Bringing Vision to Rural Communities

30 November 2024, Vishnugarh (Hazaribagh): With CSR support from Transrail, NBJK-operated Loknayak Jayprakash (LNJP) Eye Hospital, Bahera (Chouparan), has initiated a free eye care campaign in Vishnugarh block. Yesterday, the mobile medical van of LNJP Eye Hospital was flagged off from Vishnugarh Community Health Center to Govindpur Kala Panchayat Bhawan by Dr. Vinay Pandey, Dr. Yogendra, Dr. S. Horo, Transrail’s CSR Lead Mr. Umesh Tandel, DJM Mr. Priya Mohanty, and NBJK Program Director Mr. Anand Abhinav.

Mr. Anand Abhinav explained that due to the lack of proper eye treatment facilities in rural areas, NBJK, with Transrail’s support, has set a target to conduct 40 eye screening camps across 120 villages with a population of approximately one lakh in Vishnugarh block. The objectives include screening 2,400 patients, providing 1,080 spectacles, and performing cataract surgeries for 500 patients.

During the event, former Zila Parishad member Mr. Jayprakash Patel, along with Mr. Hiramn Mahto, Mr. Ramlal Mahto, Mr. Uttim Mahto, Mr. Baleshwar Swarnkar, Mr. Jitendra Mahto, Mr. Prakash Mahto, and Mr. Pritam Mahto, were present.

At the camp held at Govindpur Kala Panchayat Bhawan, 80 individuals underwent eye screening, out of which 26 were identified with cataracts, and 74 were provided with medication and spectacles. The cataract patients will receive free surgery, transportation, food, accommodation, medicines, black glasses at LNJP Eye Hospital.

The eye screening camp’s success was made possible by the dedicated efforts of Mr. Karunanidhi, Mr. Praveen Kumar, and their team from LNJP Eye Hospital.

Training on Capacity Building of Organizations

29 November 2024, Hazaribagh: The four-day training program on the capacity building of voluntary organizations concluded on 28th November at the Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra Coordination Office in Amritnagar (Hazaribagh). Organized with the support of Action Village India, the program commenced on 25th and saw the participation of chief executives from 18 organizations across the districts of Hazaribagh, Koderma, Chatra, Dumka, Deoghar, Godda, Gaya, Samastipur, Nawada, and Aurangabad in Jharkhand and Bihar.

The training focused on organizational development through financial sustainability, effective utilization of local resources, and shared insights from NBJK’s 53 years of experience in the field of alternative development. Over the first three days, participants were provided with comprehensive knowledge on various aspects crucial for voluntary organizations, including essential legal documents, their updates, audits, annual reports, the formation and functioning of executive committees, sustainability plans, funding opportunities, leadership, policy formulation, core values, governance, challenges faced by civil society, need assessment, project proposals, budgeting, accounting procedures, FCRA, CSR, individual and crowdfunding, fellowships, documentation, legal compliance, tax exemption provisions, office management, monitoring, evaluation, and institutional strengthening.

Resource persons for the sessions included Mr. Rajeev Ranjan, Mr. Adheen Mahto, Mr. Satish Girija (Secretary, NBJK), and Mr. Prakash Ranjan. On the final day, an exposure visit was organized for the participants to NBJK-operated LokNayak JayaPrakash Eye Hospital and schools in the Chauparan block.

The program was coordinated by Mr. Rajeev Singh, with significant contributions from Mr. Abhay Kumar in managing the arrangements.

Stitching Dreams, Shaping Futures!

25 November 2024, Ranchi: Under the Usha Silai School Program by NBJK and Usha International Ltd., a 9-day residential training has commenced at NBJK’s Ranchi branch, bringing new opportunities to 15 rural women from Gumla district. These aspiring entrepreneurs are learning:

• Tailoring skills – designing, cutting & sewing popular dresses
• Sewing machine installation & maintenance
• Practical business knowledge

The training was inaugurated on 21st November 2024 by esteemed guests, including Mr. Felix Tirkey (UIL) and NBJK representatives. Upon completion on 29th November, trainees will receive certificates, sewing machines, and essential resources to establish Usha Silai Schools in their villages.

With over 1500+ successful Usha Silai Schools in Jharkhand-Bihar, this program is transforming women into skilled professionals and change-makers.

#SkillEmpowerment #WomenEntrepreneurs #UshaSilaiSchool #NBJK #RuralDevelopment #UshaInternational

Quiz Competition among Students of Learning Centers

23 November 2024, Hazaribagh: Today, a quiz competition was organized among the students of Learning Centers operating in Barasi, Sarouni, Kanchanpur, Charwa, Khutra, Lupung, Salgawan, Sultana, Mayatu, Pabra, Gurwa, Hedlag, and Babhanvai villages under the Girls’ Education Program supported by Action Village India. This event took place at the Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra Coordination Office in Amritnagar (Hazaribagh) and covered Sadar, Katkamsandi, and Katkamdag blocks of Hazaribagh district.

A total of 78 students, six selected from each Learning Center, participated in the event. These students, from Classes 8, 9, and 10, were tested with questions related to English, Mathematics, and Science. Among them, 27 students performed exceptionally well and received prizes. Students from the Kanchanpur Learning Center won the highest number of first prizes, bagging three top awards.

The event’s chief guest, Mr. Gandharv Gaurav, Program Director of NBJK, encouraged the students, emphasizing that education is a powerful tool to eliminate poverty and unemployment, enabling empowerment. He urged the students to study diligently and excel in their school exams.

The quiz competition was conducted by Senior Program Manager Mr. Rajeev Singh, who shared that this program currently provides free coaching in Science, Mathematics, and English to 513 students of Classes 8, 9, and 10 through Learning Centers. Additionally, 465 students receive sponsorship support under the initiative. Highlighting the program’s impact over the past 16 years, he mentioned that nearly 3,000 girls have successfully passed their matriculation exams, and incidents of child marriage have significantly decreased.

The quiz competition was coordinated by Program Supervisor Mr. Abhay Kumar, with all the teachers from the Learning Centers in attendance.

NBJK’s Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital Brings Eye Care to Rural Communities

21 November 2024, Deoghar: Between 9th October and 19th November 2024, the Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital (VRBEH), Deoghar, under the aegis of Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), organized 62 Eye Screening Camps in underserved villages of Jharkhand and Bihar.

The camps were conducted across blocks like Deoghar Sadar, Mohanpur, Jamua, Giridih Sadar, Birni, Deori, Chandan, Lakhisarai Sadar, Sono, and Jhajha, covering districts including Deoghar, Giridih, Banka, Lakhisarai, and Jamui. These free-of-cost camps served 925 patients, providing essential eye healthcare services in remote areas where such facilities are scarce.

Key Outcomes:

• Cataract Cases Detected: 392
• Refractive Errors Identified: 316
• Pterygium Cases: 30
• Other Ophthalmic Issues: 29
• Medicines Provided: 104 patients
• Referrals to Base Hospital: 20 patients

The Vision Centers at Giridih, Jamua, and Jasidih played a pivotal role in the success of these camps. Patients diagnosed with cataracts were offered free surgeries, including transportation, post-operative care, medicines, and black goggles. This comprehensive support has enabled many individuals to regain their sight, significantly improving their quality of life.

These camps were made possible through the generous support of Sightsavers India, Westbridge Capital, and Kotak Securities, whose contributions have helped restore sight and instill hope in countless lives.

NBJK expresses its heartfelt gratitude to these partners for their unwavering commitment to accessible healthcare.

1130 Students of NBJK-Run Schools to Receive Free Breakfast and Lunch

18 November 2024, Chouparan (Hazaribagh): Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) has extended its Feeding India: A Zomato Giveback program to three additional schools in the Chouparan block of Hazaribagh district. The initiative, previously implemented only at Amoli Apurva Middle School, Bahera, will now benefit students at:

1. Amoli Apurva Primary School, Prajapat Nagar
2. Amoli Apurva High School, Mangarh
3. Chandrakala Devi Daga High School, Kewalia

This expansion will ensure nutritious meals for 1130 students, including 565 girls, across four schools. The meals include:

• Breakfast: Sprouted gram, green gram, and milk
• Lunch: Rice, pulses, and vegetables

The initiative targets children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with around 25% of students (80% of them girls) availing freeships. NBJK also provides an affordable fee structure to make quality education accessible to rural children.

Parents have expressed relief as their children, particularly daughters, now receive wholesome meals at school. This initiative not only addresses nutrition but also encourages regular school attendance.

NBJK extends its heartfelt gratitude to Feeding India: A Zomato Giveback for their invaluable support in fostering child-friendly, inclusive education environments.

Mr. Girija Satish Honored with the Jamnalal Bajaj Award

14 November 2024, Mumbai: Yesterday at The Royal Opera House in Girgaon, Mumbai, the founder and president of Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), Mr. Girija Nandan Girija Satish, was honored with the prestigious Jamnalal Bajaj Award for his outstanding contributions to constructive social work. The award ceremony, organized by the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, was presided over by chief guest Dr. Abhay Bang. The award included a trophy, a citation, and a cash prize of INR 20 lakh. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Girija Satish expressed his gratitude, saying that this prestigious award belongs to all the founding members, executive-general body members, staffs, and donors of NBJK, whose support has helped bring positive changes to the lives of millions of poor, marginalized, and needy individuals in society.

Mr. Satish conveyed his thanks to the Jamnalal Bajaj Award Committee, calling the honor a symbol of commitment to Gandhian values. He also voiced his concern about the narrow nationalism, communalism, and racism underlying wars that claim innocent lives across the world, stating that these issues could be resolved through Gandhiji’s principles of Sarvodaya and peaceful methods. Mr. Satish urged the government to implement a nationwide prohibition on alcohol and narcotics, even at the cost of economic loss, to build an ethical and developed nation free from heinous crimes like violence, murder, female abuse, and rape.

As the recipient of the 46th Jamnalal Bajaj Award 2024, Mr. Girija Satish shared his experiences in development work, emphasizing that rather than applying a model development plan across the country or a state, it is more effective and economical to address the needs of individuals or families directly. Alongside him, Ms. Rashmi Bharti, founder of the Avani Society in Uttarakhand, was honored for promoting science and technology in rural development; Dr. Tulsi Munda from Odisha was recognized for her work in women and child development; and Reverend Eric Kumedisa from the Gandhian Monk Community in Congo was honored for promoting Gandhian values abroad.

The chief guest, Dr. Abhay Bang, and the awardees were welcomed by the president of the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, Mr. Shekhar Bajaj. The event was hosted by the foundation’s honorary director, Mrs. Meenal Bajaj. Also present on stage were Dr. R.A. Mashelkar, chairman of the advisory council, selection committee heads Mr. Sudarshan Iyengar, Dr. Anil Gupta, Dr. Firoza Godrej, and Ms. Anu Aga. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the foundation’s trustee, Mr. Madhur Bajaj.

Empowering Young Minds with Nutritious Meals!

11 November 2024, Chouparan (Hazaribagh): We are thrilled to announce that under the Feeding India initiative by Zomato Giveback, free, nutritious breakfast and lunch will now be provided to students at Amoli Apurva Primary School (Prajapat Nagar), Amoli Apurva High School (Mangarh), and Chandrakala Devi Daga High School (Kewaliya)!

This expansion means an additional 900 children, beyond the 235 students at Amoli Apurva Middle School (Bahera), will enjoy healthy breakfasts of sprouted gram with milk and daily lunches of rice, pulses, and vegetables.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Feeding India for making a lasting difference in the lives of these children of Chouparan block of Hazaribagh district. Together, we’re building a healthier future!

#FeedingIndia #ZomatoGiveback #NBJK #NutritiousMeals #BetterEducation #ChildNutrition #SchoolMeals #AmoliApurvaSchools #ChandrakalaDeviDagaHighSchool

NBJK Drives Health, Hygiene, Environment, and Disability Initiatives Across Jharkhand and Bihar

05 November 2024, Jharkhand/Bihar: Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) is making a significant impact on communities across Jharkhand and Bihar with dedicated programs in health care, sanitation, and disability support, touching countless lives and promoting sustainable change.

Comprehensive Eye Care Services: NBJK operates four eye hospitals with a total of 260 beds, 24 vision centers, and has conducted 1,274 eye camps. In 2023-24 alone, the organization recorded 1,49,745 OPD visits, performed 24,750 cataract surgeries—85% of which were free—and provided 39,410 spectacles. NBJK’s commitment extends to 1,408 other surgeries, 70,159 refractions, and broad accessibility for patients across rural areas.

Mobile Medical Unit Outreach: Through 440 outreach camps in 20 villages, NBJK’s Mobile Medical Unit delivered 5,288 consultations, addressing common ailments like fever, anemia, diabetes, and joint pain. This mobile approach ensures that basic medical services are accessible to underserved populations.

Sanitation & Hygiene Initiatives: NBJK has taken bold steps to improve sanitation. Safe drinking water has reached 3,058 households, 50 tons of garbage have been cleared, and waste materials have been transformed into 825 metric tons of Vermi Compost and 370 metric tons of Green Millboard, promoting eco-friendly practices and agricultural enhancement.

Menstrual Health Awareness: In promoting menstrual health, NBJK has trained 2,500 women and girls, with 2,107 adopting improved hygienic practices. This initiative helps address a critical need for education and empowerment among women in rural areas.

Disability Support Program: With a commitment to inclusivity, NBJK has aided 5,000 individuals with disabilities, including vocational training for 872 participants, of whom 444 found employment. The program has facilitated 1,525 UDID enrollments, conducted 594 hospital assessments, supported 63 clubfoot surgeries, distributed 309 assistive devices, and secured 750 linkages to government schemes, ensuring comprehensive support.

These initiatives exemplify NBJK’s dedication to fostering health, environmental care, and inclusion, building resilient communities for a brighter future.

Together, NBJK is working towards a healthier, inclusive future in Jharkhand and Bihar.

Differently-Abled Trainees Celebrate Diwali!!

01 November 2024, Hazaribagh: With support from Cheshire Disability Trust and Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, differently-abled trainees at the Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra’s employment training center in Amrit Nagar celebrated Diwali with enthusiasm. NBJK President Mr. Girija Satish and Secretary Mr. Satish Girija joined the festivities, sharing sweets and lighting sparklers with the trainees.

This free of cost residential training program, conducted by the organization, offers a one-month course in basic computer skills and DTP to differently-abled youth and assists with their job placement. This special employment training program, which began in Hazaribagh in August, is now in its third batch, with a total of 42 trainees trained so far. A similar program in Ranchi has already benefited 28 trainees.

Mr. Ajay Kumar, the program coordinator, shared that the goal for the current financial year is to train 200 differently-abled youth and connect at least 140 with employment, a target they are actively working to achieve. He said that enrollment process for this course is going on and any differently-abled youth can get admission at NBJK Hazaribagh or Ranchi very easily.