Hazaribag Volunteers Establish Lifeline Through Community-Driven Foundation
When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across India, causing widespread disruption to essential services, a dedicated group of young volunteers from Chouparan in Hazaribag district emerged as a vital support network for distressed communities. Providing critical assistance with food distribution, medical aid, and various forms of support, these individuals became indispensable during the crisis. Remarkably, their commitment has endured long past the pandemic's peak, evolving into sustained social endeavors under the banner of the Apda Mitra Seva Foundation.
From Emergency Response to Structured Community Initiative
The foundation's origins trace back to March 25, 2020, when the nationwide lockdown was announced. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for collective action, these youths coined the term 'Apda Mitra' (Disaster Friend). What began as an urgent emergency response has matured into a well-organized, community-driven initiative that continues to impact lives today. All projects are executed without government grants, relying instead on crowdsourced funds from voluntary contributions, donations from government officials, private individuals, and local entities.
Transforming Lives Through Concrete Actions
One of the foundation's most poignant achievements involves Kunti Birhorin, a widow from the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) Birhor community in Kurha village. Previously living in a dilapidated house and unable to access government housing schemes like PM Awas Yojana or Abua Awas Yojana due to lacking an Aadhaar card, her situation seemed hopeless. Moved by her plight, foundation volunteers pooled contributions totaling Rs 1.5 lakh to construct a two-room concrete house for her. Kunti and her family moved into their new home last year, marking a transformative change in their living conditions.
Comprehensive Social Services for the Marginalized
The Apda Mitra Seva Foundation's work extends far beyond housing assistance. Their multifaceted initiatives include:
- Operating a free ambulance service to provide emergency medical transportation
- Conducting free coaching classes in mathematics, English, and science for students from classes 7 to 10 in government schools, particularly those who cannot afford private tuition
- Providing scholarships to poor meritorious students of Class 10 and 12 with support from local businessmen
- Establishing a small library offering free books and computer education
- Running "roti banks" for the poor, including a 40-day initiative in 2025 to ensure food security for the most vulnerable
- Honoring children annually to encourage academic excellence
- Visiting Birhor hamlets during festivals to distribute sweets, clothes, blankets, and sweaters
In the early phases, online classes were conducted with support from educators abroad, demonstrating the foundation's innovative approach to overcoming resource limitations.
Sustained by Community Spirit and Voluntary Commitment
Binod Swarnkar, president of the foundation, emphasized the grassroots nature of their work. "All initiatives are executed without government grants. Funds are raised through voluntary contributions. Members sponsor meals in memory of their parents, on their birthdays, anniversaries, or other significant occasions. The ambulance service and the Birhor widow's house were both run and built through collective efforts. Our volunteers comprise officers, engineers, and businessmen who devote time beyond their professional commitments," he explained.
Shashi Shekhar, the secretary, added, "For six years, the group worked consistently in health and education for the marginalised sections, relying solely on community support. It is a collective effort, and the sole motto is to provide benefits to the needy."
Recognition from Local Authorities
The foundation's impact has earned recognition from former local officials. Amit Srivastava, former Chouparan block development officer and now a sub-divisional officer, described the initiative as "an unmatched initiative made during my tenure." Nitin Singh, former officer-in-charge of Chouparan police station currently posted in Jamshedpur, noted, "The scale of service done during the Covid pandemic was impossible to replicate. They are still doing that good work."
From its origins as a pandemic response team to its current status as a comprehensive community support organization, the Apda Mitra Seva Foundation exemplifies how dedicated volunteers can create lasting social change through collective action and community solidarity.
