Principal SunitaVermaji emphasized, Our country is secular, accommodating people of all religions. This inclusiveness is India-s cultural strength, fostering unity and rejecting hatred. The event was attended by Principal Sunita Verma ji, Manager Anil Verma ji, and teachers Abdul Rahman, Rajkumar and Rukhsana Bano.

This year, VJJSS cleaned two ponds: one in Ghodaha on 5 June 2024 and another in Sabhaipur on 13 June 2024. The main purpose of this initiative was to mobilize people toward their responsibilities. The residents joined in for this noble cause, contributing to the effort to restore and preserve these vital water resources.

Every adult citizen has the right to vote, meaning all Indians can vote to elect the representative of their choice. By voting, individuals can initiate changes and improvements within their communities. However, many people treat this grand festival as a holiday and do not vote, leading to a low voter turnout and possibilities for the formation of an ineffective government. To promote good governance and increase the voter turnout, the artists of Prerna Kala Manch, in collaboration with various social organizations of Banaras, performed street plays in different villages and cities from May 2 to May 27.

VJJSS marked the day with meaningful celebrations in villages and schools. The programme coordinators, Mr. Anil, Mr. Pramod, and Mr. Taufiq, conducted Mothers Day celebrations in their respective project fields. These celebrations not only strengthen the bond between mothers and their children but also serve as a reminder to appreciate and value the role of mothers in society.

Former Pradhan Tejnath Patel ji, Vinod Kumar ji from Kasturba Seva Samiti, and Rozgar Sevak Ganesh Patel ji were the guests, with Sunil Kumar ji from India Health Action Trust as the chief guest. Tejnath Patel ji emphasized, The hard work of the working class contributes to every aspect of the country-s development. Progress and development of the nation are impossible without their participation. Vinod Kumar ji shared that Labour Day was first celebrated in India in Chennai on 1 May 1923, under the leadership of the LabourKisan Party of Hindustan. Many organizations and socialist parties supported this initiative, advocating for unity and brotherhood among workers.

Sushil Kumar ji highlighted the importance of ANC (Antenatal Care) tests for pregnant women, stressing the need for special care among female labourers. ANC tests detect complications early in pregnancy, ensuring timely intervention for high-risk pregnancies or severe anemia. Following speeches, NREGA labourers led a rally chanting slogans, followed by refreshments. Supervisor Taufiq thanked all the dignitaries present.

The meeting commenced with introductions from all participants. Subsequently, panchayat members presented the issues affecting their respective wards both verbally and in writing to the Gram Pradhan. Dashrath Kumar, the Gram Pradhan, then briefed everyone present about the initiatives and achievements in the panchayat. Pramod Patel, programme coordinator, elaborated on the Panchayati Raj Act and its functions, including administrative, rural development, judicial, economic management, community organization, and administrative cooperation. Surendra ji emphasized the pivotal role of villagers in the development of panchayats and stressed transparency within the panchayat system.The meeting was attended by 35 people, including the Gram Pradhan, 6 Panchayat Members, and Kotedar. On this occasion, Prerna Kala Manch put up street plays and stage plays.

Kallipur: Kallipur witnessed the National Panchayati Raj Day programmes on 24 April 2024 in the Patel Basti with 150 villagers participating. The programme featured street plays Kamla ka Kamal (focused on girl education) and Giroh band (aimed at voter awareness), presented by Prerna Kala Manch. The former head of the village, Tejnath Patel ji, volunteer Mrs. Savitri Devi ji, and programme associates Jyoti, Aarti, Priyanka and Nagina from the sewing center were present as chief guests. Mrs. Nitu Patel ji, another programme associate, also graced the event. These celebrations underscored the importance of local self-governance and community participation in shaping India-s democratic fabric.

VJJSS marked this day with various activities to imbibe the spirit of democratic values and responsibilities. The details of these activities are mentioned in the table below. The occasions were chaired and addressed by the dignitaries of the city who elaborated on the vision and philosophy of different social reformers. These events provided the opportunity to reflect on the current state of our society, and many participants willingly vowed to incorporate some of these values into their daily lives.

1. 10.04.2024 Ambedakar Jayanti Paranapur 500* 2. 13.04.2024 Kasturba, Jyotiba Fule Mustafabad 700* and Ambedakar Day & Chhawari 3. 15.04.2024 Ambedakar Jayanti Benipur 600* 4. 21.04.2024 Mahaveer Jayanti Paranapur 50* 5. 15.06.2024 Elder abuse awareness day Mustafabad 100* Pichhawari Total 1950* * No. of participants

The seminar focused on raising health awareness, emphasizing the theme My health is my right, and discussed various government health initiatives. The occasion also provided an opportunity to inform villagers about the benefits of government health schemes such as Ayushman Bharat.

CL Public School: On 8 April 2023, VJJSS organized a seminar in honour of World Health Day in CL Public School. Mr. Anil informed the students about the establishment of the World Health Organization on 7 April 1948, and its annual celebration since then. The theme for World Health Day 2024, My health is my right, was discussed by Science teacher Satish, who also highlighted the organizations global health initiatives. Two street plays were performed by Prerna Kala Manch, focusing on environmental and health issues. More than 250 students attended the seminar.

The programmes objective was to encourage mutual cooperation and participation among the Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Sikh communities. Father Anand explained the meaning and importance of Easter to the attendees, recounting how Lord Jesus, upon rising from the mortal world, appeared to hungry and thirsty disciples fishing on the banks of Lake Tiberius, inviting them to refresh themselves. Athar Jamal elaborated on Islamic traditions, highlighting the sacredness of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is divided into three parts: Rahmat (mercy), Barkat (blessings), and Magfirat (forgiveness). Jagriti Rahi shared insights on the Holi festival, describing it as a celebration of love and cultural diversity. Artists from Prerna Kala Manch performed Easter and Holi songs, followed by a Mushaira (poetry recital) where poet Salim Ghazipuri recited Naat in honor of the Prophet. Poets Kunwar Singh Kunwar, Pushpendra, Rohit, Junaid Kabir, Bharat Bhushan, Shamim Ghazipuri, and Ranjit Yadav also presented their works. The event was witnessed by 160 participants.

People are also being encouraged to get vaccinated. Meanwhile Lok Samiti organized a two day RTCR tests and three day vaccination drive. VJC will organize another vaccination program in the first week of July. Sanitary pads are also being given to adolescent girls.

Many people have lost jobs during this pandemic. Therefore they are not able to arrange their daily food properly. Such people are being given a dry ration of cereals (pulses, rice, flour, oil, salt). Groceries and nutritious materials like Chyawanprash, soyabean etc. are also being provided to the poor people in rural and urban areas, so as to boost their immunity. Caritas India is primarily supporting the organization for this program.

Bishop Eugene Joseph of Varanasi diocese inaugurated the camp. Inaugurating the camp, Bishop Eugene said that to save the lives of others is the most important and sacred responsibility of every citizen. Fr Anand said that as Christians and as religious it is our duty to follow the model of Jesus Christ, who from the cross shed his blood and saved the humankind. With the same love and compassion, we need to save the victims of Covid pandemic. Fr Louis Prakash SJ said that similar blood donation camps will be organised this week in St Marys Hospital and Vishwa Jyoti Gurukul, Christ Nagar on 22nd and 23rd April respectively. Bishop Eugene felicitated the blood donors of the first camp, namely Fathers Thomas Mathew, Dolphy Lobo and Arogya Das by giving them certificates and medals. Sister Shruti, the Provincial Superior of the Missionary Sisters of the queen of the Apostles along with Sisters Alphonsa Gratian and Rosy made all logistic arrangements for the first blood donation camp.

In collaboration with Manav Rakt (Human Blood) Foundation led by Abu Hashim, and Popular Blood Bank led by Dr. Somesh, held its first camp in St. Marys Convent in Varanasi Cantt on 19th April 2021. Bishop Eugene Joseph of Varanasi diocese inaugurated the camp. Inaugurating the camp, Bishop Eugene said that to save the lives of others is the most important and sacred responsibility of every citizen. Fr Anand said that as Christians and as religious it is our duty to follow the model of Jesus Christ, who from the cross shed his blood and saved the humankind. With the same love and compassion, we need to save the victims of Covid pandemic.

Fr Louis Prakash SJ said that similar blood donation camps will be organised this week in St Marys Hospital and Vishwa Jyoti Gurukul, Christ Nagar on 22nd and 23rd April respectively. Bishop Eugene felicitated the blood donors of the first camp, namely Fathers Thomas Mathew, Dolphy Lobo and Arogya Das by giving them certificates and medals. Sister Shruti, the Provincial Superior of the Missionary Sisters of the queen of the Apostles along with Sisters Alphonsa Gratian and Rosy made all logistic arrangements for the first blood donation camp.

These districts are prone to communal violence. It was a challenging act reach out to those people. People were quite receptive of the message that was promoted through the plays and followed by interaction and discussion. The campaign was a huge success in promoting harmony, peace and brotherhood among the communities which have been in conflict.

The second and major initiative was on Oct.8 on the occasion of the silver jubilee of Lok Chetna Samiti. A one and half hour play titled ‘Hinsa Banam Ahinsa.com’ (Violence Versus Non-violence) written by Asghar Wajahat was performed in a house full auditorium. The play has Gandhi and Godse as the main characters. The play reveals the vision of Gandhi for India. The audience highly appreciated the play for its powerful message of victory of non-violence over violence.

On the same evening, all the artistes of PKM, past and present were honoured by Thomas John Iswaranand, the president of Vishwa Jyoti and Fr. Stanley Kozhichira the national president of Signis India. The celebrations concluded with an Inter religious prayer meeting on 8th April in VJC hall led by Swami (Dr.) Varishthanand of Rama Krishna Mission Hospital.

The artists were highly appreciated in the villages for their acting and as well as for the message being communicated through the plays. The enthusiasm of the people to learn something on the plays enriched and encouraged the artists. Special thanks to Fr. Peter, Fr. Ivan, Sr. Reshma, Sr Monica, Mr. Giriraj& Mr. Gaurav who have helped us to reach out to these places to bring awareness among the people.

The artistes were highly appreciated for their accomplished acting and perfect lips synchrinization. The audience appreciated the heart-touching message of the play, the well written script, melodious songs, the symbolic yet simple stage settings, the highly professional lighting and sound. We are happy that the message of love and brotherhood has been reached to thousands of people in an effective manner.

VJJSS organised a seminar in collaboration with Green Peace and WBT against air pollution. We also hosted a few programs of Green Peace on creating stories for Radio. Fr. Dayakar participated in a program of Green Peace in Lucknow making strategies for reducing air pollution.

VJJSS gave lead by singing awareness songs during the rally and organised the cultural programs in collaboration with Jeevan Jyoti School, Sarnath. This was a unique opportunity to motivate people to pledge for eye donation.

Fr. Dayakar, Br. Andrew and Rajender rai of Kiran Centre along with Sr. Prabha OLP worked hard to collect money and materials. With the help of many supporting hands we were able to reach out to 15 mohallas/slums and a few villages of Varanasi and Mirzapur Districts. 2183 families were helped with releif materials.

We had kept up the Campaign to save Assi river which is a victim of encroachment, neglect by the civil society and administration.

On 27th April 2016, along with member of various social organization of Varanasi we gathered at Assi Bridge with placards and leaflets. PKM Artistes sang songs appealing for clean water, clean revers and clean city.

Catholic priests, Protestant pastors, religious sisters, students of theology and philosophy, Christian laity from various churches and cultural and social activists belonging to Hindu and Muslim faiths cleansed 700 meters long stretch covering five ghats. (River Ganga flows through 84 ghats in Kashi, the most ancient living city of the world.) They transported the garbage by a boat to the other side of the river and dumped them far away from human habitation. Shri Pramod Manjhi, president of the boatmens association was standing with folded hands inside the river from dawn to dusk as a tapasya (austere practice). Similarly some others were performing buddhi-shuddhi yagna (ritual sacrifice for a sound mind) for the national leaders.

Everyone of them wanted the government to act. Fr. Anand told this reporter that he is convinced that Ganga can be cleaned only with the cooperation of the local people. For this, there is a need of mass awareness among the local people, the pilgrims and the priests. Much of the filth is caused due to the materials used for rituals. The pujaris (priests) and others involved in arati and other ritualistic acts have to change their mentality, said Fr. Anand. The volunteers distributed copies of a leaflet containing 10 appeals to the administration and the civilians appealing for a new mindset. The appeal challenged the traditional practice of pushing five types of dead bodies to float in the river. They are the bodies of children below five years, pregnant women, people who die of snake bite, chicken pox and white-leprosy (with the hope of their coming to life by the grace of Mother Ganga).