Patna: The Let’s Inspire Bihar (LIB) campaign marked its fifth anniversary with a large public event at Bapu Sabhagar in Patna on Sunday, drawing thousands of participants and highlighting its vision of a “Bihari renaissance”.
Organised under the theme “Bihar Sanskritik Punarjagran Mahasabha”, the programme saw the nearly 5,000-seat auditorium filled to capacity, with cultural performances, spiritual invocations and public addresses setting the tone for discussions on social transformation and development.
Cultural performances and participation
The event opened with cultural programmes, including yoga presentations and a Chhath-themed group dance, reflecting Bihar’s traditions and identity. It was anchored by journalist Anup Narayan Singh, along with Shabnam Akhouri and Shweta Surbhi.
Several dignitaries attended, including spiritual leader Paramhans Swami Agmanand Ji Maharaj and Bharat Bharati’s Vinay Bhai Patrale, alongside public representatives, social activists and professionals from different sectors.
Growth of a citizen movement
Launched in March 2021, the LIB campaign has expanded rapidly, with organisers stating that more than 3.5 lakh people are now connected to the initiative across India and abroad.
Addressing the gathering, IPS officer Vikas Vaibhav said the turnout reflected the growing engagement with the campaign. “The auditorium, with a seating capacity of nearly 5,000, was filled to its full capacity, reflecting the growing strength, commitment, and emotional connect of the people with the campaign.”
He also noted the campaign’s expansion over the past year: “On the 4th anniversary of LIB, around 1.85 lakh individuals were connected with the campaign. Today, that number has surged to over 3.55 lakh.”
Vision for Bihar’s future
Vaibhav emphasised Bihar’s historical legacy and its role in shaping India’s future. “There was a time when Bihar illuminated not only India but the entire world with knowledge and wisdom.”
He added: “The development of India is intrinsically linked to the development of Bihar. For India to truly progress, Bihar and its people must take the lead.”
Calling for long-term economic growth, he said: “Bihar must strive to achieve a sustained annual growth rate of around 15 percent in the coming years.”
Addressing social challenges, Vaibhav urged people to move beyond divisions: “Such divisions are detrimental to societal progress and must be overcome.”
He added: “People must rise above barriers of caste, creed, religion, race, colour, and gender, and unite for the common cause of Bihar’s development.”
Collective pledge
The event saw participants take a pledge to contribute towards Bihar’s development and cultural revival: “I pledge to dedicate my selfless contribution towards building the brightest possible future for Bihar… and inspire others to contribute towards ushering in a cultural renaissance in Bihar along with a revolution in education and entrepreneurship.”
Recognition and closing
A felicitation ceremony honoured contributors from sectors including education, social service, entrepreneurship and media, with the “Bihar Prerna Samman” awarded to several individuals.
Rohit Kumar, national spokesperson of the campaign, said: “The historic success of the 5th Grand Anniversary programme marks a significant milestone in the journey of the campaign and reflects the emergence of a strong, people-driven narrative of Bihar’s transformation.”
The event concluded with a vote of thanks and the national anthem, with organisers describing it as a key step in advancing a people-led vision for Bihar’s development by 2047.
