The “Bihar Diwas Celebration” hosted by the Bihar Foundation of USA (East Coast) on March 21 brought together people from the diaspora andthe Indian-American community and brought back memories of home.
On the occasion, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar sent a special congratulatory message. CM lauded the efforts of the Bihar Foundation USA in promoting the state’s heritage and traditions in America and for supporting a wide range of voluntary and philanthropic activities.
The Consul General of India in New York, Randhir Jaiswal, appreciated the contributions of the diaspora from the state in the US as well astheir philanthropic activities. He said that through their determination and eagerness to work for the betterment of their home state, the aim of Bihar 2.0 will be achieved and fulfilled in 2023.
From the famous ‘Litti Chokha’ to the popular ‘Jhijhiya’ song and dance,traditional dialects, and textiles, the celebration was seeped in colors and vibrant traditions of Bihar and invoked among those present memories of their homes and childhood.
The event also witnessed the presence of our great community leaders, including FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya, FIA Joint Secretary Srujal Parikh, JaipurFoot USA Chairman Prem Bhandari, Indian Panorama Founder Iderjit S. Saluja, Siddhivinayak Temple Chairman Dr. Avinash Gupta, BJANA President Anurag Kumar and Vice President Sanjeev Singh and BITSANA Vinay Singh, they all addressed the gathering. Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph and Yoshita Singh were also there to grace the occasion.
Chairman of the Bihar Foundation of the US (East Coast Chapter) and former President of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), Alok Kumar, said the foundation aims to act as a bridge to support and guide members of the diaspora who wish to take up development and social projects in their state. It also seeks to offer assistance to those coming from Bihar, including students, as they navigate the US.
Vice Chairman Ranjeet Kumar congratulated and thanked Secretary Chandan Trivedi, Treasurer Alok Kashyap, and Joint Treasurer Anand Gupta for their efforts in organizing this event successfully.
Chandan Trivedi thanked executive committee members Santa Mishra, Rajnish Ojha, and Manish Kumar, who drove from neighboring states to participate in the events. He conveyedspecial thanks to Sanjeev Jha and Pramod Kumar, who drove all the way from Boston to attend the event.
On the occasion, three persons hailing from the state were honored with the ‘Bihar Vishwa Gaurav’ award for their achievements and contributions.
The honorees were Padma Bhushan Awardee and renowned sociologist and social entrepreneur, founder ofSulabh International, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak; entrepreneur Ajay Singh who leads the Pokhrama Foundation and is the founder and CEO of Slayback Pharma; and Washington-based journalist and member of the White House Press Pool, Lalit Jha.
In a special video message for the occasion, Super 30 founder Anand Kumar congratulated the honorees.