The Jesuit priests of the Dumka–Raiganj Province invited Holy Cross sisters of North East Province to collaborate with them in their mission at Bathani, located in the Sahibganj District of Jharkhand. The focus was on providing healthcare and empowering women. In line with the motto, “the need of the time is the will of God,” they began their collaboration with the Jesuits on June 22, 1994. The main mission was organizing women, raising social and economic awareness, advocating for human rights, and striving to restore freedom and dignity to the tribal population.
This year, on June 30, 2024, Sr. Ranjana Jose, who has been with the mission from its inception, celebrated 30 years of dedicated service, particularly in empowering women. She has devoted her life to the Bathani mission, which has grown into what it is today. Together with many of our sisters, Sr. Ranjana has fought tirelessly for the human and fundamental rights of the marginalized tribal communities, who have long been deprived of education, food, and medical care. They have embraced various responsibilities in the collaborative mission at Bathani and in surrounding villages, not shying away from challenges. The community lives in a simple house, built in 2000, nestled within the heart of the village.
The ‘Sona Santal Samaj Samiti,’ founded by the Jesuits in 1985-1986, operates 7 schools in various villages. Our sisters teach at Bathani in Sidhu Kanho Middle School.They are helping students improve their academic performance.
