Bhagalpur: A landmark entrepreneurship development programme under the ‘Let’s Inspire Bihar’ campaign concluded on Saturday at T.N.B. College, Bhagalpur, marking the first time such a programme has been held outside the state capital and positioning the district as a potential startup hub.
The month-long initiative, launched on March 25, aimed to foster an entrepreneurial mindset among students and youth, and forms part of a wider ambition to establish at least five startups in each of Bihar’s 38 districts by 2028. Each of these ventures is envisioned to create direct employment for over 100 individuals, a key step toward reversing the outmigration driven by lack of opportunities.
Vikas Vaibhav, IPS officer and founder of the campaign, addressed students during the closing ceremony and said the overwhelming interest in entrepreneurship over traditional jobs among participants was a sign of shifting aspirations. “This is no longer just an idea. It’s becoming a movement,” he said, adding that Bhagalpur’s energy, especially among women and youth, offers fertile ground for transformation.
Vaibhav, who began his police career in Bhagalpur and later served as DIG of the Bhagalpur Range, described his return as “emotional and inspiring.” His visit included dialogues with students and women’s groups, an interaction at Infinity Academy, and the inauguration of a local restaurant—each, he said, reflecting the district’s growing appetite for innovation and self-reliance.
He underscored the need to build a robust ecosystem for startups in Bihar, stating, “Only about 1% of people can benefit from government jobs. The rest must become job creators.” Drawing attention to Bihar’s per capita monthly income of Rs5,028—among the lowest in India—Vaibhav contrasted it with Sikkim (Rs48,979), Delhi (Rs38,493), and Telangana (Rs29,714), calling the gap a wake-up call. “These aren’t just numbers. They represent lives. If we want Bihar to rise, we must aim for economic self-reliance.”
Despite the state’s 14.5% growth rate, he warned that without inclusive and long-term planning, progress would remain uneven. He urged collective action beyond barriers of caste, religion, or ideology, stating that the startup revolution must be driven by “unity and purpose.”
Vaibhav described Bhagalpur as historically rich and socially vibrant. “From walking through T.N.B. College to engaging with the women of Bhagalpur, the message is clear: change is not only possible—it is already underway.”
The ceremony was attended by T.N.B. College principal Prof Dr Sachidanand Pandey, faculty members Dr Manoj Kumar and Dr Garima Tripathi, as well as key campaign figures including Anshu Singh, chief coordinator of the Bhagalpur Chapter, and O.P. Singh, chief advisor for entrepreneurship. Dr Pandey said, “Such programmes spark self-reliance and innovation, preparing students to become leaders, not just degree holders.”
Purnendu Kumar, co-coordinator of the Bhagalpur Chapter, told reporters that Vaibhav’s visit had energised the local youth. “He’s not just a former DIG here—he’s a mentor. Hundreds are joining the campaign daily,” he said.
As the event closed, Vaibhav voiced optimism for the future. “My heart is filled with hope. If today’s awakening in Bhagalpur spreads, this city could lead not just Bihar—but the country—in the startup revolution.”
