PATNA (India CSR): Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini (RMP), in collaboration with Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP), SGT University, and the Public Policy Research Centre (PPRC), organized a one-day national seminar titled “Bihar Leads the Rising East” on June 10, 2025, from 9:30 am onwards at CIMP Campus, Patna. This significant seminar hosted dialogue among policymakers, industry leaders, scholars, and intellectuals on Bihar’s emerging role in shaping the developmental trajectory of Eastern India.
The seminar started with welcome address by Dr. Prof. Rana Singh, Director CIMP.
Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Former Member of Rajya Sabha and Vice Chairman of RMP, spoke about how from past 20 years, the NDA government has been steadily steering Bihar from the label of a ‘BIMARU state’ to a ‘BEHATREEN state’ (beacon of growth and governance). The seminar provided a powerful platform for intellectual exchange and deliberation on Bihar’s strategic role in the region’s development. Followed by speech by Prof. Hemant Verma, VC, SGT University who gave insight about how universities should focus on practical knowledge rather than theoretical as that will lead to holistic development.
Samrat Choudhary, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister of Bihar, presented data illustrating Bihar’s transformation from a Bimaru state to a thriving one. The state has witnessed significant advancements across various sectors, including health, infrastructure, women’s empowerment, fisheries, and the economy. Bihar has played a crucial role in India’s progress and will continue to contribute in the future. As it rises, it will strengthen India’s journey toward self-reliance, emerging as one of the nation’s most formidable states.
Nitish Mishra, Bihar’s Industry Minister, highlighted the state’s remarkable progress across various industries, emphasizing its global presence and ambition to become a leading manufacturing hub. The IMC in Gayajee has significantly boosted employment opportunities, while entrepreneurship is flourishing, with the number of startups doubling to 1,600. Bihar is now fully prepared for industrial growth, positioning itself as a prime destination for investment and ready to take the lead in economic development.
BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, emphasized India’s remarkable progress, moving from a state of dependency to becoming a global supplier of essential commodities like wheat. Over the past 75 years, the nation has made significant strides, achieving self-sufficiency in basic essentials and now setting its sights on further advancements. With deep poverty reduced to just 5.3%, India’s development remains strong, but Bihar’s growth is crucial for the country’s overall progress.
Recognizing Bihar’s immense potential, he highlighted the intelligence and hard work of its people. With the right support, the state can thrive across all sectors, including infrastructure, industry, skill development, and women’s empowerment. Bihar is already shining, backed by various government policies that continue to drive its progress. Plans for 2-3 expressways further strengthen its development, aligning with Bihar’s vision to become a Vikshit Bihar.
A consistent 10-12% GDP growth is necessary, and Bihar is well-positioned to achieve this. The state’s greatest asset is its human capital, dynamic and capable individuals whose skills, if properly harnessed, can elevate Bihar to the top. At its take-off stage, Bihar must focus on education, healthcare, and skill development to maximize its potential. Collaboration between the Indian government and Bihar will be key to achieving this vision, and a prosperous future for the state is well within reach.
Vijay Kumar Sinha, Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, affirmed that Bihar is not a Bimaru state but one with immense potential. He emphasized that through collective effort and collaboration, Bihar can rise to the top, leveraging its strengths to achieve remarkable growth.
Arif Mohammad Khan, Hon’ble Governor of Bihar, acknowledged that while he may not be well-versed in economic data, he has observed Bihar’s transformation firsthand. Despite historical disparities and negative portrayals, the state has made significant progress. He shared his personal experience of visiting a village 50 km away—where a journey that once took three hours is now completed in just 45 minutes—highlighting improvements in infrastructure. He also expressed his surprise at the strides Bihar has made in the health sector, even surpassing Kerala in certain aspects.
He stressed the importance of shifting the narrative around Bihar to reflect its advancements and future potential. Recognizing its historical contributions, he expressed confidence that Bihar will continue playing a crucial role in India’s growth. He lauded the progress in women’s development and advocated for increased female representation in the police force, citing their compassion as an asset. Additionally, he urged educated individuals to unite, work together, and contribute to the state’s development. By focusing on positive achievements and inspiring collective efforts, Bihar can empower its people and foster meaningful progress.
Other speaker at the event were Ashok Choudhary, Minister of Rural Work Department of Bihar. Anand Shekhar, Additional Mission Director, NITI Aayog. Sunil Kumar, Professor of Practice at CIMP; S K Jha, DG (Ex), Madhya Pradesh, Dr Guru Prakash Paswan, Assistance professor, Patna University. Harivansh Narayan Singh, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha. Amogh Rai, Trustee, SGT University. Vote of thanks was delivered by Shri Kumud Kumar, Chief Administrative Officer, CIMP.
(India CSR)
