Traditional art forms are not merely expressions of creativity; they are repositories of cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and community livelihoods. Recognizing the importance of preserving such indigenous practices while creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities, the EIACP Programme Centre, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, in collaboration with Jharkhand Foundation Kendra, and under the aegis of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India, organized a One-Week Capacity Building Programme on “Sikki Art for Sustainable Livelihood and Cultural Preservation” at Pindrajora, Bokaro District, Jharkhand.

The programme was inaugurated on 30 August 2026 and concluded with a valedictory ceremony on 4 September 2026. The initiative brought together 30 trainees, including women members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) associated with the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS) and homemakers, with the objective of strengthening their skills in Sikki Art and exploring opportunities for sustainable livelihood generation. The inaugural session emphasized the significance of connecting traditional knowledge with contemporary livelihood opportunities. Prof. Alok Sinha, HOD, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering and Coordinator, EIACP Centre, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, highlighted the need to strengthen traditional skills while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. He further announced that interested trainees would be provided opportunities to showcase and sell their Sikki Art products through stalls at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad during major institutional events. This initiative is expected to provide artisans with greater visibility and a platform to connect their traditional craftsmanship with potential markets. Prof. Sunil Kumar Gupta, Professor (HAG), Department of ESE, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, emphasized the importance of integrating environmental sustainability with traditional livelihood practices. His remarks highlighted how sustainable use of natural resources and traditional skills can contribute to both environmental conservation and community development. Dr. Jaydev Mahato, Executive Director, Jharkhand Foundation Kendra, spoke about the role of traditional art forms in generating sustainable livelihoods while preserving cultural heritage. The expert trainers, Smt. Naazda Khatoon and Md. Jasim, introduced participants to the techniques and possibilities of Sikki Art, highlighting its potential as a creative and sustainable livelihood option.

As part of the inaugural programme, a Mission LiFE Pledge was administered by Dr. Avantika Chandra, Information Officer, EIACP Centre, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. The pledge reinforced the importance of adopting environmentally responsible lifestyles and incorporating sustainable practices into everyday life. The inclusion of Mission LiFE in the programme further strengthened the connection between environmental responsibility, traditional knowledge and sustainable livelihoods. The inaugural session concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Suresh Pandian, Associate Professor, Department of ESE and Co-coordinator, EIACP Centre, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. He also announced that three best-performing trainees would be recognized at the conclusion of the programme, appreciating their skills, creativity and active participation.

Learning by Doing: Hands-on Training in Sikki Art

Over the course of the programme, participants received practical, hands-on training in Sikki Art. The sessions focused on skill enhancement, product development, creativity and livelihood opportunities. The training enabled participants to learn the fundamentals of Sikki craftsmanship and apply their skills to create useful and aesthetically appealing products. Through continuous guidance from the expert trainers, the participants gained confidence in transforming traditional knowledge into products with potential for wider market acceptance. For many participants, the programme represented an opportunity to acquire a new skill that could potentially supplement household income and contribute to greater economic independence.

Valedictory Ceremony: Celebrating Learning and Creativity

The programme culminated in a valedictory ceremony held on 4 September 2026. The ceremony was graced by Smt. Rasu Devi, Founder of Jharkhand Foundation Kendra, Bokaro, as the Chief Guest. In her address, she appreciated the hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm demonstrated by the participants throughout the training. She also expressed her appreciation for the impressive Sikki products created by the trainees within a short period. Highlighting the wider social significance of such initiatives, she emphasized the role of skill development programmes in promoting women empowerment, sustainable livelihoods and economic opportunities for local communities. Mr. Bishwajit Das, Programme Officer, EIACP Centre, Department of ESE, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, congratulated the participants for their enthusiastic participation and the quality of Sikki products developed during the training. He noted that the programme had enabled participants not only to learn a traditional art form but also to translate their learning into creative, useful and potentially marketable products. He also expressed sincere appreciation to the expert trainers, Smt. Naazda Khatoon and Md. Jasim, for sharing their knowledge, dedicating their valuable time, and providing continuous guidance to the participants throughout the programme. Dr. Jaydev Mahato, Executive Director, Jharkhand Foundation Kendra, delivered the vote of thanks and reflected on the training journey, highlighting the active participation, learning and skill development demonstrated by the trainees. The successful completion of the programme demonstrated how traditional knowledge and contemporary capacity-building initiatives can work together to create meaningful opportunities for local communities. The participation of women from SHGs associated with JSLPS and homemakers particularly highlighted the potential of Sikki Art as a tool for women’s empowerment and livelihood diversification. By developing practical skills and encouraging product creation, the programme sought to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and sustainable economic opportunities. Beyond skill development, the initiative also contributed to the preservation of Jharkhand’s rich cultural heritage. Supporting traditional art forms such as Sikki Art helps ensure that indigenous knowledge and craftsmanship continue to be practiced, valued, and passed on to future generations.

The One-Week Capacity Building Programme on “Sikki Art for Sustainable Livelihood and Cultural Preservation” represents a collaborative effort towards strengthening traditional knowledge systems, empowering local communities and promoting sustainable livelihoods. The initiative brought together IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, Jharkhand Foundation Kendra, expert trainers and local participants with a shared vision of linking traditional skills with environmental sustainability and economic empowerment. As the participants return with new skills, creative ideas and the confidence to develop Sikki products, the programme marks not an end, but a beginning—a step towards creating sustainable livelihood opportunities while keeping a cherished traditional art form alive. Through initiatives such as these, traditional knowledge can become a pathway to sustainable development, community empowerment and cultural preservation.

World Nature Conservation Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Pindrajora as nearly 200 rural children showcased their creativity and environmental awareness through a vibrant Painting Competition centered on the theme “Trash-Free Nature.” The event aimed to inspire young minds to become responsible stewards of the environment while promoting the importance of nature conservation and sustainable living. The awareness programme was jointly organized by the EIACP Programme Centre, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, in collaboration with the Jharkhand Foundation Kendra (JFK), under the aegis of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. The programme began with interactive awareness sessions for children highlighting the significance of environmental protection, rainwater harvesting, and community participation in conserving natural resources.

In this Painting Competition, around 200 enthusiastic children from nearby villages transformed their ideas into colorful artworks. Through their paintings, they conveyed powerful messages on keeping nature free from plastic waste, protecting forests and wildlife, maintaining clean surroundings, and building a greener future. The creativity and environmental consciousness displayed by the young participants reflected their deep understanding of the need to protect the planet. The competition was judged by renowned artist and Guinness World Record holder Prof. Mohan Azad, who appreciated the remarkable imagination, artistic talent, and environmental commitment demonstrated by the children. He encouraged them to continue using art as a powerful medium to spread awareness and inspire positive change within society. The programme concluded with an inspiring message that every individual, regardless of age, can play a meaningful role in protecting nature. The enthusiastic participation of children and community members made the event a memorable celebration of World Nature Conservation Day, reinforcing the importance of collective action for safeguarding the environment for future generations.

World Environment Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and community participation on 5th June 2026 at Pindrajora, Bokaro. The event was organized by Jharkhand Foundation Kendra (JFK), Pindrajora, Bokaro, with the support of Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), Bokaro, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. The program aimed to promote environmental conservation, raise awareness among children and youth, and encourage community participation in protecting nature. The celebration featured a plantation drive, environmental awareness sessions, and a drawing competition focused on environmental themes.  A total of 56 participants from various villages of the region actively took part in the event. Children enthusiastically expressed their thoughts and concerns about environmental protection through their drawings, highlighting issues such as pollution control, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable living practices.

Dr. Jaydev Kumar Mahato, Environmentalist and Executive Director of Jharkhand Foundation Kendra, delivered the keynote address. Speaking on the occasion, he emphasized the urgent need for environmental stewardship and encouraged young people to become active ambassadors for environmental protection. He highlighted the significance of individual actions in preserving natural resources and ensuring a sustainable future for future generations.

The program was graced by distinguished guests, including Mr. Asok Taneja, Rotary Bokaro; Sri Gora Chand Mahato, Former Mukhiya of Pindrajora Panchayat; and Mr. A.K. Pawan, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), Pindrajora Police Station. The guests appreciated the efforts of Jharkhand Foundation Kendra and Mera Yuva Bharat in promoting environmental awareness at the grassroots level. Following the competitions, prizes were distributed among the winners and participants in recognition of their creativity, enthusiasm, and commitment to environmental causes. The guests congratulated all participants and encouraged them to continue contributing positively to environmental conservation.

The event concluded with a collective pledge to protect nature, reduce environmental pollution, and work towards building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable society. The successful celebration reflected the growing awareness and commitment of local communities toward environmental protection and sustainable development. “Together for a Greener Tomorrow” remained the central message of the World Environment Day 2026 celebration, inspiring participants to become responsible custodians of the environment.

Dr. Jaydev Kumar Mahato, Executive Director of Jharkhand Foundation Kendra (JFK), was conferred with the prestigious “Kumhar Gourav Samman 2026” during the 13th Foundation Day Celebration and National Conclave of Bharatiya Prajapati Heroes Organisation (BPHO) held at Vimtara Hostel, Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

The award was presented in recognition of Dr. Mahato’s outstanding contribution to the field of rural education and his dedicated efforts toward the educational and social upliftment of the community in Jharkhand. Through his leadership at Jharkhand Foundation Kendra, he has consistently worked to expand educational opportunities, promote skill development, and empower students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds.

Receiving the Kumhar Gourav Samman is a testament to Dr. Mahato’s commitment to community service and his vision of creating a more educated and empowered society. His initiatives have positively impacted countless students and families, inspiring them to pursue education as a pathway to progress and self-reliance.

The recognition by Bharatiya Prajapati Heroes Organisation at a national platform highlights the significance of his contributions and serves as an inspiration for educators, social workers, and community leaders across the country.

Jharkhand Foundation Kendra congratulates Dr. Jaydev Kumar Mahato on this well-deserved honour and wishes him continued success in his mission of transforming lives through education and social development.

A special science-based summer camp was organized at Sarvodaya High School, Pindrajora, under the aegis of Jharkhand Foundation Kendra, where children strengthened their interest in science by learning various scientific activities in a fun and interactive manner. The summer camp was conducted under the guidance of the Executive Director of Jharkhand Foundation Kendra, Dr. Jaydev Kumar Mahtao, where more than 300 students benefited. During the program, students learned scientific concepts through several interesting science activities, experiments, and models simply and enjoyably. The Principal of the school, Mr. Mahesware Mahto, appreciated the initiative and stated that such programs are highly beneficial in developing scientific thinking, creativity, and curiosity among children. The school’s computer teacher, Mr. Angad Kumar Mahto, also actively participated in the program. He informed the students about the importance of integrating technology with science. The children participated in the summer camp with great enthusiasm and got an opportunity to understand science from a new perspective. Jharkhand Foundation Kendra aims to provide quality and innovation-based education to children in rural and underprivileged areas.

The Jharkhand Foundation Kendra (JFK) successfully organized an industrial exposure and practical training programme for Civil Engineering Diploma VI Semester students from various engineering colleges across Jharkhand. The initiative aimed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world construction practices by providing students with firsthand experience at an active project site.

For this valuable exposure visit, JFK collaborated with Build Brand Construction, a reputed construction company based in Dhanbad. The students were taken to the company’s ongoing construction project at Chandrapura, Bokaro, where they observed different stages of civil engineering work, project execution techniques, site management practices, and construction safety measures. The training session gave students an opportunity to understand practical applications of structural work, material handling, surveying techniques, and quality control processes directly from industry professionals.

The entire site exposure programme was conducted under the supervision and guidance of Engineer Manish Kumar Bharti, who explained the technical aspects of the project and interacted with students regarding modern construction methodologies and challenges faced in the field. His practical insights and detailed explanations helped students gain confidence and industry-oriented knowledge beyond academic textbooks.

The programme was overall supervised and coordinated by Dr. Shivam Saw, whose continuous efforts toward skill development and industry exposure for diploma students have been highly appreciated. Through such initiatives, students not only gain technical understanding but also become aware of professional ethics, teamwork, and career opportunities in the civil engineering sector.

This training programme reflects the commitment of JFK and Diploma Forum, Dhanbad, toward empowering young engineers with practical knowledge and preparing them for future professional challenges in the construction industry.

The Department of Environmental Science & Disaster Management at Binod Bihari Mahto Koyalanchal University (BBMKU), Dhanbad, successfully organized a meaningful and inspiring program to commemorate World Water Day 2026. The event brought together academicians, scientists, and students to reflect on the importance of sustainable water management and environmental responsibility. The highlight of the program was the presence of the Executive Director of Jharkhand Foundation Kendra (JFK), Bokaro, Dr Jaydev Kumar Mahato who graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor. A USA-returned water scientist and dedicated social activist, he delivered a compelling keynote address. His speech focused on critical water challenges, sustainable solutions, and his ongoing efforts to improve rural education in Jharkhand. His insights not only highlighted global perspectives but also emphasized grassroots-level action. The program was further honored by the presence of Prof. Ram Kumar Singh, Vice Chancellor of BBMKU, who attended as the Chief Guest. His encouragement and support underscored the university’s commitment to environmental education and research. Adding depth to the event, distinguished scientists from CSIR-CIMFR, Dhanbad, including Dr. Abhay Kumar Singh, shared their expertise through insightful lectures. Faculty members from the Department of Environmental Science & Disaster Management also contributed with their academic perspectives, making the program intellectually enriching. Approximately 60 students and several delegates actively participated in the event. The interactive sessions provided them with valuable exposure to real-world environmental issues, particularly water conservation and management. The lectures sparked curiosity, encouraged dialogue, and inspired students to think critically about their role in building a sustainable future. Overall, the World Water Day celebration at BBMKU was a successful initiative that blended scientific knowledge with social awareness. It served as a platform for knowledge exchange and motivation, reinforcing the importance of collective efforts in addressing water-related challenges.

The RYLA Rural Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) Program, conducted by the Rotary Club of Bokaro at Asha Ki Kiran School, Olgara, Pindrajora, with the support of Jharkhand Foundation Kendra, was a meaningful initiative aimed at nurturing leadership, confidence, and aspirations among rural youth. The program brought together 50 rural children, providing them with motivation, guidance, and exposure to new opportunities for personal and academic growth. As a gesture of encouragement and care, each participant received a T-shirt, cap, notebook and was also provided with a free lunch, creating a supportive and welcoming learning environment.

The event featured lectures and interactive sessions by various reputed speakers, who inspired the students through talks on higher education, career pathways, self-discipline, and life motivation. These sessions helped the participants broaden their outlook, build self-belief, and understand the importance of education and leadership in shaping their future. The program concluded on a proud and celebratory note, with certificates awarded to all participants, recognizing their participation and commitment. Overall, the RYLA Program stood as a strong example of collaborative efforts toward empowering rural youth and investing in the leaders of tomorrow.

A four-day Joint Venture Capacity Building Program on Rainwater Harvesting (3 days) and WTP/STP Operation (4 days) was successfully conducted by IIT (ISM) Dhanbad in collaboration with the Jharkhand Foundation Kendra (JFK), Bokaro. The initiative, sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India, was specially designed to strengthen the technical capacity of rural people in operating and maintaining Rainwater Harvesting systems, Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), and Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs). This capacity-building program aimed to empower villagers with hands-on knowledge and practical skills, ensuring sustainable water management at the grassroots level. The program commenced with an inspiring inauguration ceremony at Pandarkanali Panchayat in the Dhanbad District. Chamali Devi (Mukhiya), Laxmi Devi (Saroanch) and other community members of Pandarkanali Panchayat along with the Prof. Alok Sinha (HOD), Prof. SK Gupta (Dean), Prof. Panyan, Mr Biswajeet (IT Officer), Dr. Awantika, Mr. Durga Charan, Dr. Jaydev Kumar Mahato (Executive Director, JFK) marked the beginning of this training initiative aimed at transforming rural water practices. The inaugural session emphasized the importance of decentralized water management, community participation, and the crucial role of trained local people in maintaining water treatment systems.

            On the second and third days, all participants were brought to the IIT (ISM) Dhanbad campus, where an intensive technical training module was conducted. Participants received insightful lectures from leading experts Prof. Alok Sinha (HOD), Prof. SK Gupta (Dean), and Prof. Panyan. To reinforce classroom learning, participants were taken for hands-on exposure at the Water Treatment Plant and Sewage Treatment Plant within the IIT campus. These visits were led by Dr. Jaydev Kumar Mahato, Executive Director of JFK and a seasoned water expert. Under his guidance, participants observed the function of Rainwater harvesting structures, STP, and WTP.

            The final day concluded with a warm valediction ceremony, during which participants shared their experiences and lessons. Training certificates were distributed by the first lady of IIT (ISM), Mrs. Sakuntala Devi, to acknowledge the participants’ successful completion of the program. This capacity-building initiative reflects the collective commitment of IIT ISM Dhanbad, Jharkhand Foundation Kendra, and MoEF&CC to strengthening rural resilience through education, technology, and skill development. This joint program stands as a strong example of how institutional collaborations and community engagement can together drive meaningful environmental change.

The Rotary Club of Bokaro, under its Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) 2025 initiative, organized a one-day village exposure tour for students from various city schools. The program was designed to allow young learners to experience the essence of rural life, culture, and community values firsthand. Supported by the Jharkhand Foundation Kendra, a team of dedicated volunteers accompanied the students and guided them throughout the visit.

During the tour, students explored traditional farming practices, local craftsmanship, and indigenous food habits while interacting closely with villagers. They visited community spaces, learned about rural livelihoods, witnessed cultural traditions, and listened to inspiring stories shared by elders. The experience helped students understand the strengths, simplicity, and challenges of village life, broadening their perspective beyond urban boundaries. This collaborative effort by the Rotary Club of Bokaro and Jharkhand Foundation Kendra created an enriching learning environment, fostering empathy, leadership, and social awareness among the young participants.