Patna: Bihar paid tribute to the late Ram Vilas Paswan on his birth anniversary with the observance of Bihar Asmita Diwas, a celebration led by the Bihar International Trade Organization (BITTO) at the Energy Auditorium on Saturday. The event witnessed participation from key political figures, including Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan, Bihar’s Tourism Minister Raju Singh, MPs Veena Devi and Shambhavi Chaudhary, and BITTO General Secretary Amresh Pandey.
The ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the lamp, followed by welcome remarks from BITTO Secretary Praveen Kumar, who emphasised the organisation’s mission of promoting “self-respect and employment” in Bihar. He highlighted that BITTO has been observing Bihar Asmita Diwas annually to honour the legacy of Paswan, a Dalit icon and founder of the Lok Janshakti Party.
Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, addressing the audience, praised Paswan as a lifelong champion of the marginalised. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he said, “He alone lives who lives for others,” underlining Paswan’s enduring commitment to social justice. “He was a strong moral force in Indian politics,” he noted, lauding BITTO’s development-driven goals.
Chirag Paswan, visibly emotional, called the event a deeply personal moment, marking his father’s legacy. “It is a proud day for me to stand where my father once stood, supported by those who walked with him,” he said. He reflected on the founding of BITTO in Australia in 2023, explaining that the organisation emerged from a desire among overseas Biharis to contribute meaningfully to their home state.
Chirag outlined several key initiatives under BITTO aimed at reversing Bihar’s backwardness — including education reforms, the establishment of a Skill University in Lachhuar (Jamui), and youth-focused employment schemes under ‘Veto Jobs’. He also stressed the need to move beyond divisive politics, adding, “Bihar must break free from the shackles of caste and religion. Our focus must be Bihar First, Bihari First.”
He further recalled his father’s foresight as Communications Minister. “He once said that mobiles would be sold as cheap as brinjals — and he made it happen,” he said, noting Paswan’s vision of inclusive technology access.
Tourism Minister Raju Singh echoed Chirag’s sentiments, crediting Paswan as his political mentor. Singh, who has an NRI background, expressed pride in returning to Bihar to work toward its transformation. He pointed to BITTO’s e-commerce initiative, Bittomart, and upcoming green energy efforts as key contributors to economic growth and youth empowerment.
Among BITTO’s healthcare ambitions is the plan to establish ‘Veto Hospitals’ across commissionerates, with a 108-bed facility already operational in Lachhuar. He noted that these hospitals aim to offer quality care to underserved rural populations.
The event also included a felicitation ceremony recognising figures across media, entertainment, and entrepreneurship. Among those honoured were TV anchor Chitra Tripathi, Bhojpuri singer Bharat Sharma Vyas, actor Gurmeet Choudhary, Akhilesh Yadav, Vijay Mishra, spiritual leader Baba Amit Dozar, and several entrepreneurs for their contributions to their respective fields.
