Hazaribag Youth Channel Modest Pocket Money into Powerful Social Change Movement
In the city of Hazaribag, a remarkable story of compassion and community action is unfolding as a group of young friends demonstrates that even the smallest contributions can create significant social impact. Choosing to prioritize empathy over personal comfort, these students are systematically redirecting portions of their daily pocket money to fund initiatives that support some of the region's most marginalized communities.
Formation of 'Arth – Ek Prayas' and Initial Outreach
The collective, comprising students at various educational stages—from school attendees to college scholars and competitive exam aspirants—formally established the voluntary organization "Arth – Ek Prayas" in 2023. Their inaugural philanthropic effort targeted the Birhor Tola settlement within the Churchu block, a habitat of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) that faces severe socioeconomic challenges.
For their first project, the group mobilized resources to distribute essential winter items to residents, providing crucial protection against the harsh cold that plagues the area. This initial success laid the foundation for more expansive community engagement.
Expanding Impact Through Education and Awareness
Moving beyond material assistance, the youth organization has implemented a structured educational program. Every Sunday, volunteers conduct weekly classroom sessions in the hamlet, where they:
- Teach foundational academic subjects to children
- Provide hygiene education and practical wellness tips
- Distribute notebooks, textbooks, pens, and other essential learning materials
The team maintains active coordination with local administrative bodies to address broader systemic issues affecting the community, ensuring their interventions align with larger development goals.
Social Media Campaigns and National Celebrations
Leveraging digital platforms, the group has organized social media-driven donation drives to crowdsource reusable garments for distribution among needy families. Perhaps most symbolically significant, the volunteers facilitated the first-ever Independence Day celebration on August 15, 2023, and Republic Day observance on January 26, 2024, within the Birhor Tola community.
"Earlier, we used to go elsewhere to watch the programmes, but for the first time, such events were held in our village," remarked a PVTG resident, highlighting the profound cultural inclusion these celebrations represented.
Recognition and Measurable Outcomes
The initiative has garnered attention at high governmental levels. During a 2023 visit, Brij Nandan Prasad, Joint Secretary of the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, interacted extensively with Birhor community members, reviewed ground-level implementation of welfare schemes, and personally visited the weekly classroom, expressing appreciation for the youth-led efforts.
Volunteer Khushi Sinha reflected on the personal fulfillment derived from their work: "Helping children study and ensuring warmth for those without proper winter clothing gives us a sense of fulfilment."
Another member, Rishi Prasad, noted observable transformations: "The positive outcomes are clearly visible today—children in the area are clean, disciplined, and steadily moving toward education. All educational needs are fully provided by our team. To ensure that the children do not face any difficulties, constant coordination is also maintained with the local administration."
Sustained Community Impact
Members of the Birhor community have expressed genuine appreciation for the winter provisions and educational support, acknowledging tangible improvements in their daily lives. What began as modest contributions from student pocket money has evolved into a sustainable model of youth-led social entrepreneurship, demonstrating how structured compassion can bridge societal gaps and foster inclusive development in even the most underserved regions of Hazaribag.
