Jammu, Mar 22: Extending his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of Bihar, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha lauded Bihar’s ancient legacy, emphasising its rich spiritual, cultural, and historical significance.
He was attending the Bihar Day celebrations hosted by the Jammu and Kashmir Raj Bhawan in Jammu, on the occasion.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor “Since ancient times, Bihar has been known for its spirituality, rich history, and vibrant culture. Magadha, once the heart of Bihar, was the center of education and culture,” he said.
He further highlighted Bihar’s role in the formation of India’s first empire, the Maurya Empire, which united the nation. “From education and culture to science, literature, and spirituality, the people of Bihar have left an indelible mark with their innovative ideas and hard work,” the Lieutenant Governor remarked.
The Lieutenant Governor also paid homage to Bihar’s revered personalities and spiritual landmarks. “Bihar is home to many holy sites, including Baba Baijnath Dham, Gaya, Vishnupad Temple, Janaki Temple, Bodhgaya, and Takht Shri Harimandir Sahib Ji, among others, which are truly divine blessings,” he noted.
He further spoke about Bihar’s historical importance as a hub of higher learning, with Nalanda and Vikramshila universities attracting students from across the world. “The library at Nalanda University was once the largest in the world,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor also acknowledged Bihar’s rich literary heritage, noting that the state has been home to numerous great writers, including Chanakya, Aryabhatta, Vidyapati, and modern luminaries like Phanishwarnath Renu, Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, and Baba Nagarjun.
In his speech, the Lieutenant Governor reflected on Bihar’s development journey post-independence. “After independence, Bihar was one of the most developed states in the country. The draft of the first Five-Year Plan was prepared in 1951, and at that time, Bihar, Mumbai, and Chennai were among the best in providing training for small industries and better management practices,” he said.
He also noted Bihar’s contribution to India’s civil services, citing the state’s tradition of producing a significant number of IAS, IPS, and administrative officers who have greatly contributed to nation-building.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed hope for continued progress in Bihar, saying, “Bihar has once again become vibrant in the 21st century. It is competing with developed states in industrial growth, and I pray for the well-being and prosperity of the people of this blessed land.”
Senior officials, heads of educational institutions, students, and residents of Bihar living in Jammu and Kashmir were present at the event.
