Jyothi Bhawan in Kanit is the second RNDM mission in Muzaffarpur, North Bihar. Bihar is situated on the eastern part of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. It has an amazing and glorious history as the centre of the subcontinent's culture and politics since ancient times. Bihar is the 12th largest state in India in terms of geographical size and 3rd largest by population.

Hinduism is practiced by 83.2% of the population and forms the majority religion in the state. The state has the lowest literacy rate in India, with women's literacy being only 33.57%. In Kanti, 90% of the people constitute rural population. Caste system, child marriage, infant mortality, extreme poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, poor sanitation are some of the social evils which continue to prevail in Kanit. The Dalits are the major vulnerable section of the society who are most oppressed. The women and children are the worst victims of exploitation and injustice in their own families and society. The acute poverty situation can be traced to the economic backwardness of both the agricultural and industrial sectors and the exploitative socio-economic structure, lack of political leadership.

This challenging mission was started in 1993. Srs. Marie Vengathanam and Joicy Madassery were the two pioneers who passionately set forth to open this mission. They faced all kinds of obstacles, hardships, uncertainties, humiliation and rejection. Initially they had no appropriate accommodation to live. With great difficulty the sisters managed to arrange a rented house, which was blessed by Fr.William V.G on 7th June 1993.

On 7th June 1994 Bishop Thakur of Muzaffarpur Diocese managed to purchase a plot for the sisters. On 29th November 1995 the sisters’ residence was blessed by Bishop Thakur. An agreement was signed between the Bishop Thakur S.J. and Sr. Smitha Thomas RNDM then provincial. The sisters wholeheartedly committed to minister to the marginalised of this community, focusing on the empowerment of Dalits, women and children. Through daily visits, the sisters acquainted themselves with the people of the locality. The sisters started non-formal education, Income Generating Programs, and health care, particularly for children and women.

Mahila Mandals, a community development program for women, was established, to allow empowerment of local women them and to incresae overall community development. At present, there are 20 non-formal educational centers, 36 Mahila Mandals and a health center. The sisters organize various seminars on women’s empowerment, IGP, health care, home remedies, and sanitation. The sisters also administer “Anti Venom” injections, since snake bites are a very common phenomenon in Kanti. The mission is supported by the Diocese, our Congregation, with some support received from Manos Unidas.