Vaishali: Thousands of people gathered in Vaishali under the Let’s Inspire Bihar campaign for the fifth edition of Namaste Bihar: Grand Public Dialogue, pledging to build a developed Bihar by 2047. The event, which saw participation from people of all backgrounds, focused on unity and a shared vision for the state’s future.
Addressing the gathering, IPS officer Vikas Vaibhav drew parallels between Vaishali’s historical rise and decline and Bihar’s current trajectory. He stressed the need for introspection, urging people to learn from the region’s past to shape its future.
“Vaishali was once the symbol of a great Mahajanapada, where unity in diversity prevailed,” Vaibhav said. “It did not become the world’s first republic by chance but through visionary leadership and a broad, inclusive approach.”
He explained that, at a time when hereditary rule was the global norm, Vaishali initially followed a similar governance model. However, historical texts such as Buddhacharita highlight that a major failure by its ruling class led to widespread condemnation, eventually leading to the downfall of the dynasty and the establishment of a republic.
Vaibhav, who enjoys strong support among Bihar’s youth, reminded the audience of the state’s historic contributions to knowledge and governance. “The foundation of Akhand Bharat was laid on Bihar’s soil,” he said. “When institutions like Oxford and Cambridge did not exist, Bihar was home to globally renowned universities like Nalanda and Vikramshila.”
In an interactive session, he stressed that Vaishali’s decline was rooted in internal conflict, jealousy, division, and arrogance. Drawing a contemporary analogy, he warned that Bihar today faces similar challenges from forces seeking to fragment the state. “There are many Vassakaras today,” he said, referencing the historical figure blamed for Vaishali’s destruction. “We must recognize and counter these divisive influences.”
Reflecting on the scale of the event, Vaibhav said the overwhelming participation was proof that people wanted Bihar to move beyond caste and communal divides. Following similar gatherings in Sasaram, Ara, Begusarai, and Saran, the turnout in Vaishali reaffirmed that ideas are more powerful than individuals. “Let’s Inspire Bihar is now a movement embraced by the youth,” he declared.
He emphasized that Bihar’s future lies in education, equality, and entrepreneurship. The campaign, he said, is working to create an entrepreneurial revolution in the state. “To ensure the success of thousands of startups in Bihar, a comprehensive ecosystem must be built,” he said. “Education and entrepreneurship must reach every district, and Centres of Excellence must be established in different disciplines.”
The crowd echoed his vision with the slogan: ‘Main Badlunga Bihar! Main Karunga Apne Purwajon ki Bhumi Ka Punaruddhar!’ (I will change Bihar! I will revive the land of my ancestors!).
Key Speakers and Guests
The event was attended by several notable figures, including Syed Shamail Ahmad, National President of the Private Schools and Children Welfare Association; Sujit Nayan, Superintending Archaeologist of the Archaeological Survey of India; and Kirti Prakash, Vaishali District President of the Private Schools and Children Welfare Association.
Also present were Kishlay Kishore, Chief Coordinator of Let’s Inspire Bihar in Vaishali and the event’s main organizer; Abhishek Ayush, Secretary; and renowned ghazal singer Kumar Satyam, who had traveled from Mumbai to participate. Social activist Love Kumar Singh and Namrata Kumari, Chief Coordinator of the campaign’s Art and Culture Wing, were also among the distinguished guests.
Syed Shamail Ahmad highlighted the crucial link between Bihar’s progress and India’s overall development, stressing the need to create local employment opportunities so that millions of Bihari workers no longer have to seek jobs outside the state.
Sujit Nayan commended Vikas Vaibhav’s vision and called for collective efforts to transform Bihar into a developed state. Meanwhile, Kumar Satyam urged the audience to support the campaign’s mission for Bihar’s progress.
Event organizer Kishlay Kishore praised Vaibhav’s dedication, urging people to rally behind the movement for Bihar’s brighter future.
