GTRI Dialogue Highlights Bihar’s Development and Global Bihari Network

Patna: The fifth edition of the two-day Grand Trunk Road Initiative (GTRI) Dialogue—titled Vision to Victory—brought together policymakers, experts, and Bihari professionals from across the world to discuss the state’s development trajectory. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, addressing the inaugural session as the chief guest, emphasized the importance of engaging the global Bihari community in the state’s revival.

The deputy CM outlined the government’s multi-dimensional approach to Bihar’s growth, citing the revival of Nalanda and Vikramshila universities in higher education and the construction of medical colleges in every district—set for completion by June. He also highlighted ongoing airport construction in 12 districts to boost connectivity, the interlinking of rivers to support irrigation, and the freight corridor passing through Gaya, which he said would be instrumental in Bihar’s economic progress. He expressed optimism about the enhanced allocations for Bihar in the Union Budget, stating that they would aid in implementing key infrastructure projects.

During the event, the deputy CM also released two books: Eminent Distorians by Utpal Kumar and Nalanda: How It Changed the World by Abhay K.

Focus on Economic Growth and Investment

Justice Sanjay Kumar, Chairman of the Bihar State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, stressed the need to increase Bihar’s per capita income. He called for revitalizing agriculture and attracting private investment across multiple sectors.

In a panel discussion, Dr S. Siddharth, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and Additional Chief Secretary (Education and Cabinet), detailed the state’s efforts to improve school education. He noted significant progress in teacher attendance, infrastructure development, and reducing dropout rates, while also emphasizing skill training for students from Class 10 onwards. Recognizing the limited availability of government jobs, he highlighted the state’s partnerships with ITIs, polytechnics, and engineering colleges to enhance employability in the private sector.

Former Additional Solicitor General and Supreme Court Bar Association President Vikas Singh underscored Bihar’s potential to emerge among India’s leading states. He identified infrastructure development, quality education, and improved law and order as critical areas for attracting investments. Singh also emphasized the role of tourism in Bihar’s economy, advocating for Bodh Gaya’s development into a global Buddhist hub.

Harnessing the Strength of the Bihari Diaspora

Lok Sabha MP Sudhakar Singh reflected on Bihar’s historical influence in shaping the Indian identity, citing the contributions of Bihari migrants to Mauritius, Suriname, and Fiji. He highlighted the need for reforms in education, healthcare, and agriculture, urging a shift in mindset towards self-reliance. Singh noted that over 2 crore of the 3 crore registered Bihari migrants are engaged in agriculture or unskilled labour. To encourage their return, he recommended enhancing post-harvest management and agricultural credit access. Additionally, he suggested promoting domestic tourism and developing historical sites like Buxar.

Sumant Parimal, Founding Partner of Innogress Ventures, spoke about leveraging digital platforms to connect the global Bihari community, citing the worldwide celebration of Chhath Puja as an example of Bihar’s soft power. He proposed creating a ‘Virtual Bihar’ using technology to attract investments and foster global engagement.

Rebuilding Brand Bihar

Inspector General Vikas Vaibhav called for greater promotion of Bihar’s historical and cultural heritage. He highlighted the significance of Munger’s Yoga Institute and Bhagalpur’s ancient identity as Champa, the first Buddhist city. According to him, Bihar must leverage its rich history as a tool for economic and cultural resurgence.

Speaking on the event’s objectives, GTRI curator Aditi Nandan emphasized fostering meaningful dialogue between policymakers and citizens while encouraging youth innovation and entrepreneurship. She reiterated GTRI’s role in mobilizing Bihari migrants committed to the state’s progress.