SBI Foundation and NBJK Launch SBI Gram Seva Program in Bamandiha Panchayat, Jamtara

25 November 2025, Jamtara, Jharkhand: The SBI Gram Seva Program was officially launched on 22nd November in Bamandiha Panchayat of Jamtara district under the joint initiative of SBI Foundation and Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK). The inauguration was conducted by Mr. Siddlingesh Allavaroo, Project Coordinator – SBI Foundation, who visited five villages of the panchayat and formally opened the program by cutting the ribbon.

The Gram Seva Program aims to achieve integrated rural development across five villages of the panchayat. The interventions will focus on strengthening key development areas including education, healthcare, sanitation, women empowerment, youth development, and agriculture.

As part of the initiative:

* Free coaching classes are being organized for students of Classes 8, 9, and 10 to boost academic performance and improve the education system in the panchayat.

* Ojas Scholarship has been provisioned to reward top-performing Matric students.

* SBI Sanjeevani – Mobile Medical Unit* will deliver primary healthcare services to rural households.

* Shalihotra Express – Mobile Veterinary Clinic will provide treatment for livestock and help reduce animal health-related losses.

* A Garbage Collection Van has been introduced to promote cleanliness and solid waste management in the villages.

* Sewing Training Centre for women and Skill Development Training Centre for youth will facilitate livelihood opportunities.

* Library setups and support for science education will strengthen learning outcomes in schools.

* A Custom Hiring Center for farmers has been set up, enabling farmers to rent agricultural equipment at affordable rates, enhancing productivity and reducing dependence on manual labour.

Through these interventions, the program envisions developing the five villages of Bamandiha Panchayat as Model Villages, ensuring access to better education, healthcare, livelihood, sanitation, and agricultural support.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of NBJK representatives including Project Director Mr. Anand Abhinav, Dinesh Yadav, Vipul Mandal, Chiranjit, Seemant Mandal, and other team members.

Ravan Lohra Emerges as a Model Rural Entrepreneur through NBJK’s Model Village Project

24 November 2025, Chhota Banki, East Singhbhum (Jharkhand): The life of Mr. Ravan Lohra, a resident of Chhota Banki village in Golmuri block, has taken a remarkable turn through the support of Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK). Under the Model Village Project – Chhotabanki, supported by Cummins India Foundation, NBJK constructed a 100×100 feet pond in the village to promote water conservation and sustainable livelihood practices.

Recognizing the opportunity, Ravan began fish farming with 12 kilograms of fish seeds and later introduced duck farming to enhance his income. This dual-farming model not only improved the pond’s ecosystem but also ensured continuous earnings through the sale of fish, eggs, and meat.

As a result, Ravan’s household income and living standards have significantly improved. His success has motivated other villagers to adopt similar livelihood activities, marking a positive shift toward entrepreneurship in the community.

NBJK’s intervention has transformed a struggling farmer into a role model, showcasing how timely support and dedication can drive sustainable rural development.

Seema Verma Sets an Example of Women’s Empowerment through SHG and Microfinance

22 November 2025, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand — Seema Verma, a 40-year-old resident of Khirgaon, has emerged as an inspiring example of how women can transform their lives through self-help and financial discipline. Despite limited formal education and household responsibilities, Seema turned her tailoring skills into a livelihood and later diversified her income with the support of a Self-Help Group (SHG) promoted by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK).

In 2012, she joined the SHG and availed her first microcredit of ₹10,000. Through consistent savings, timely repayments and cautious use of loans, she gradually expanded her work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when her husband’s printing and photocopy shop was closed, Seema utilized microcredit to reconstruct part of her house and opened a small shop selling cosmetics and puja items.

Today, she earns ₹300–₹400 per day and contributes significantly to her family’s livelihood. Seema also serves as the SHG treasurer and is appreciated for maintaining transparent records and declining loans beyond her repayment capacity.

Her journey demonstrates how microfinance and collective support can empower women to build resilient and self-sustaining livelihoods.

SBI Sanjeevani – Clinic on Wheels delivers doorstep healthcare to 50,000+ rural residents in Gaya

21 November 2025, Gaya, Bihar: The SBI Sanjeevani – Clinic on Wheels, supported by SBI Foundation and implemented by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), has significantly strengthened access to primary healthcare in rural Gaya by providing free medical services to over 50,000 people across 20 villages in Bodhgaya and Sadar blocks.

During 2024-25, the Mobile Medical Unit conducted 488 health camps, facilitating 8,706 OPD consultations and 288 pathological tests, benefitting especially those who face challenges in accessing hospitals due to distance or financial constraints. The initiative provided preventive, curative, referral, and follow-up services, with a strong focus on women, elderly persons, and underserved communities.

To promote preventive health awareness, the project organized 12 health education sessions for 1,197 participants, and 3 Swachh Bharat Abhiyan drives with 1,147 villagers, distributing sanitary and cleaning materials. In addition, 3 specialized camps on skin, dental, and eye care treated 414 patients.

The medical team comprising a doctor, lab technician, pharmacist, and health assistant-cum-driver operates the fully equipped Mobile Medical Unit, bringing quality healthcare directly to remote communities.

Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School Advances Rural Education with Strong Academic & Co-Curricular Achievements

20 November  2025, Bahera, Chouparan (Hazaribagh), Jharkhand: NBJK’s Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School, supported by the local community, continues to deliver quality CBSE education to students from over 250 villages across Hazaribagh and Chatra districts. The English Medium Senior Secondary School offers classes from Nursery to XII with an ideal Pupil-Teacher Ratio and experienced faculty.

The school provides a vibrant platform for sports, quizzes, debates, yoga, cultural activities, and academic competitions. Recently, a quiz contest for Classes VI–X encouraged academic excellence. Notably, Class 10 student Palak Kumari won a Gold and Silver medal at the National Gatka Championship in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh.

With 1,600 students enrolled, including 498 girls, the school offers freeships, scholarships, and fee relaxation to 200 children, ensuring inclusive access to education.

Board Results:

• Class X: 100% pass; highest 90%
• Class XII: 98% pass; highest 92%

For more details, visit www.spbps.com

NBJK Schools Serve 10,819 Nutritious Breakfasts and Lunches with Support from Feeding India

19 November 2025, Chouparan, Hazaribagh (Jharkhand): Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) has successfully served a total of 10,819 breakfasts and an equal number of lunches to children studying in its schools across different villages of the Chouparan block, with generous support from Feeding India, a Zomato Giveback initiative. This nutritional service was provided during the period 1 to 19 November 2025.

NBJK ensured that every child received healthy and balanced meals. Breakfast included sprouted gram or green gram with milk, while lunch consisted of rice, pulses, and vegetables, contributing significantly to students’ growth and learning.

Across 14 school days during this period, the number of meals served by each school is as follows:

* Amoli Apurva High School, Mangarh: 3,807 meals each of breakfast and lunch

* Amoli Apurva Middle School, Bahera: 2,652 breakfasts and 2,652 lunches

* Amoli Apurva Middle School, Prajapat Nagar: 2,116 breakfasts and 2,116 lunches

* Chandrakala Devi Daga High School, Kewaliya: 2,244 breakfasts and 2,244 lunches

This initiative has earned widespread appreciation from students, parents, and the community, especially mothers, who feel supported as schools share their responsibility of providing nutritious meals. The combination of quality education and quality food has contributed to a noticeable improvement in the academic environment in these villages.

NBJK continues its commitment to ensuring that children not only attend school but also receive the nutritional support essential for their overall development.

🌿 TRIBES–NABARD Project Boosts Farmers’ Confidence & Income 🌿

18 November 2025, Khunti: Under the TRIBES project implemented by NBJK and supported by NABARD, CGM Mrs. Deepmala Ghosh visited Jivari village on 14th November to review project activities. She was accompanied by DDM Mrs. Shivani Roshan and Assistant Manager Mr. Thogata Nagaraju.

Through this initiative, farmers are encouraged to plant 1,200 Semialata plants and 20 Kusum trees on 50 decimals of land to enhance lac production. Interacting directly with farmers, Mrs. Ghosh appreciated their willingness to adopt new techniques and acknowledged their progress.

Farmers including Mr. Soto Manki, Mr. Muchirai Manki, Mr. Sutugan Purti and Mr. Turlen Dhan shared that Semialata-based lac cultivation has significantly increased their household income and strengthened their economic stability. They expressed gratitude to NABARD and NBJK for providing a reliable and sustainable livelihood source.

Experts highlighted that Semialata enriches soil through nitrogen fixation, requires no chemical fertilizers, and grows well with simple inputs like cow dung and neem cake. NBJK continues to provide regular training and technical support.

Mrs. Ghosh also visited the exhibition of local lac products, encouraging rural artisans by purchasing lac bangles.

✨ The event reaffirmed that the TRIBES–NABARD project is transforming rural livelihoods and empowering farmers toward self-reliance. More farmers are expected to join this movement in the coming days.

#TRIBESProject #NABARD #NBJK #LacProduction #RuralLivelihoods #FarmersFirst 🌱

RCC Girls’ Football Tournament Organized under NBJK’s Girls’ Education Project

15 November 2025, Hazaribagh (Jharkhand): A vibrant inter-centre Girls’ Football Tournament was organized on Saturday under the Girls’ Education Project implemented by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) with support from Action Village India. The tournament featured teams from Remedial Coaching Centres (RCCs) operating in Chadwa, Kanchanpur, Hedlag, and Lupung villages.

RCC Chadwa clinched the championship title, while RCC Lupung finished as the runner-up. The event was inaugurated by Mrs. Manju Nandini, Zila Parishad Member (Katkamdag East), who commended NBJK for promoting sports and holistic development among girls. She interacted with all players, encouraged them to balance sports with studies, and appreciated the platform created for nurturing their hidden talents.

The first match saw RCC Chadwa defeating RCC Kanchanpur by two goals, and in the second match, RCC Lupung secured a 3–2 victory over RCC Hedlag through a penalty shootout. In an exciting final, RCC Chadwa recorded a 2–1 win against RCC Lupung to lift the trophy. All participating players were honoured with medals, and trophies were awarded to the winning and runner-up teams by Mr. Manish Thakur, representative of the Zila Parishad Member, who highlighted the importance of dedication and focused effort.

Local sports enthusiast and coach Mr. Chhotu Ram conducted the commentary, while Mr. Sanjay Kumar of RCC Chadwa served as referee. The event was supported by NBJK’s project team including Mr. Ritesh Kumar Gope (Project Manager) and Mr. Abhay Kumar (Supervisor), along with RCC teachers Mr. Rajkumar, Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Mr. Shankar Kumar Saw, and Mr. Ravi Kumar Mehta.

The tournament reflects NBJK’s continued commitment to empowering girls through education, confidence-building, and sportsmanship.

Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital, Deoghar Strengthens Rural Eye Care

14 November 2025, Deoghar (Jharkhand): NBJK’s Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital, Deoghar, supported by Sightsavers India, Seva Foundation, WestBridge Capital, Kotak Securities, DBCS, Ayushman Bharat, Vision Foundation of India, Care Today (India Today), Naraindas Morbai Budhrani Trust, and SBI CAPS, continues to make significant strides in expanding quality and affordable eye care across rural and underserved communities.

Strategically located in Deoghar city, the hospital caters to patients from 482 villages across 24 blocks in the districts of Deoghar, Giridih, Jamui, Banka, and Lakhisarai, ensuring access to comprehensive and reliable ophthalmic services.

The hospital houses a state-of-the-art 30-bed facility equipped with advanced ophthalmic equipment, dedicated pediatric and glaucoma units, and a team of experienced ophthalmologists and trained medical professionals. Its community outreach efforts remain strong with 482 eye screening camps organized in remote villages, enabling early detection, treatment, and referral for various eye-related problems.

To further strengthen rural access, the hospital operates three Vision Centers (Drishti Kendras) located at Jasidih (Deoghar), Jhajha (Jamui), and Jamua (Giridih), providing continuous primary eye care services and follow-up consultations.

During the reporting period, the hospital recorded a remarkable service footprint, including:

* 20,666 OPD patients (10,916 free and 9,750 paid)

* 4,490 cataract surgeries (3,878 free and 612 paid)

* 250 other surgeries (all paid)

* 3,474 patients treated for refractive errors

* 3,525 spectacles provided (51 free and 3,474 paid)

* 11,869 patients who received medicines

Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital remains committed to eliminating avoidable blindness and ensuring that every individual—irrespective of income, geography, or background—has access to quality eye care.

Lok Samiti Calls for Social Reform and Liquor Prohibition in Jharkhand

13 November 2025, Koderma (Jharkhand): The district meeting of Lok Samiti, Koderma was held on 12th November at the district office in Doodhimati under the chairmanship of Mr. Bhola Yadav. The meeting witnessed active participation of Lok Samiti members and social workers from across the district.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Kaushal Ganesh Azad, National Convener of Lok Samiti, expressed concern over the rising problem of alcohol consumption in Jharkhand. He said that liquor has become a serious social issue, causing more harm than the revenue it generates for the government. He emphasized that a developed Jharkhand can only be achieved by enforcing a complete ban on liquor.

Mr. Azad also highlighted that despite legal restrictions, dowry and child marriage continue to prevail and have become symbols of social status. He appealed to the youth to lead a movement against dowry and fight for a society free from caste discrimination, untouchability, superstition, and communal divides.

Mr. Shankar Rana, State Convener of Lok Samiti, reiterated that the organization is non-political and people-centric, working consistently for positive social transformation based on Gandhian principles of truth, non-violence, and equality.

The meeting concluded with a decision to organize a district-level conference, with the date to be finalized in a larger meeting scheduled for December.

Participants included Mrs. Renu Pandey, Mr. Aseem Sarkar, Mr. Ashok Singh, Mr. Sahil Raman, and Ms. Ranjli Ekka, who shared their thoughts. The vote of thanks was extended by Mr. Manoj Dangi, District General Secretary of Lok Samiti.