Empowering a Woman with Disability: Rinki Kumari’s Journey towards Self-Reliance

12 March 2026, Patna: On the occasion of the International Women’s Day Fortnight, the inspiring story of Rinki Kumari (35) from Gaurichak, Patna highlights how community support and inclusive development can transform lives.

Rinki Kumari, wife of Manoj Saw, lives near Gaurichak Police Station and is affected by locomotor disability. She belongs to a very poor family where her husband was the only earning member, but most of his income was often spent on unhealthy habits. As a result, the family frequently faced financial hardship and domestic stress.

When the team of the Community Based Inclusive Development (CBID) Project, implemented by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) with the support of Bajaj Finserv, learned about Rinki’s situation, they first facilitated the issuance of her UDID (Unique Disability ID) card and linked her with various government social security schemes. She also began receiving the disability pension provided by the government.

However, the project team realized that sustainable improvement in her family’s condition required a regular source of income. After counselling and motivation, Rinki decided to start a small fruit vending business. With seed money support from the project, she purchased a cart and began selling fruits near Gaurichak Police Station after procuring them from the wholesale market.

Today, the business provides her with a modest but steady income, helping the family manage their daily needs. The project also facilitated the issuance of a UDID card for her daughter with disability and linked her with relevant government benefits.

Rinki has now become an active member of the local Disabled Persons Organization (DPO) and regularly participates in its meetings. Her fruit business is gradually growing, and during festival seasons she earns some additional income.

Through continuous guidance and support under the CBID Project, there has been a remarkable improvement in the family’s living conditions as well as in Rinki’s confidence and social participation. Her journey stands as an example of how inclusive community initiatives can empower women with disabilities and help them lead dignified and self-reliant lives.

Lok Samiti Organises Seminar on Women’s Empowerment and Social Awareness in Patna

09 March 2026, Patna: A seminar on De-addiction, Eradication of Superstition and Women’s Empowerment was organized on 9 March at Gandhi Nidhi Sabhagar, Congress Maidan, Kadamkuan, Patna, under the aegis of Bihar Pradesh Lok Samiti with support from Jagriti Socio-Economic Empowerment Services, Ranchi, to mark International Women’s Day.

On the occasion, Shri Shivji Singh, General Secretary of Bihar Pradesh Lok Samiti, read out the message of Shri Girija Satish, National President of Lok Samiti. In his message, Shri Satish expressed concern that many innocent women still fall prey to fraud, superstition and black magic. He stressed the need to ensure completely free education for girls from primary to higher levels and called for stronger laws to curb alcohol and drug abuse across the country. He also demanded reservation for women in legislative bodies, including State Assemblies, Legislative Councils, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

The seminar was chaired by Ms. Kranti Sharma, Convenor of Bihar Pradesh Lok Samiti, and was attended by around 50 women. Shri Satyendra Kumar played an important role in organizing the event.

Earlier, a one-day women’s conference was organized in Ara by Bhojpur District Lok Samiti, chaired by Mrs. Geeta Pandey and conducted by Mrs. Soumya Srivastava, where issues such as gender equality, violence against women and dowry practices were discussed. Similarly, West Champaran District Lok Samiti organized a women’s conference in Bettiah, where women shared their concerns and demanded equal rights and opportunities.

The events highlighted the need to promote scientific thinking, social awareness and women’s participation in decision-making to strengthen women’s empowerment in society.

Women’s Rights Conference Organised in Barachatti on International Women’s Day

08 March 2026, Barachatti (Gaya): On the occasion of International Women’s Day, a Women’s Rights Conference was organised at AK Marriage Hall in Batasi village under Barachatti block of Gaya district. The event was jointly organised by Lok Samiti, Mazdoor Kisan Samiti and Jantantrik JP Senani Sangathan, Gaya.

The conference was inaugurated by Barachatti MLA Mrs. Jyoti Manjhi and Mr. Girija Satish, noted Gandhian social worker, Jamnalal Bajaj Awardee and National President of Lok Samiti. The Chief Guest of the programme was Dr. Kumud, leader of the Bodhgaya Land Liberation Movement and a noted writer. The programme was moderated by Mr. Ramvilas Sharma.

Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Jyoti Manjhi highlighted the importance of men’s supportive role in women’s empowerment. She emphasised that education among women is essential for awareness and the protection of their constitutional rights. She also acknowledged the valuable guidance of Mr. Girija Satish in her journey.

Mr. Kaushal Ganesh Azad, National Coordinator of Lok Samiti, explained the historical significance of International Women’s Day and underlined the important role women play in promoting global peace.

Dr. Kumud stressed the need for women to unite and raise their voices against patriarchal systems in order to achieve equality and justice.

Presiding over the programme, Mr. Girija Satish said that while the Constitution provides equal rights to women, discrimination still persists in social practices. He noted that society cannot progress unless women are given equal status and respect. He also paid tribute to Savitribai Phule and Sheikh Fatima for their pioneering efforts in promoting women’s education.

The conference was also addressed by Barachatti Block Pramukh Mrs. Kavita Devi, Mukhiya Gayatri Devi, student leader Preeti Kumari, Mazdoor Kisan Samiti District President Mr. Bishundhari Yadav, former Sarpanch Mallu Manjhi, Rajendra Manjhi, Poonam Devi and Mr. Parmeshwar Yadav, among others.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Jagdev Singh, District President of the Jantantrik JP Senani Sangathan.

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.