments with Truth” and guided by Jayaprakash Narayan, they co-founded Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) in 1971 and started their public life through Lok Samiti. Mr. Satish praised Mr. Girija for encouraging the establishment of over 100 voluntary organizations across Bihar and Jharkhand, stating, “We may not have seen Gandhi, but in Girija Ji, we see Gandhi.”

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Girija Satish dedicated the Jamnalal Bajaj Award to his colleagues, acknowledging their contributions to advancing the work of NBJK and Lok Samiti. He emphasized that Gandhian thought is vital for addressing the rise of aggressive nationalism, communalism, and wars globally. Expressing concern over increasing state power and the arms trade, he called on attendees to help eradicate social evils like alcoholism and superstitions.

National Coordinator of Lok Samiti, Mr. Kaushal Ganesh Azad, described Mr. Girija as a symbol of struggle and creativity, citing his pivotal role in the Bodh Gaya Land Movement, which led to the redistribution of 18,000 acres of monastery land to the landless. Other dignitaries also shared their admiration for Mr. Girija’s impactful contributions.

Mr. Badri Prasad Verma from Chatra District Lok Samiti highlighted his role in establishing Gramodaya Chetna Kendra. Mr. Manoj Dangi from Koderma District Lok Samiti called the Jamnalal Bajaj Award a moment of pride for Jharkhand. Mr. Praveen Chandra Pahadi of Giridih District Lok Samiti lauded Mr. Girija’s ability to instill confidence in others, while Mr. Abdul Hamid Ansari from Dhanbad and Mr. Basudev Sharma from Bokaro commended his efforts in breaking social taboos and promoting de-addiction programs.

Ms. Meena Devi described Mr. Girija as tireless and selfless, while Mr. Karma Mardi noted his leadership in resolving displacement issues in Dalma. Mr. Pankaj Kumar, an engineer, referred to him as the “Gandhi of today,” and Ms. Kunti Behan praised his efforts to keep the Lok Samiti vibrant and active.

In the vote of thanks, Mr. Wazir Ahmed, Vice President of the Jharkhand State Lok Samiti, called Mr. Girija Satish’s social service exemplary and extended wishes for his good health and long life. The event was a heartfelt tribute to a life devoted to Gandhian values and constructive work.

Felicitation Ceremony for Gandhian Thinker and Jamnalal Bajaj Awardee Shri Girija Satish

09 December 2024, Bodhgaya: A grand felicitation ceremony was held today at the Lord Buddha Home for Children in Silaunja (Bodhgaya), to honor Shri Girija Satish, a prominent Gandhian thinker and National President of Lok Samiti, who was recently awarded the prestigious Jamnalal Bajaj Award. The event, organized by Bihar Pradesh Lok Samiti, was presided over by its General Secretary, Shri Shivji Singh.

In his introductory remarks, Shri Kaushal Ganesh Azad, National Coordinator of Lok Samiti, presented a brief biography of Shri Girija Satish. Highlighting his journey, he stated that after completing his engineering studies, Shri Satish chose a path of voluntary social service inspired by the philosophies of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan and Mahatma Gandhi. His extraordinary contributions to constructive social work earned him the Jamnalal Bajaj Award, a source of immense pride for all.

The ceremony began with girls from Lord Buddha Home for Children and Komal Poojan Public School performing songs and presenting bouquets to Shri Girija Satish, Shri Satish Girija (President, Jharkhand Pradesh Lok Samiti), and other dignitaries. Shri Kaushal Ganesh Azad honored Shri Girija Satish and Shri Satish Girija with shawls and certificates of appreciation, followed by a similar gesture from Smt. Putul Kumari, President of Gaya District Lok Samiti.

The Chief Guest, Smt. Jyoti Manjhi, MLA of Barachatti, lauded Shri Girija Satish’s unparalleled contributions to social work. She shared how his mentorship has guided her journey and emphasized that many of his students have excelled in social service, politics, and policymaking. She further remarked that Shri Girija Satish deserves national honors like the Padma Awards, although his work and persona transcend accolades.

In his keynote address, Shri Girija Satish spoke about Jamnalal Bajaj’s legacy as a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and his contributions to the development of Wardha Ashram. Shri Satish expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organizers and vowed to dedicate the remainder of his life to the service of society.

The event also featured speeches from Shri Satish Girija, who highlighted Shri Girija Satish’s leadership in organizations like Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra and Lok Samiti. He praised his contributions in areas such as education, healthcare, livelihood promotion, and support for smaller organizations.

Other speakers included Smt. Putul Kumari, Shri Vijay Yadav (MLA representative), Shri Harendra Bhokta, Shri Rajendra Manjhi, Shri Parmeshwar Yadav, Shri Janardan Prasad, Shri Jagdev, Shri Rameshwar Manjhi, Shri Ramvilas Sharma, and Shri Santosh Sinha.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Asst. Program Manager of LBHC Md. Nayeem to the attendees and a reaffirmation of Shri Girija Satish’s dedication to Gandhian values and societal well-being.

NBJK Celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities

03 December 2024, Patna: Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), under the Community-Based Inclusive Development & Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities project supported by Bajaj Finserv, celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with great enthusiasm. The event took place at Mahila Charkha Samiti near the NBJK office in the Kadamkuan locality of Patna.

The program was inaugurated by the Guest of Honor, Mr. Manoj Kumar, Block Development Officer of Sampatchak, who lit the ceremonial lamp and commended Bajaj Finserv and NBJK for their significant efforts in mainstreaming Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) across 20 slums in Patna. The Chief Guest, Ward Councilor Mr. Rajeev Kumar, highlighted the project’s initiatives in providing vocational training and seed money to promote entrepreneurship among PwDs, empowering them to achieve financial independence.

As a supportive gesture to the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign), five wheelchairs and five tricycles were distributed to 10 needy PwDs by the dignitaries, symbolizing their commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

Members of Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs) formed under the project shared heartfelt testimonials about their empowerment through the initiative. The project has successfully supported around 5,000 PwDs and children with disabilities from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, addressing their needs through: UDID registration, Mental health camps and medical assistance, Special education and physiotherapy, Aids and appliances distribution, Formation of SHGs and DPOs, Vocational training and financial assistance, Awareness and sensitization programs for local leaders, teachers, and students etc.

Team NBJK members, including Program Director Mr. Anand Abhinav, Program Manager Mr. Amit Ranjan, and team members Mr. Satyendra Kumar, Mr. Mantosh Kumar, Mrs. Kranti Sharma, Mr. Mukesh, Mrs. Pushpa, Mrs. Lalita, and Mr. Lucky Pandit, played a crucial role in making the event a success.

NBJK remains committed to fostering inclusion, empowerment, and accessibility for Persons with Disabilities through its holistic and community-focused approach.