Patna: “Bihar has the immense potential to contribute towards India’s growth story. It is the high time to think beyond the traditional approach of development and work in a mission mode to realize this potential. Visions must be translated into actions. Through innovation and incubation, the culture of entrepreneurship needs to be promoted. Along with the skilled labour force, heavy investment in infrastructure and creative networks are very much required to ensure inclusive growth. In this regard, a better coordination among the administration, intelligentsia and industry hold the key. Liquid network of ideas and strategies will pave the way for a developed and strong Bihar. GTRi (Grand Trunk Road Initiative) is a great platform that is mobilizing the Bihari diaspora across India and the world to strategize and facilitate the all-round development of the state besides reviving its past glory. I wish GTRi all the success in its endeavours,” said Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir who graced the opening day of the fourth edition of GTRi as the Chief Guest.
During the event, the Hon’ble LG of J&K also launched the first edition of Bihar Discourse Journal and ‘Fool Bahadur’ (a Magahi novel translated by Poet-Diplomat Shri Abhay K).
The 2-days conclave of GTRi 4.0 in Patna saw the participation of successful individuals from every walk of life. The high profile dignitaries who made it to the gala event included Shri Ajay Singh, Press Secretary to the Hon’ble President of India, Dr. S. Siddharth, Principal Secretary to Hon’ble CM Bihar, Dr. N. Vijaya Lakshmi, Principal Secretary, Animal and Fisheries Resources, GoB and several business and startup tycoons.
Participating in a session on ‘Bihar: Perception vs. Reality’, Shri Ajay Singh, Press Secretary to the Hon’ble President of India opined that Bihar is quite famous for producing a lot of IAS and IPS officers. But unfortunately, we are not able to produce the industrialists or business tycoons like Azim Premji and N R Narayana Murthy. Infrastructure development is the key to the overall growth and therefore, the political leadership of the state needs to introspect how to change the perception of investors in order to attract investments. At the same time, they should think f how to tap the potential of Bihari diaspora. GTRi is an important platform in this context.
Dr. S. Siddharth, PS to Hon’ble CM Bihar said that it is the outsiders who mainly make any perception about Bihar and not the natives of the state. It must be kept in mind that industries outside the state are heavily dependent on the Bihar workers. Bihar being a landlocked state and also our base being not so broad, our growth is not so wide. However, in the last one decade, we have done a lot of progress. After due consideration and comparison with the other states, the state’s industrial policy has been prepared. IT and Tourism have been the immediate focus of the state government and we have constantly been promoting startups and microenterprises under Bihar Udyami Yojana that is expected to benefit around 94 lakh families across Bihar. Given that Bihar has the most robust road, rail and air connectivity, we are making all out efforts to tap this potential. Let’s put an end to this perception making out of imagination and build our opinion based on the facts and figures.
Throwing light on why Bihar is not an attractive investment destination, Dr. N. Vijaya Lakshmi, Principal Secretary, Animal and Fisheries Resources, GoB said that the attitude developed out of Bihar being an agrarian state, needs to be replaced by trade based culture. History and tradition is scattered all over Bihar that we need to market properly. Recreation facilities for youngsters is needed if we have to attract companies that employ younger people. Similarly, 5-star hotels would be needed to attract top business people to Bihar. Every Bihari should be a brand ambassador of Bihar. Also, some influencer engagement should be there and all media platforms including social media should be engaged.
Aditi Nandan, GTRi Curator welcomed the dignitaries and participants. While outlining the objectives of the event, he said that this forum is all about bringing the influential individuals from Bihar as well as of Bihari origin to work towards realizing a truly developed and prosperous Bihar. He also informed that to reflect on the various sectors vis-à-vis Bihar’s current status and the future potentials, various sessions were conducted wherein the experts brainstormed over the key issues. A roadmap based on the insightful learnings of these discussions happened during the two days will be prepared to plan the future course of action. Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna was the knowledge partner and Professor Dr Rana Singh moderated two sessions with eminent panelists.
