100 Free Cataract Surgeries Conducted for Poor Patients in Dumka and Jamtara

03 February 2026, Dumka: Loknayak Jaiprakash Eye Hospital (LNJP), Dumka, operated by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), successfully provided free eye care services to 100 needy cataract patients with the support of Vision Foundation of India and Kalpataru Foundation.

Under this initiative, free eye screening camps were organized in Tharihat village of Ramgarh block, Kaladumaria village of Jarmundi block (Dumka district), and Bamandih village of Nala block (Jamtara district). A total of 147 villagers were examined across these camps, and 57 patients were identified with cataract. Additional patients were identified through community outreach with the support of Sahiyas and local motivators.

All identified cataract patients were referred to LNJP Eye Hospital for surgery. A total of 100 patients—including 42 men and 58 women—underwent successful cataract operations. The entire cost of surgery, medicines, spectacles, food, accommodation, and transportation was borne by the supporting organizations.

Post-operative follow-ups were conducted after 7 and 21 days, and feedback was collected from all patients. The surgeries have resulted in significant improvement in vision, bringing renewed hope and confidence to the beneficiaries.

This initiative reflects NBJK’s continued commitment to accessible and quality eye care for rural and underprivileged communities.

Feeding India–Zomato Giveback Initiative Brings Nutrition Support to NBJK School Children

02 February 2026, Chouparan (Hazaribagh): Under the Feeding India – a Zomato Giveback initiative, a total of 12,904 meals were served to students of schools run by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) in Chouparan block of Hazaribagh district during the month of January 2026. This included 6,452 breakfasts and an equal number of lunches, ensuring regular nutritious food support to children.

The meals were distributed across four NBJK-run schools. Amoli Apurva High School, Mangarh received 2,024 breakfasts and lunches, Amoli Apurva Middle School, Bahera 2,056 meals, Amoli Apurva Middle School, Prajapat Nagar 1,474 meals, and Chandrakala Devi Daga High School, Kewaliya 898 meals.

As part of the nutrition plan, students were provided sprouted gram or green gram with milk as breakfast, while lunch consisted of rice, pulses, and vegetables. The menu ensured balanced nutrition and helped improve the overall health of children.

This initiative has yielded encouraging results. Regular availability of meals has increased student attendance in schools, created a sense of community among children, and reduced the burden on parents—especially mothers—who earlier had to prepare food for their children before school hours.

NBJK has expressed gratitude to Feeding India and Zomato for extending this valuable support to rural school children. The program is playing an important role in promoting education, nutrition, and well-being among underprivileged students.

Gandhi Martyrdom Day Observed at Hazaribagh

30 January 2026, Hazaribagh: On the occasion of the Martyrdom Day of Mahatma Gandhi, a commemorative meeting was organized at the Gandhi Memorial Campus, Hazaribagh, under the aegis of Jagriti Socio-Economic Empowerment Services, jointly by the District Lok Samiti and District Sarvodaya Mandal. The program began with floral tributes to Gandhiji’s statue.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Girija Satish, National President of Lok Samiti, highlighted Gandhiji’s Eleven Vows and emphasized that truth, non-violence and love remain the most relevant answers to the growing unrest in society. He strongly underlined the need for prohibition and de-addiction, appealing especially to women to support public representatives committed to curbing alcoholism and substance abuse.

Several speakers shared their views on Gandhian values, the role of education and youth in nation-building, and the social damage caused by addiction. Women participants emotionally narrated the hardships faced by families affected by alcohol and drugs, demanding stricter measures against these evils.

Presiding over the meeting, senior advocate and JP Movement activist Mr. Swaroopchand Jain said that Gandhi was not merely an individual but an idea that continues to inspire humanity. The event witnessed the participation of social activists, educators, journalists and around 100 women from different localities of Hazaribagh.

Strengthening Rural Eye Health in Hazaribagh

28 January 2026, Hazaribagh: Under the Rural Eye Health Programme, supported by Sightsavers India, Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) organized a one-day training on quality eye screening, refraction, and referral for Ophthalmic Assistants working at block-level Community Health Centres. The training was held at the Civil Surgeon Seminar Hall, Sadar Hospital, Hazaribagh.

The programme also focused on the campaign to make every block cataract-blindness free and the organization of free eye screening camps in schools.

The training-cum-awareness programme was conducted under the guidance of Civil Surgeon Dr. Ashok Kumar, ACMO Dr. Shashi Jaiswal, and Head of the Ophthalmology Department Dr. Shefa Habib. Ophthalmic Assistants from Badkagaon, Keredari, Daru, Padma, Churchu, Katkamsandi, Barkattha, Chauparan, Vishnugarh, Barhi, and Sadar blocks participated.

In total, 35 participants, including NBJK team members and Sadar Hospital health staff, took part in the programme.

Lok Samiti Felicitates Senior Journalist & Editor Kamal Kishor

23 January 2026, Aurangabad (Bihar): Lok Samiti, the non-political people’s organization founded by Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, organized a felicitation ceremony to honor senior journalist and Editor of Nav Bihar Times, Shri Kamal Kishor. The program was held under the guidance of Lok Samiti National President Shri Girija Satish and led by Bihar State General Secretary Shri Shivji Singh, with Shri Ajay Kumar Shrivastava, District President, Aurangabad, presiding over the event.

The ceremony celebrated Shri Kamal Kishor’s nomination as a Permanent Member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly Press Advisory Committee and his recognition with the prestigious Bharat Visionary Leader Award 2026 by Business in Bihar. Office bearers from Lok Samiti’s Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, Kaimur and Aurangabad district units extended their congratulations.

A congratulatory message from National President Shri Girija Satish was read out, followed by the presentation of a garland, angavastram and a citation. Speakers appreciated Shri Kamal Kishor’s contributions to journalism and public life. Expressing gratitude, Shri Kamal Kishor acknowledged Lok Samiti’s selfless, constructive work and emphasized the need to encourage such positive initiatives.

The event saw the presence of several Lok Samiti leaders, social activists and journalists from the Shahabad region and across districts.

Food Security and Climate Resilient Agriculture Initiative Inaugurated in Chanho, Ranchi

19 January 2026, Ranchi: The Food Security and Climate Resilient Agriculture Initiative, supported by MetLife and implemented by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), was formally inaugurated at Karambo Village in Chanho block of Ranchi district. The project, which began on 16 December 2025, is being implemented across seven villages of Chora and Tala Panchayats.

The inauguration programme witnessed participation of over 200 farmers and community members, along with representatives from Jila Parishad (East & West), Block Technical Manager (BTM), IFFCO State Marketing Manager, Bazar Samiti Marketing Supervisor and the NBJK team. On the occasion, the project brochure was formally released.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Satish Girja, Secretary, NBJK, highlighted the organization’s 54 years of developmental experience and emphasized the importance of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Village Development Committees (VDCs) for sustainability and effective convergence with government schemes.

Mr. Priyanshu Kumar, Program Manager – MetLife, shared the project’s vision, mission and planned interventions, while Mr. Akshay Gilbert, Program Manager – FRDP, presented key milestones achieved so far and encouraged active participation from farmers.

The project aims to promote climate-resilient agricultural practices, strengthen irrigation infrastructure, ensure household food security and enhance the income of poor and marginalized farmers in the rural areas of Chanho block.

Promotion of Youth Entrepreneurship in Hazaribagh with SIDBI Support

19 January 2026, Hazaribagh: Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), with the support of the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), is successfully implementing the Micro Enterprise Promotion Programme (MEPP) to encourage youth entrepreneurship in Hazaribagh district. Under this initiative, aspiring entrepreneurs are being linked with nationalized banks and provided financial, technical and market linkage support to help them establish sustainable livelihoods.

As part of the programme, several young entrepreneurs have successfully started their own enterprises. Saurabh Kumar, a resident of Hazaribagh city, has established “Apna Zayka Masala Store” at Indrapuri Chowk. He processes and packages a variety of high-quality spices using modern machines and supplies them to the local market. With capital support from Union Bank, Pelawal Branch under the PMFME Scheme, which includes a 35 percent subsidy, Saurabh has expanded his business and created employment for three people.

Similarly, Mukesh Saw from Banha village has set up a bike service center in his village with financial assistance from State Bank of India, Demotand Branch under the PMEGP Scheme, also with a 35 percent subsidy. Earlier a small mechanic, Mukesh now provides improved services with spare parts availability, ramp and washing facilities, and has employed one assistant.

Over the last two years, NBJK has supported 230 individuals in Hazaribagh district through the SIDBI-MEPP programme, enabling them to access bank finance and become self-reliant entrepreneurs.

Youth interested in starting their own enterprise may contact 880386339 or 6201388383 for guidance and support.

National Youth Day with Swachhta Abhiyan under SBI Gram Seva in Jamtara

12 January 2026, Jamtara: Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), with the support of SBI Foundation under the SBI Gram Seva Programme, observed National Youth Day by organizing a Swachhta Abhiyan (Cleanliness Drive) in Bamandiha Panchayat of Fatehpur block, Jamtara district.

The cleanliness drive was conducted across five project villages—Bamandiha, Mahishakhura, Turka, Karjori and Dudhani—to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. A rally led by local youth, carrying brooms, banners and placards, moved through the villages spreading awareness on hygiene and sanitation while cleaning roads and lanes. The rally concluded at the Gram Seva Kendra in Mahishakhura.

The programme was coordinated by NBJK’s Gram Seva team including Sheikh Yazal, Bipul Mandal, Dr. Ravindra Kumar Shukla, Dr. Subodh, Jiten Hansda, Beauty Kumari and Sheikh Akimuddin, with the participation of local media.

Through the SBI Gram Seva Programme, NBJK is implementing integrated development activities in these villages covering health, education, veterinary services, cleanliness and sanitation. The Gram Seva Kendra is also providing community access to facilities such as TV, computers, internet and photocopying to support learning and connectivity.

NBJK dedicated this National Youth Day to promoting cleanliness and strengthening the spirit of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, encouraging young people to become leaders of positive change in their communities.

NBJK Shares Rural Development Impact with Jharkhand Agriculture Minister

10 January 2026, Ranchi: Mr. Satish Girija, Secretary, Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), met the Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Co-operative, Government of Jharkhand, Ms. Shilpi Neha Tirkey, at her Banhora residence in Ranchi. During the meeting, Mr. Girija presented NBJK’s mission, vision, and key impacts of the HDFC Bank–supported Holistic Rural Development Programme (HRDP) and Focused Rural Development Programme (FRDP) being implemented in Chanho Block, Ranchi.

He also sought support and coordination with CINI–Tata Trust and Sustain Plus to expand development initiatives for farmers and rural communities. The Hon’ble Minister appreciated NBJK’s work and encouraged the organization to share detailed information on Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), program outcomes, and implementation plans to better understand the scale and outreach of the initiatives.

Earlier, on 6 January, NBJK successfully organized a farmer awareness event at Lepsar Bazar, Lepsar Village, Chanho Block, under the FRDP, funded by HDFC Parivartan. The event witnessed participation from 105 farmers and community members and focused on sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and community-led development.

Farmers shared positive experiences of adopting modern agricultural practices such as drip irrigation, mulching, sprinkler systems, and coco-peat-based sapling development, resulting in reduced water usage, healthier crops, and improved incomes. The event concluded with a call for strengthening Village Development Committees (VDCs), forming and operating Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and collective action towards self-reliant and sustainable village development.