Women Receive Training in Sewing and Entrepreneurship Skills

30 October 2024, Hazaribagh: The nine-day residential training program on sewing and entrepreneurship for 22 rural women from Sadar, Ichak, Daru, Katkamsandi, and Katkamdag blocks of Hazaribagh district has been concluded on 29th October at Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra’s Amrit Nagar based coordination office. This program, organized under the Usha Silai School initiative by Usha International Ltd. and NBJK, with support from WestBridge Capital, offered participants hands-on training on various aspects of sewing. They learned how to set up sewing machine parts, fix minor technical issues, and practiced designing, cutting, and stitching popular garments on machines. Additionally, the training introduced basic life skills and essential business knowledge to enhance their professional understanding.

Addressing the women at the closing ceremony, NBJK President Mr. Girija Satish emphasized the importance of sewing skills, highlighting that this knowledge empowers women to pursue self-employment and achieve economic independence. Mr. Felix Tirkey, State Program Officer of Usha International, expressed hope that these trainees will establish Usha Silai Schools at home, teach sewing to others, and generate income through tailoring. Each woman received a certificate, a new sewing machine, a signage board, a syllabus guide, and a service manual upon completing the training. Program Coordinator Mr. Shailesh Kumar played an essential role in organizing this initiative.

Lok Samiti Stands with Sarva Seva Sangh: Fast & Satyagraha for Justice

29 October 2024, Patna: In protest against the demolition of Sarva Seva Sangh complex and Sarva Seva Sangh Prakashan properties at Rajghat, Varanasi by the Railways and local administration, Bihar Pradesh Lok Samiti organized a one-day fast and Satyagraha on 27th October, the 47th day of the Gandhian organizations’ 100-day Satyagraha at Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, Congress Maidan, Kadamkuan, Patna.

The event was attended by National Lok Samiti President Mr. Girija Satish, Coordinator Mr. Kaushal Ganesh Azad, Secretary Mr. Chandrabhushan, Bihar Pradesh Lok Samiti General Secretary Mr. Shivji Singh, Gram Nirman Mandal President Mr. Prabhakar Kumar, and members of Bihar Pradesh Mahila Lok Samiti, including Mrs. Putul Kumari and Mrs. Meena Devi, among many senior activists.

Meanwhile, in Varanasi, Mr. Bhupendra Tripathi, President of Lok Samiti’s Madhya Pradesh unit, along with Coordinator Mr. Chandrashekhar, Sarvodaya activist Mr. Sampat Namdev, and Mr. Hirish, participated in the fast and Satyagraha. It is noteworthy that in 1960, with the inspiration of Saint Vinoba and the support of then-Railway Minister Mr. Lal Bahadur Shastri, Sarva Seva Sangh Prakashan was established in Varanasi and has played a significant role in promoting Gandhian literature.

Tagore House Wins the Inter-House Basketball Tournament!

28 October 2024, Hazaribagh: The girls’ inter-house basketball tournament at Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School, Bahera (Chouparan, Hazaribagh), managed by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra, concluded with Tagore House emerging as champions! All four houses—Gandhi, JP, Subhash, and Tagore—played with high spirit. After an intense series of matches, Tagore House clinched the title by defeating Subhash House 10–4 in the finals on 25 October.

Principal Ms. Reena Pandey kicked off the final match with a ceremonial toss. In a thrilling game, Nikita Kumari from Subhash House showed excellent skill, but Tagore House’s players, led by stars Kumkum Bharti and Sakshi Kumari, made a powerful comeback to secure victory. Kumkum Bharti’s remarkable play earned her the title of Player of the Tournament.

Congratulations to all players, including Honey Singh, Aradhya Sharma, and others, for their teamwork and sportsmanship! A special thanks to our physical education teachers and the organizing team for their invaluable support. Principal Reena Pandey praised the girls for excelling in both academics and sports, awarding medals and offering her blessings for their future.

Feeding India Team’s Visit to Schools Operated by NBJK

24 October 2024, Hazaribagh: The team from Feeding India visited Amoli Apurva Middle School, Bahera, operated by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra in Chouparan block, on 22nd October to inspect the free breakfast and lunch distribution program for children. It is worth noting that since 2nd September, under the Feeding India – A Zomato Giveback Initiative, 235 students of this school have been provided breakfast in the morning consisting of sprouted chickpeas or mung beans with milk, and lunch in the afternoon with pulse, rice, and green vegetables.

Ms. Iya Khandelwal, Head of the Eastern Region of Feeding India, and Mr. S. Dev, Associate Program Manager, visited the school with NBJK Secretary Mr. Satish Girija. They observed the breakfast distribution process, cleanliness, and visited each classroom to interact with the students regarding their experience with the meals and studies. They also visited Bahera Ashram to observe the preparation of the meals and inspected the hygiene standards.

The officials from Feeding India personally distributed meals to the children and expressed their satisfaction after reviewing the entire system. They also visited Chandrakala Devi Daga High School, Kewaliya, Amoli Apurva Primary School, Prajapat Nagar, and Amoli Apurva High School, Mangarh, where they interacted with the children and teachers. Mr. Virendra Sinha, Manager of Bahera Ashram, informed that NBJK has requested the Feeding India team to extend the breakfast and lunch program to these schools as well.

Empowering Women through Usha Silai School Training!

21 October 2024, Ranchi: A 9-day residential training for Usha Silai School Teachers started on 16th October 2024 at NBJK’s Ranchi branch, supported by Usha International Ltd. 15 enthusiastic women from Lohardaga district are learning essential tailoring skills, sewing machine repair, and garment making.

The training aims to equip them with the tools and knowledge to start their own Usha Silai Schools, empowering them to teach neighborhood girls and provide tailoring services.

Upon completion, they’ll receive a new Usha sewing machine, a signage board, and more!

#EmpowerWomen #UshaSilaiSchool #SkillDevelopment #TailoringTraining #NBJK #WomenEmpowerment #UshaInternational

Proud Participation in Project Veer Gatha 4.0!

19 October 2024, Hazaribagh: The students of NBJK’s Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School, Bahera (Chouparan, Hazaribagh) took part in the inspiring Project Veer Gatha 4.0, launched by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Ministry of Education (MoE).

This initiative celebrates the bravery and sacrifices of our soldiers and freedom fighters. Our students actively participated in various activities like oration, drawing, essay writing, road shows, plantation, and cleanliness drives, spreading the spirit of patriotism.

On 17th October’24, the school’s Principal, Ms. Rina Pandey, along with the dedicated teachers, motivated the students to engage with a strong commitment to the nation. These activities, conducted both online and face-to-face, have instilled values of service and love for the country in the hearts of the young minds.

#ProjectVeerGatha #Patriotism #SPBPublicSchool #ProudStudents #NationFirst

Empowering Education for All !!

17 October 2024, Hazaribagh: NBJK runs 1 Primary School, 1 Middle School, 6 High Schools, 17 Learning Centers, 30 Remedial Coaching Centers and 10 Bridge Schools. Also it implements Girls’ Sponsorship program for completion of their schooling without any financial hurdle or social constraint like child marriage. There are child friendly programs like Child Reporters, Nav Jagriti among children of marginalized sections to ensure their rights.

During the year 2023-24, NBJK has provided Pre-schooling & Schooling support to 6585 children (4380 girls, 2205 boys), Sponsorship/no fees/fees relaxation to 3131 children (2923 girls, 208 boys) and new bicycles to 400 school girls.

Besides this, 1082 students (820 girls, 262 boys) appeared in class X board exam, 728 (591 girls, 137 boys) or 67% students passed with first division and their average result is 98%.

In total the organization has worked with 22317 children through schools, learning centers, remedial coaching centers, bridge schools and other child friendly programs.

Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School Hosts 2nd Hazaribagh District Gatka Championship 2024

15 October 2024, Bahera (Chouparan, Hazaribagh): Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School (SPBPS), run by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), successfully organized the second edition of the Hazaribagh District Gatka Championship 2024 on 8 October 2024. The event featured Junior, Sub-junior, and Senior categories, with participants from several prominent schools in the district, including DAV School-Barhi, Delhi Public School-Barhi, Royal Orchid School-Chakura (Barhi), Shridas International School-Devchanda, Divine Public School-Barkattha, and the host school, Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School-Bahera (Chouparan).

The championship was inaugurated by Mr. Anup Kumar Singh, Director of Royal Orchid School, Barhi, Mr. Rohit Kumar, Director of Shridas International School, Devchanda, and Ms. Rina Pandey, Principal of SPBPS, in a joint ceremony. The event was marked by enthusiasm and competitive spirit, showcasing the students’ martial arts skills.

SPBPS Shines as Champion In an impressive display of talent, Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School clinched the Winner’s Trophy, securing a total of 42 gold medals. The students of Shridas International School were awarded Runner-up honors, with 25 gold medals.

Outstanding Performers Several students from SPBPS emerged as standout performers, earning top accolades:

• Gold Medalists: Palak, Nisha, Aryan, Rishi, Mayuri, Pritam, Alok, Samar, Mitthi, Neha, Alfaz
• Silver Medalists: Arpit, Shreshtha, Palak, Mrityunjay
• Bronze Medalists: Ayush, Aryan, Roshan

Key Organizers and Contributors The event was made possible through the efforts of the Jharkhand Gatka Association President Mr. Prince Mishra and Referee Mr. Anshu Kumar, who played vital roles in coordinating the competition. SPBPS teachers also contributed significantly to the event’s success. Mrs. Amrita Massy and Mr. Jwala Singh led the stage management, while other faculty members, including Mr. Rakesh Ranjan, Mr. Umesh Bhagat, Mr. Ashutosh Kumar, Mr. Shankar Singh, Mr. Bhola Sinha, Mrs. Farhat Jehan, Mrs. Pramila Kumari, Mrs. Jaya Verma, Mrs. Archna Pandey, Mrs. Suman Bala, and Mrs. Anjali Kumari, offered their support throughout the event.

Principal’s Remarks Ms. Rina Pandey, Principal of SPBPS, expressed her appreciation for the championship and highlighted the importance of Gatka as a martial art. She emphasized that Gatka not only enhances self-defense and self-control but also contributes to the development of physical and mental abilities. She further shared her hope that Gatka would soon become part of national-level games, providing more recognition for the sport and its practitioners.

The championship has not only brought recognition to the students but also promoted the ancient martial art form of Gatka within the district, inspiring more young athletes to participate in this valuable sport.

Honouring Loknayak Jayaprakash on His 122nd Birth Anniversary

11 October 2024, Hazaribagh: Under the joint aegis of Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra and Hazaribagh District Lok Samiti, on the occasion of the 122nd birth anniversary of the famous freedom fighter, Sarvodaya leader and pioneer of Total Revolution, Loknayak Jaiprakash aka JP, founder of NBJK and National President of Lok Samiti, Shri Girija Satish along with colleagues of JP movement garlanded the JP statue installed in Loknayak Jaiprakash Narayan Central Jail, Hazaribagh complex.

Shri Girija Satish said that JP did not expect change from politics, hence he rejected the post of Prime Minister and did Sarvodaya work with Saint Vinoba, formed Bihar Relief Committee to help the famine victims and a non-political mass organization Lok Samiti to raise the issues of common people, tried to restore peace in Kashmir-Nagaland and strengthened the alternative stream of development by creating many voluntary organizations in the country. It may be noted that JP also played an important role in the establishment of NBJK in the year 1971. Shri Girija Satish, recalling the time spent with JP in Naxal affected block Musahari of Muzaffarpur, said that the simple life of a person like him always inspires.

Advocate Shri Swaroop Chand Jain, who was an active member of the JP movement, said that JP’s name is very high among the people who strengthened democracy in India, on whose call lakhs of youth had come out on the streets. Prof. Pramod Kumar, former teacher of political science at Vinoba Bhave University, described JP’s total revolution as a peaceful path of system change and called it relevant.

Jailer Shri Jitendra Kumar along with journalist Shri Prasanna Mishra, Jharkhand Sarvodaya Mandal President Shri Shankar Rana, advocate Shri Arvind Jha, social worker Shri Rahul Pathak, educationist Shri Arvind Ji Sahay etc. were present in this program. After this, JP’s followers also garlanded the photo of Lok Nayak at the proposed JP Memorial Complex next to the Gandhi Memorial at Kumhartoli Nala Par in Hazaribagh.

Bringing Vision to Villages!

09 October 2024, Deoghar: From September 15 to October 8, 2024, NBJK’s Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital (VRBEH), Deoghar, organized 28 eye screening camps in villages across Deoghar, Giridih, and Jamui districts of Jharkhand-Bihar. These camps provided 507 individuals with eye checkups, detecting: 226 cases of cataract, 170 refractive errors, 20 cases of pterygium and 18 other eye issues

Additionally, 37 patients received medicines, and 35 were referred to VRBEH for further treatment. All cataract patients received free surgery, including transportation, stay, food, black spectacles, and comprehensive medical care at VRBEH, Deoghar.

This initiative is supported by Sightsavers India, Westbridge Capital, and Vision Foundation of India to help eliminate avoidable blindness in rural areas.