NBJK Serves 5,550 Breakfasts and Lunches to School Children under Feeding India Initiative

02 March 2026, Chouparan, Hazaribagh: Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) has successfully served 5,550 breakfasts and an equal number of lunches to school children in the Chouparan block of Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand, during 16–28 February 2026. The food support was provided under Feeding India, a giveback initiative of Zomato.

The meals were distributed across four schools:

• Amoli Apurva High School, Mangarh – 2,424 meals
• Amoli Apurva Middle School, Bahera – 4,040 meals
• Amoli Apurva Middle School, Prajapat Nagar – 2,920 meals
• Chandrakala Devi Daga High School, Kewaliya – 1,716 meals

Children were provided sprouted gram or green gram with milk for breakfast, and rice, pulses, and vegetables for lunch to ensure balanced nutrition.

As the initiative completes one and a half years in March 2026, it continues to significantly support families—especially mothers—by sharing the responsibility of meal preparation. The program has also contributed to improved school attendance, enhanced academic interest, and strengthened community bonding among students and guardians.

NBJK expressed its sincere gratitude to Zomato for the continued partnership and support, which is helping nurture healthier, more focused, and motivated learners in rural Jharkhand.

9-Day Residential Usha Silai School Training Concludes Successfully at Amarpur, Banka (Bihar)

27 February 2026, Amarpur (Banka, Bihar): Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), with the valued support of Usha International Limited, successfully conducted a 9-day residential training programme under the Usha Silai School Programme at Amarpur in Banka district, Bihar, from 16th to 24th February 2026.

The training programme was inaugurated by Mr. Felix Tirkey (State Programme Manager – Jharkhand & Bihar, UIL), Mr. Shailesh Kumar (Programme Co-ordinator, NBJK), Mrs. Lalsa Devi (Master Trainer, UIL), and Mr. Kapil Raut (Service Engineer, UIL).

A total of 15 rural women from Banka, Fullidumar, Amarpur, Bounsi and Dhoraiya blocks participated in the intensive training. The programme covered sewing machine installation, understanding of machine parts, minor repair techniques, designing, cutting and stitching of garments for children, women and men. In addition, sessions on life skills and entrepreneurship were conducted to prepare the participants for running their own Usha Silai Schools.

Upon successful completion of the training, each participant was provided with a certificate, a brand-new sewing machine, a toolkit, guidebook, syllabus, and a signage board to establish her own Usha Silai School in her respective locality.

Through this initiative, the trained women will not only start their own tailoring enterprises but will also impart tailoring skills to other young girls and women in their communities, thereby promoting self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods in rural areas.

This initiative reflects a strong commitment towards women’s empowerment, skill development, and grassroots entrepreneurship in Bihar.

Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra Honored with Junoon Award 2025

26 February 2026, Hazaribagh: Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) has been conferred with the prestigious Junoon Award 2025 for its remarkable contributions in the field of climate resilience. The award was presented under the Circularity category for the theme “Redefining Resilience – Climate Action for Lasting Change.”

The award was received by Mr. Satish Girija, Secretary of NBJK, during the ‘Chaupal’ program held on 22 February 2026 at the Green Technology Building, University of Mumbai, Kalina Campus, Santacruz (East), Mumbai. The honor was presented by Mr. Anshu Gupta, Founder of Goonj, and Mrs. Meenakshi Gupta, Co-founder of Goonj.

Along with the recognition, NBJK received a financial reward of USD 2,257, supported by EarthON Foundation as the Goodness Partner of the Junoon Awards, acknowledging impactful contributions toward climate resilience.

This recognition celebrates NBJK’s community-based climate adaptation initiatives, promotion of circular resource use, and innovative efforts toward sustainable development.

Together, we continue to redefine resilience and strengthen climate action at the grassroots level.

Orientation Training on Eye Health and Social Inclusion Organized at Daru Block under Netra Vasant Programme

25 February 2026, Daru (Hazaribagh, Jharkhand): An Orientation Training on Eye Health and Social Inclusion was successfully organized at Petto Primary Health Centre, Daru Block, under the Netra Vasant – Rural Eye Health Programme. The programme is being implemented by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) with the support of Sightsavers India.

The primary objective of the orientation was to strengthen community-level coordination to eliminate pending cataract cases, identify individuals suffering from bilateral cataract blindness, facilitate their timely surgery, and work collectively towards making Daru Block free from cataract-related blindness. The initiative also emphasized the importance of social inclusion to ensure that marginalized and vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, have equitable access to quality eye care services.

The programme was graced by District Council Member Mrs. Geeta Devi as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished attendees included Mukhiya of Harli Panchayat Mrs. Farzana Khatoon, Medical Officer of Daru Block Dr. Amresh Kumar, JSLPS Block Programme Manager Mr. Rajkumar, District Coordinator of the Rural Eye Health Programme Mr. Kirti Rawat, and Social Inclusion District Coordinator Mr. Raman Vishwakarma.

A total of 68 participants actively took part in the training. The participants included Mukhiyas from seven Panchayats, 48 Sahiyas, Sahiya Sarthi, BTT Coordinators, 10 Gender CRPs from JSLPS, frontline health workers, members of Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs), and Panchayat Samiti members.

During the session, speakers highlighted cataract as one of the leading causes of avoidable blindness in rural areas and stressed the need for early identification, community awareness, and prompt surgical intervention. They underlined the crucial role of Panchayati Raj representatives, community health workers, and grassroots institutions in mobilizing patients, reducing delays in treatment, and ensuring follow-up support.

The orientation concluded with a collective commitment from all stakeholders to work in close coordination to address cataract-related blindness and promote inclusive, accessible, and sustainable eye health services in Daru Block.

5,000 Persons with Disabilities Empowered Through Community Based Inclusive Development in Patna

21 February 2026, Patna: The Community Based Inclusive Development (CBID) project implemented by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra with the support of Bajaj Finserv Limited under its CSR initiative has brought significant positive change in the lives of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) across 20 slum settlements in Patna.

Between January 2024 and December 2025, the project directly benefited 5,000 persons with disabilities by promoting dignity, independence, and equal participation in community life.

Key achievements include:

• Establishment of 1,000 sustainable livelihood enterprises
• Distribution of 800 assistive devices (Aids & Appliances)
• Strengthening of 150 Self-Help Groups along with 21 Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs) and their Federation
• Linkage of 2,000 PwDs to government schemes and entitlements
• Educational and ADL support to 400 children with disabilities
• Sensitization of nearly 100,000 community members and 10,000 school children across 100 schools

The project demonstrated that with appropriate skill training, financial support, and community-based rehabilitation services, persons with disabilities can successfully engage in more than 50 different livelihood trades — ranging from tailoring, retail, and food enterprises to technical services and transport operations.

The CBID approach focuses on removing social and environmental barriers, strengthening community systems, and ensuring equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in education, healthcare, social protection, and livelihood.

This initiative reinforces that inclusive development is not charity, but a rights-based pathway toward sustainable and equitable social transformation.

NBJK Serves 4,877 Breakfasts and 4,877 Lunches under Zomato Supported Feeding India Initiative

16 February 2026, Chouparan (Hazaribagh): In the first fortnight of February 2026, NBJK successfully provided 4,877 breakfasts and an equal number of lunches to children studying in its organization-run schools in Chouparan block of Hazaribagh district under the Zomato supported Feeding India initiative.

The distribution of meals across schools is as follows:

• Amoli Apurva Middle School, Bahera – 2,093 breakfasts and 2,093 lunches
• Amoli Apurva Middle School, Prajapat Nagar – 1,680 breakfasts and 1,680 lunches
• Chandrakala Devi Daga High School, Kewaliya – 951 breakfasts and 951 lunches
• Amoli Apurva High School, Mangarh – 153 breakfasts and lunches were served on 2 February only, as the school was declared an examination centre for the Class X Board Examination by the Jharkhand Academic Council, Ranchi, and regular classes were suspended.

Under the Feeding India program sponsored by Zomato, students are provided sprouted gram or green gram with milk for breakfast, and rice, pulses with vegetables for lunch on every school day. The initiative aims to ensure that children receive nutritious meals that support their physical growth and academic performance.

The children, their parents, and the wider community have expressed happiness and appreciation for this food support arrangement. The initiative reflects a positive gesture of shared responsibility and strengthens the link between nutrition and quality education.

NBJK expresses its sincere gratitude to the Zomato supported Feeding India initiative for partnering in this meaningful effort to nurture healthy, educated, and empowered children.

NBJK and Lok Samiti Renew Call for Nationwide Prohibition Law

14 February 2026, Hazaribagh: For several decades, Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) and Lok Samiti have been consistently working toward the goal of alcohol prohibition through sustained advocacy, public awareness campaigns, community mobilization, and dialogue with policymakers.

Their long-standing efforts contributed significantly to the historic decision of the Government of Bihar, which implemented a statewide liquor ban in 2016. This landmark development demonstrated that strong political will, supported by organized civil society action, can translate into meaningful social reform. The Bihar prohibition policy has been widely recognized as a bold step aimed at protecting families, reducing domestic violence, improving household savings, and strengthening social harmony.

NBJK and Lok Samiti believe that the Bihar experience offers valuable lessons for the rest of the country. Alcohol abuse continues to affect millions of families across India, leading to health problems, economic distress, crime, and social instability. Women, children, and economically vulnerable communities suffer the most from its consequences.

In light of these realities, both organizations renew their appeal to the Government of India and state governments to initiate serious deliberations toward enacting a comprehensive nationwide prohibition law. They also call upon religious leaders, social organizations, women’s groups, youth networks, and responsible citizens to unite in support of an addiction-free India.

Prohibition is not merely a legal measure; it is a social reform movement rooted in the principles of morality, public health, and human dignity. The success in Bihar proves that change is possible. The time has come to take this movement forward at the national level.

Let us work together for a healthier, safer, and addiction-free India.

Lok Samiti: A Gandhian People’s Movement for Social Transformation

12 February 2026, Hazaribagh: Lok Samiti, a non-party Gandhian people’s organization, was founded on 30 June 1977 by the renowned freedom fighter and Sarvodaya leader Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), who also served as its first National President. The organization was envisioned as a peaceful, non-political platform to promote accountability in governance and strengthen Indian democracy through constructive social action.

Over the years, Lok Samiti has led several significant initiatives, including a 33-day bicycle rally from Patna to Delhi (1987) demanding the inclusion of the “Right to Work” as a Fundamental Right, peaceful redistribution of 550 acres of land to the poor in Chatra (1988), Bihar and Jharkhand Jagaran Yatras, the Manav Jodo Campaign promoting inter-caste and inter-faith harmony, and advocacy on Panchayati Raj, women’s empowerment, land reforms, Right to Information, disability rehabilitation, health, education, disaster relief, and electoral reforms.

Under the leadership of then National General Secretary Shri Girija Satish, the Sampoorna Parivartan Yatra (2013) in Bihar focused on governance reforms, prohibition, and social justice. Following sustained public mobilization—particularly by women—Bihar implemented prohibition in April 2016. Lok Samiti has continued its anti-liquor movement in Jharkhand and nationally, organizing state-level conferences, a Liquor-Free Jharkhand Campaign (2017), and a National Conference against alcohol at Rajghat, New Delhi (March 2018), demanding a strong nationwide anti-liquor law.

Lok Samiti believes that moral and social transformation—central to JP’s vision of “Total Revolution”—is threatened by the growing social and governmental acceptance of alcohol. The organization continues to advocate prohibition, eradication of social evils and superstition, communal harmony, and women’s empowerment as essential pillars of a just and progressive society.

Lok Samiti invites citizens committed to non-violence and peaceful social change to join this movement for building a more equitable and ethical India.

Inter-House Quiz Competition Held at Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School

09 February 2026, Chouparan: NBJK’s Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School, Bahera (Chouparan, Hazaribagh) successfully organized an Inter-House Quiz Competition for junior section students on 9 January 2026. The event was aimed at encouraging academic excellence, enhancing general awareness, and promoting a healthy spirit of competition among students.

Students from all four houses – Gandhi House, Tagore House, Subhash House, and JP House – participated in the competition with great enthusiasm and excitement. The quiz was conducted in multiple rounds and included questions from various fields such as General Knowledge, Science, Sports, History, and Current Affairs.

The competition witnessed an energetic and intellectually stimulating atmosphere, as participants demonstrated sharp thinking, quick decision-making skills, and strong teamwork. Each round brought new excitement, and the audience remained deeply engaged throughout the event.

After a close and thrilling contest, JP House emerged as the winner by securing a total of 136 points and proudly lifted the winner’s trophy. All participating students were appreciated for their efforts and active involvement.

School Principal Ms. Reena Pandey congratulated the winning team and praised all the participants for their remarkable performance. She emphasized that such competitions play a vital role in developing students’ confidence, knowledge, and analytical abilities. She also encouraged students to participate regularly in co-curricular activities along with their academic studies.

At the conclusion of the program, winners and participants were honored with prizes and certificates. The event was successfully organized with the dedicated support and coordination of the school teachers including Ms. Amrita Massey, Mr. Prashant Mishra, Mr. Ajit Pandey, Mr. Shankar Singh, Ms. Lata Kumari, Ms. Pramila Kumari, Ms. Farhad Jahan, Mr. Ashish Kumar, Mr. Amit Kumar, and Mr. Ashutosh Kumar.

The program ended on a positive note, inspiring students to continue striving for excellence in both academics and extracurricular activities.

Amoli Apurva High School Celebrates 30th Foundation Day

08 February 2026, Hazaribagh: Amoli Apurva High School, Mangarh (Chouparan, Hazaribagh), run by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), celebrated its 30th Foundation Day with great enthusiasm and community participation.

The programme was inaugurated by Shri Arjun Singh, President of the School Management Committee and Mukhiya, along with Panchayat Samiti Member Shri Janardan Singh and Headmaster Shri Dayanand Singh. Addressing the gathering, Shri Arjun Singh highlighted the three-decade journey of the school and appreciated its consistent efforts in promoting quality education and moral values in the region. He particularly emphasized the institution’s significant contribution toward encouraging girls’ education and overall community development.

The celebration began with a welcome song presented by students, followed by vibrant cultural performances including dances, group songs, speeches, and drama. Through their performances, students effectively showcased the importance of education, discipline, and cultural values.

During the event, students who performed well in cultural activities and annual sports competitions were honored with prizes and certificates. The awardees included Simran, Jyoti, Aarti, Archana, Rashi, Chirag, Anshu, Durgesh, Sandeep, and others.

The successful organization of the programme was made possible through the active involvement of teachers Shri Sachindra Pandey, Shri Radharaman, Shri Subodh Kumar, Shri Navneet Kumar, Shri Madan Sao, Shri Umashankar Prasad and other staff members. The event was smoothly conducted by senior teacher Shri Kamdev Rana.

The Foundation Day celebration reflected the school’s continued commitment to educational excellence and holistic development of students.