Sasaram: In a powerful display of unity and hope for Bihar’s future, over 50,000 people gathered at Fazalganj Stadium on Sunday for the “Namaste Bihar: Third Grand Public Dialogue.” Under the leadership of IPS officer Vikas Vaibhav, the attendees took a collective vow to work towards transforming Bihar, rising above caste, religious, and gender divisions to create a more prosperous and inclusive state.
The event, part of the ongoing “Let’s Inspire Bihar” campaign, saw participants from across Rohtas and neighboring districts. The excitement was palpable as Vaibhav made his way to the stadium, with crowds lining the streets to greet him, welcoming him with music and floral garlands. The overwhelming enthusiasm for the IPS officer, known for his leadership in both law enforcement and social initiatives, was evident throughout the city. Everywhere one looked, posters of the “Let’s Inspire Bihar” campaign and Vaibhav’s image adorned the streets.
The campaign, launched by Vaibhav on March 22, 2021, aims to build a self-reliant, developed Bihar by 2047. The goal is to create a state where no one feels the need to leave in search of better education, employment, or healthcare. The initiative champions the principles of education, equality, and entrepreneurship, with a vision of transcending divisive societal boundaries.
To date, more than 150,000 people have joined the movement, with chapters established across Bihar, major cities in India, and even internationally. The campaign has made strides in fostering entrepreneurship, aiming to create an ecosystem that empowers youth to pursue self-employment, startups, and other entrepreneurial ventures. By 2028, the target is to establish at least five successful startups in each district, generating employment for over 100 individuals in each.
Since its inception, the campaign has hosted more than 1,600 events in various cities, with notable gatherings in Patna, Delhi, Dubai, and Bengaluru. Its impact has extended beyond entrepreneurship, with over 35,000 people benefiting from free health camps organized by the Jeevak chapter, and 18 education centers set up by the Gargi chapter to serve underprivileged students.
The Sasaram event, attended by various dignitaries, including Gopal Narayan Singh University Vice-Chancellor Gopal Narayan Singh and industrialist Nishikant Sinha, was a reminder of the importance of unity in Bihar’s development. Addressing the crowd, Vaibhav remarked on the historic significance of the event, stating that Bihar belongs not to those who seek to divide it, but to those who dream of restoring it to its former glory. He urged the people to rise above narrow divisions and emphasized that true progress would only come through collective effort and a shared vision.
Vaibhav also reflected on his tenure as the Superintendent of Police in Rohtas, where he led a successful campaign against Naxalite forces, earning him lasting respect in the region. He spoke passionately about Bihar’s rich historical legacy, citing the economic principles of Kautilya’s Arthashastra and the state’s historic trade relations with Vietnam as examples of Bihar’s potential for greatness.
The event also featured addresses from Syed Shamael Ahmad, National President of the Private Schools and Children Welfare Association, and Dr. SP Verma, Director of St. Paul’s School Sasaram. Both emphasized the critical role of education and entrepreneurship in Bihar’s transformation.
Govind Narayan Singh, Secretary of Gopal Narayan Singh University, praised Vaibhav’s vision, asserting that the campaign had the potential to bring Bihar back to its peak. Other dignitaries, including social workers, lawyers, and entrepreneurs, also voiced their support for the movement.
Yash Upadhyay, Coordinator of the Let’s Inspire Bihar Rohtas Chapter, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming turnout, stating that the large crowd was a testament to the people of Bihar’s faith in Vaibhav’s leadership and their commitment to the state’s future. “Bihar looks towards Vikas Vaibhav with great hope and faith,” he said.
