Muzaffarpur: On the occasion of Vishwakarma Puja in Muzaffarpur, the Auto-Rickshaw and E-Rickshaw Union embraced the theme of ‘Let’s Inspire Bihar,’ pledging to strengthen the campaign’s outreach. In a bid to spread the campaign’s message, approximately 150 auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws were decorated with large posters displaying the campaign’s slogans. Senior IPS officer Vikas Vaibhav, the campaign’s patron and chief guest, flagged off the vehicles to various parts of Muzaffarpur, urging them to take the message to the streets.
Special recognition was given to women drivers, who were honored at the event, and all participating drivers received new uniforms. Addressing the gathering, IPS Vikas Vaibhav highlighted the need for unity beyond caste and religion, emphasizing the campaign’s core message. “When we sit in an auto, we do not consider the caste or religion of the driver. Yet, when it comes to choosing leaders for societal development, we often divide ourselves along these lines, hindering economic progress,” he said. He called for a collective effort to reject divisive forces and adopt the values of education, equality, and entrepreneurship.
Reflecting on Bihar’s rich history, Vaibhav spoke about the state’s past achievements, such as the unification of India under the Mauryan Empire and the establishment of ancient universities and republics like Vaishali. He credited these successes to the broad-mindedness of Bihar’s ancestors, who valued merit and positive exceptions over caste, sect, and lineage. “It was this vision that enabled the rise of the Nanda dynasty in Magadha and led Acharya Chanakya to choose Chandragupta as a capable leader,” he noted.
IPS Vikas Vaibhav also underscored the vital role of auto drivers, calling them the face of any modern city’s public transport system. He urged drivers to uphold high standards of behavior, as their conduct can greatly influence tourists’ perceptions of a city. To advance Bihar, he stressed the need for every section of society to contribute to an entrepreneurial revolution, overcoming divisions of caste and religion. He emphasized the importance of education and skills development, suggesting that these efforts are crucial for securing employment opportunities for the youth in the next two decades.
Expressing his gratitude to the Auto and E-Rickshaw Union for supporting the campaign, Vaibhav promised educational support for the children of drivers through initiatives like Gargi Pathshala and other free schools. The event was attended by Muzaffarpur Auto Rickshaw Association President A R Annu, General Secretary Mo Ilyas Illu, State President Uday, General Secretary Kamaluddin, former Mayor Suresh, as well as campaign coordinators Sudhanshu Ranjan, Abhishek Jha, and Ashish Ranjan.
