Author: Neehar

Founder | Author | Catalyst

Meet Vikash Ranjan – A Proud Bihari Making Waves Worldwide

Vikash Ranjan, a seasoned SAP Functional consultant with over 13 years of industry experience, currently holds the position of Manager at Accenture Japan, where he has been based for the past eight years. As a proud member of the Bihari Diaspora, Vikash is passionate about giving back to his roots. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Vikash embodies a strong volunteer spirit, driven by the belief that “Sewa Parmo Dharmah” (service to others is the highest duty).

During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vikash’s altruism shone brightly. Teaming up with fellow Bihari Diaspora members, all of whom shared a connection through Netarhat Residential School, they initiated efforts to serve their homeland, focusing particularly on the states of Bihar and Jharkhand. Their collective work was organized under the structured banner of NOBA GSR (Netarhat Old Boys’ Association, Global Social Responsibility).

NOBA GSR: A Bihari Initiative

NOBA GSR, founded by alumni of Netarhat Vidyalaya, is a non-profit organization rooted in the values instilled by the school’s motto, ‘Attadeepa Viharatha’. The school, located near Ranchi in Jharkhand, is renowned for cultivating self-reliance and discipline from an early age—principles that the alumni carry throughout their lives. This foundation drives Bihari alumni to give back to their communities through initiatives like Vasudha, Kisan, Nirog, Seva, and Shreemen.

One standout initiative under the ‘Nirog’ stream, which focuses on health and well-being, is Sangini.

Sangini: Empowering Girls Through Menstrual Hygiene

Sangini, co-founded by Vikash Ranjan and other members of the Netarhat Old Boys’ Association, addresses a critical issue: menstrual hygiene challenges. This project aims to break the taboo surrounding periods and menstrual hygiene in rural Bihar and Jharkhand. By installing vending machines that dispense sanitary pads in 626 desperately poor villages and schools, Sangini is helping girls lead healthier lives and ensuring they experience uninterrupted schooling.

Sangini’s Impact on Menstrual Hygiene in Bihar

The success of Sangini has been remarkable in tackling the menstrual hygiene challenges faced by girls and women in Bihar. The initiative has significantly reduced absenteeism and dropout rates among schoolgirls while enhancing their academic performance. In just two years, NOBA GSR has installed sanitary napkin dispensers and incinerators in 625 schools across Bihar and Jharkhand. This monumental effort has impacted over 150,000 girls and women, providing access to more than 18 million sanitary pads annually at an affordable price of just Rs. 2 per pad.

A Well-Structured Solution to Menstrual Hygiene Challenges

Sangini‘s structure is meticulously planned. NOBA GSR, through its Bihar  initiative, oversees operations from Delivery Centres to Local Hubs, Clusters, and finally to Villages/Schools in rural Bihar and Jharkhand. Delivery Centres receive machines and pads, which are then transported to Local Hubs that handle the installation and training in schools.

Technology plays a vital role in sustaining Sangini. Tools like WhatsForm and WhatSender are used for various purposes, including:

• Raising Awareness Digitally: Educating people about safe menstrual hygiene practices.
• Feedback Collection: Gathering insights from location representatives.
• Payment Tracking: Monitoring payments from each location against consumed pads.
• Fault Reporting: Users can easily report issues with machines for quick resolution.
• Monitoring Performance: Tracking absenteeism rates, attendance, and academic performance (a work in progress).

Expanding Sangini Across India

Sangini‘s reach has extended beyond Bihar and Jharkhand. The initiative raises awareness and installs sanitary pad dispensers and incinerators for the safe disposal of used pads. This has proven successful in reducing absenteeism and dropout rates, while also improving academic performance. In just two years, NOBA GSR (https://nobagsr.org/) has positively impacted over 150,000 lives, providing more than 18 million pads annually.

Empowering Sangini: Bihari-Led Collaboration

Sangini is supported by a network of sponsors and partners. Organizations like the State Bank of India (SBI), BPCL, Juju Productions, Vidya Vihar Group of Institutions, and Brajesh Automobiles have extended their sponsorship. Additionally, Bihari Diaspora members, NOBA members, and partners like WASH United, WHEELS Global Foundation, and Prayatna have played an essential role in the initiative’s success.

Milestones to Cherish for Bihar and Beyond

Several significant milestones have marked Sangini‘s journey:

1. Pilot Success in 5 Villages in Bihar: Early feedback affirmed the importance of the project and fueled the initiative’s expansion.
2. Reaching 50 Locations by World Menstrual Hygiene Day (28th May 2022): This milestone marked a commitment to menstrual hygiene and dignity for women and girls across rural Bihar and India.
3. Expanding to Every District in Bihar and Jharkhand, Thanks to SBI: This partnership helped ensure that no community was left behind.
4. First Installation Outside Bihar and Jharkhand in Bangalore: A sign of the project’s growing national impact.

What’s Next for Menstrual Hygiene in Bihar?

Despite the remarkable progress, the journey is far from over. With over 46 million rural women in India still lacking access to menstrual hygiene resources, NOBA GSR aims to install sanitary napkin dispensers and incinerators in an additional 1,000 locations by next year. This expansion is set to impact 400,000 individuals and provide access to 48 million pads annually.

                                        Sangini stands as a beacon of hope and progress for the girls and women of rural Bihar and Jharkhand. By addressing the menstrual hygiene challenges faced by underprivileged communities, NOBA GSR has uplifted thousands of lives, ensuring that no girl’s education is disrupted by her period. The project’s continued success, driven by the dedication of Bihari Diaspora members like Vikash Ranjan, demonstrates how collective action can break taboos and foster meaningful change.

As Bihar Say champions this cause, it highlights the potential for even greater impact, making sure the voices of Bihar, and its daughters, are heard loud and clear across the world.