Hazaribag’s ‘apada mitras’ turn saviours for many in need

Hazaribag: When the Covid-19 pandemic gripped the country, and essential services collapsed a few years ago, a group of young volunteers from Chouparan in Hazaribag district emerged as a crucial support system for the people in distress with food, medical assistance and other support. Even after the pandemic period, the Good Samaritans are continuing with their social endeavours under the banner of ‘Apda Mitra Seva Foundation’ to undertake various initiatives by crowdsourcing funds, including donations from govt officials, private individuals and entities.In Kurha village, Kunti Birhorin, a widow from the PVTG Birhor community, once lived in a dilapidated house. Now, she has a concrete roof with a small house. It was made possible through public contributions by an initiative of the foundation. She had no Aadhaar card and, therefore, could not avail benefits under housing schemes such as the PM Awas Yojana or the Abua Awas Yojana.Moved by her condition, the volunteers of the foundation pooled in contributions and constructed a two-room concrete house for Kunti for Rs 1.5 lakh. She and her family shifted into the new home last year.Moreover, the volunteers also run a free ambulance service, free coaching classes, provide scholarships to poor meritorious students, set up a library, and run “roti banks” for the poor.On March 25, 2020, when the nationwide lockdown was announced, the youths coined the term ‘Apada Mitra’, responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call. What began as an emergency response evolved into a structured, community-driven initiative today.The members of the voluntary group have also set up a small library, offering free books and computer education. Students from classes 7 to 10 studying in govt schools, particularly those who cannot afford private tuition, are provided free coaching in mathematics, English, and science. In the early phase, online classes were conducted with support from educators abroad. The foundation also instituted scholarships for meritorious students of Class 10 and 12 with the support of local businessmen. It also honours children annually to encourage academic excellence.The group regularly visits Birhor hamlets during festivals, distributing sweets, clothes, blankets, and sweaters. In 2025, it started a “roti bank” for 40 consecutive days to ensure food security for the most vulnerable.Binod Swarnkar, the president of the foundation, said, “All initiatives are executed without govt 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.”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.”Former Chouparan block development officer Amit Srivastava, now a sub-divisional officer, described the initiative as an unmatched initiative made during his tenure. The former officer-in-charge of Chouparan police station, Nitin Singh, currently posted in Jamshedpur, also said, “The scale of service done during the Covid pandemic was impossible to replicate. They are still doing that good work.”