Patna: The ambitious rise of Bihar took centre stage at a one-day national seminar titled Bihar Leads the Rising East, held on Tuesday at the Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP). Organised by Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini (RMP) in collaboration with CIMP, SGT University and the Public Policy Research Centre (PPRC), the event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, scholars and intellectuals to chart the state’s role in Eastern India’s evolving development landscape.
The seminar opened with a welcome address by CIMP Director Prof Rana Singh, setting the tone for a day of dialogue and reflection on Bihar’s transformation.
Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, former Rajya Sabha MP and Vice Chairman of RMP, reflected on the past two decades of governance, stating that Bihar was moving from the long-held image of a ‘BIMARU’ state to a ‘BEHATREEN’ one—a beacon of growth and governance.
SGT University Vice Chancellor Prof Hemant Verma underscored the need for universities to prioritise practical knowledge alongside theoretical learning to foster holistic development.
A Data-Driven Narrative Of Progress
Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister, Samrat Choudhary, presented compelling data that underscored the state’s transformation. Once considered a laggard, Bihar has made strides across key sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure, women’s empowerment, fisheries and the broader economy.
“Bihar is not only contributing to India’s growth but is poised to further strengthen the nation’s journey towards self-reliance,” Choudhary said. “It is emerging as one of the country’s most promising states.”
Industry Minister Nitish Mishra highlighted Bihar’s growing industrial ambition, noting that entrepreneurship is thriving, with the number of startups doubling to 1,600. The Industrial Mega Cluster (IMC) at Gaya has provided a significant boost to employment and manufacturing prospects, he said, adding that the state is now fully prepared to attract major investments.
A National Perspective
BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, placed Bihar’s progress within the wider context of India’s development. “India has evolved from dependency to becoming a global supplier of essentials. Deep poverty has been reduced to 5.3%. But for India’s story to be complete, Bihar’s growth is essential,” he said.
He emphasised Bihar’s human capital as its greatest asset. “A consistent 10–12% GDP growth is necessary. With the right focus on education, healthcare and skills, Bihar can lead this effort,” he said, pointing to ongoing infrastructure projects including two to three planned expressways as signs of the state’s upward trajectory.
Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha reinforced this message, stating that Bihar’s strengths, if channelled effectively, would drive remarkable growth.
Ground Realities And Shifting Perceptions
The Governor of Bihar, Arif Mohammad Khan, offered a candid reflection on the state’s changing narrative. He recounted a recent visit to a village 50 km from Patna—where a journey that once took three hours can now be completed in just 45 minutes—underscoring the state’s infrastructure gains.
Khan noted Bihar’s surprising progress in health outcomes, even surpassing states like Kerala in some metrics. He called for a new narrative that highlights the state’s advances and future potential, particularly in women’s development. He also advocated for greater female representation in the police force, praising women’s compassion and integrity.
“Bihar has a glorious history and an equally promising future,” the Governor said. “It is time we empower our people through collective efforts and focus on the positive.”
Broad Participation
The seminar featured a wide range of speakers including Bihar’s Rural Works Minister Ashok Choudhary, NITI Aayog Additional Mission Director Anand Shekhar, CIMP Professor of Practice Sunil Kumar, former DG (Madhya Pradesh) S K Jha, Patna University Assistant Professor Guru Prakash Paswan, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh Narayan Singh and SGT University Trustee Amogh Rai.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Kumud Kumar, Chief Administrative Officer of CIMP.
