The Career Guidance, Counseling, and Motivation Talk organized by Jharkhand Siksha Pariyojana, Bokaro, PM Sri SS +2 School, Kasmar, is a great step toward empowering students with the right knowledge and direction for their future. Jharkhand Foundation Kendra (JFK) is already running such a program in various government schools of Jharkhand named “Siksha Sabka Adhikar”. This time, it was privileged for JFK to collaborate with the Department of Education, Bokaro (Government of Jharkhand) to join hands for this great initiative. This Program aimed to provide (i) Information on different career paths (Engineering, Medical, Civil Services, Banking, etc.), (ii) Vocational and skill-based career options (iii) Higher education opportunities and scholarships, (iv) One-on-one and group counseling for students (v) Identifying strengths, weaknesses, and interests (vi) Guidance on overcoming academic and personal challenges (vii) Importance of perseverance, discipline, and goal setting and (viii)  How to stay focused despite challenges.

The Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS) organized an insightful seminar on Health, Hygiene, and Women Empowerment at the Bokaro office with Jharkhand Foundation Kendra, Bokaro. The event aimed to create awareness about women’s health, sanitation, and their role in socio-economic development. The seminar brought together health experts, social workers, and community leaders who discussed key issues such as menstrual hygiene, maternal health, nutrition, and gender equality. Special sessions were conducted by Dr. Jaydev Kumar Mahato Executive Director of JFK, on the importance of mental, and physical health, proper sanitation practices, access to healthcare, and the need for women to actively participate in decision-making processes. More than 50 women from the different blocks of Bokaro benefited from this program.  The event also featured interactive discussions, health check-up camps, and the distribution of hygiene kits to attendees. Participants expressed gratitude for the valuable insights and practical knowledge imparted during the seminar.

The Rotary Club of Bokaro, in collaboration with Jharkhand Foundation Kendra, successfully organized a Children’s Dental Camp aimed at promoting oral health awareness and providing free dental checkups for underprivileged children. The camp was held at Asha Ki Kiran School on 23 March 2025, and numerous children from nearby schools and communities participated. A team of expert dentists conducted free dental checkups, oral hygiene sessions, and treatment consultations for the children. The initiative focused on educating young minds about the importance of oral hygiene, early cavity detection, and preventive dental care. Special interactive sessions were also held to teach children proper brushing techniques and dietary habits for strong and healthy teeth. Speaking at the event, representatives from the Rotary Club of Bokaro, Mr. Ashok Taneja, and Jharkhand Foundation Kendra, Dr. Jaydev Kumar Mahato emphasized the need for regular dental checkups and community-driven health initiatives. Parents and teachers appreciated the effort, highlighting how such camps provide crucial healthcare access to children who may not receive regular dental care. The event concluded with the distribution of free dental kits, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, and educational pamphlets on oral hygiene. The organizers expressed their commitment to conducting similar health camps in the future to ensure the well-being of children across Jharkhand. This initiative showcased the power of community service and reinforced the importance of early oral health care in shaping a healthier future for young generations.

The Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament is a nationwide great platform for young voices to engage in national discussions and shape the vision for Viksit Bharat@2047. This program for Bokaro and Dhanbad district of Jharkhand was held on 21 and 22 March 2025 at KB College Bermo. It fosters leadership, civic participation, and policy discussions, enabling students to deliberate on key national issues. In this program, 137 participants from Bokaro and Dhanbad were selected to deliver their thoughts on One Nation One Election. Speaking at the event emphasized the importance of youth participation in decision-making and encouraged students to take active roles in shaping India’s future. They also shared personal experiences and perspectives on leadership, governance, and nation-building. Out of all a total 10 number of youths were selected for state-level talk. This Program is a great initiative by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sport, Government, and Nehru Yuva Kendra Bokaro and Dhanbad. I Dr. Jaydev Kumar Mahato, Executive Director of Jharkhand Foundation Kendra, Bokaro feel very fortunate to be a part of this program as a Jury member. The presence of esteemed jury members added immense value to the discourse, inspiring students to contribute to India’s progress.

In a remarkable display of swift action and coordinated effort of Jharkhand Foundation Kendra (JFK) in collaboration with the Bihar and Jharkhand police, successfully rescued two children named (i) Mirtunjay Kalindi and (ii) Uttam kalindi both (19 Year) from Pindrajora, Bokaro who had been held hostage in Bihar for a month. The mission, which was executed within 24 hours of receiving the tip-off, stands as a testament to the power of social activism and law enforcement working hand in hand. For an entire month, their families lived in agony, uncertain of their fate. The captors reportedly kept them in inhumane conditions, depriving them of basic needs and subjecting them to constant fear. Ultimately, their Parents met with the Executive Director of JFK, Dr. Jaydev Kumar Mahato.  Upon receiving the information, he wasted no time verifying the claim and contacting the local authorities. The organization provided crucial intelligence to the police, enabling a precise and strategic rescue operation.

In a heartwarming display of compassion and social responsibility, Jharkhand Foundation Kendra (JFK), stepped forward to help two differently-abled children (i) Farhan Ansari from Badhadih Panchayat and (ii) Prem Chand Kumar from Kelia Dabar Panchayat in need. With the dedicated efforts of JFK and the support of CDPO (Child Development Project Officer) Chas Bokaro, the children were provided with a tricycle and a wheelchair, giving them a new sense of mobility and independence.

The JFK, known for its continuous work in supporting underprivileged communities, identified the children’s needs during a community survey. Upon learning about their struggles, the organization immediately reached out to the CDPO officer, who played a key role in facilitating the required assistance through the government welfare scheme.

Dr. Jaydev Kumar Mahato, the Executive Director of JFK, expressed gratitude towards the CDPO officer, stating. “Our aim is to ensure that no child is left behind due to physical disabilities. This support will help these children live with dignity and hope.”

In collaboration with the Rotary Club of Bokaro, Jharkhand Foundation Kendra (JFK), organized a wheelchair donation drive to empower differently-abled individuals. The event, held at Asha Ki Kiran School Olgara, marked a significant step toward inclusivity and community support for those in need. The donation drive was a result of the combined efforts of the JFK and the Rotary Club of Bokaro, both known for their unwavering commitment to social causes. The primary objective of this initiative was to enhance the mobility and independence of differently-abled individuals, thereby improving their overall quality of life. The beneficiaries and their families expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support, with many sharing stories of how the wheelchairs would significantly improve their daily lives. The smiles on their faces were a testament to the profound impact of the initiative.

The Kashmiri Youth Exchange Program is a great initiative by Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) Dhanbad, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (GoI). In this program, 120 Khasmiri Youth from six different 6 districts came to Dhanbad, Jharkhand. The session was interactive, with the Kashmiri youth sharing their educational experiences and aspirations. Many students spoke about the challenges they face in accessing quality education due to regional instability, economic barriers, and infrastructural gaps. They were eager to explore new opportunities and contribute to their communities. I (Dr. Jaydev Kumar Mahato) was invited to deliver a talk on “The role of Spiritual Well Being and Education in Self Development”.  This program was not just an event; it was a movement toward national integration, empowerment, and progress. Let’s continue to promote such initiatives, ensuring that every young person, no matter where they come from, gets the education and opportunities they deserve.

In the “Siksha Sabka Adhikar” campaign, JFK reached Silfor Panchayat. This campaign focused on spreading awareness about the importance of education, enrolling out-of-school children, and engaging with parents and community leaders to emphasize how education can transform lives. The initiative aimed to ensure that no child in these Panchayats was deprived of learning opportunities. The campaign received overwhelming support from village leaders, teachers, and parents. Many families who were previously hesitant about schooling pledged to send their children to school. Several dropouts also re-enrolled after realizing the long-term benefits of education. By reaching out to these Panchayats and educating communities, the initiative is helping lay the foundation for a future where every child, regardless of background, gets the opportunity to learn and succeed.

Ensuring the health and well-being of children is a collective responsibility, and when organizations come together for this noble cause, the impact is profound. In a remarkable initiative, Rotary Club Bokaro, Muskan Hospital, and Jharkhand Foundation Kendra joined hands to organize a Children’s Health Club, focusing on the overall development and well-being of young minds and bodies. A team of experienced pediatricians and specialists from Muskan Hospital conducted comprehensive health check-ups, including general health screenings, vision tests, dental check-ups, and nutritional assessments. Many parents found this beneficial in understanding their child’s health needs. Expert dietitians provided personalized dietary advice and packets of healthy food to parents for their children and also educated them on the importance of balanced meals, essential nutrients, and ways to prevent malnutrition. A big salute to the Rotary Club, Bokaro, and Muskan Hospital for making this event successful!