NEW YORK CITY (TIP): The Bihar Diwas 2026 celebration was held with great enthusiasm at the Consulate General of India New York, bringing together dignitaries, community leaders, and members of the Indian diaspora to celebrate Bihar’s rich heritage, progress, and future vision.
Emcee Komal Sharan warmly welcomed everyone and thanked the attendees for joining the celebration over the weekend.
The event commenced with a powerful message from Pratyaya Amrit, Chief Secretary of Bihar, who addressed people of Bihar and those of Bihari origin living across the globe. He emphasized that “Bihar is ready for transformation,” calling upon the global community to actively contribute during this pivotal time. He further assured that government departments are committed to accountability, stating that any issues identified in development efforts will be acknowledged and addressed transparently.
Following this, Kundan Kumar, Industry Secretary of Bihar and CEO of Bihar Foundation, reinforced the vision with the message “Bihar Hai Taiyar” (Bihar is ready to take a leap forward). He highlighted progressive initiatives such as new GCC policies, industrial growth, and the state’s readiness for transformation, urging the global Bihari community to contribute toward making Bihar a leader across sectors.
Alok Kumar, Chairman of Bihar Foundation USA – ETZ, spoke about the Bihar Government’s focused and proactive efforts in advancing artificial intelligence through the establishment of a Center of Excellence. He highlighted the government’s strong commitment and forward-looking approach toward AI-driven development. He also extended a warm welcome to Mahesh Kumar, Founder of Tiger Analytics, and Badrish Prakash, acknowledging their leadership in executing this initiative in collaboration with the Government of Bihar and the Government of India. He noted that this partnership has already begun to make a meaningful impact, marking a significant step in Bihar’s technological transformation.
Alok Kumar further emphasized the strong support and leadership of Chief Secretary of the Government of Bihar, Shri Pratyaya Amrit; Industry Secretary, Shri Kundan Kumar; and IT Secretary, Shri Abhay Kumar Singh, along with the valuable guidance of Shri Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), Government of India, in creating meaningful opportunities for the youth of Bihar.
He also expressed deep appreciation for the honorees of the Bihar Vishwa Gaurav Samman 2026—Saroj Kumar Jha, Hasmukh Ranjan, Rajesh Sinha, and Sanjay Choubey—noting that all four awardees have made unparalleled contributions in their respective fields. He highlighted that their achievements serve as a powerful inspiration for millions and strengthen the community’s commitment toward contributing to their motherland.
Chairman Kumar also thanked Hon. Deputy Consul General of India, New York Shri Vishal Harsh and Mr. Ilayas Quraishi for their gracious presence at the event and extended special gratitude to the organizing team, including Anish Kumar, Dheeraj Singh, Dhananjay Singh, Anand Gupta, Sanjeev Singh, Anurag Kumar, Alok Kashyap, and Santa Mishra, for their dedicated efforts behind the scenes. He further acknowledged the executive members of BJANA and the Bihar Foundation for their continued commitment and outstanding work.
The event also featured a meaningful literary moment with the book inauguration of “Gaon Ki Mitti Mitne Nahi Deti” by Santa Mishra, which beautifully reflects the deep bond between individuals, their roots, and the community.
The cultural segment of the evening beautifully showcased Bihar’s heritage. A talented girls’ team performed to the iconic folk song “Kaune Disame Le Ke Chalah Hai Batohiya”, followed by performances inspired by traditional celebrations such as Sama Chakeva and songs popularized by Sharda Sinha, vividly portraying the lifestyle and cultural richness of Bihar.
Hon. Consul General of India in New York, Binaya S. Pradhan, addressed the gathering with an inspiring message. He remarked that “almost everyone has a friend from Bihar,” reflecting the widespread influence and global presence of people from the state. He spoke about Bihar’s glorious past, its evolving present, and its promising future, while congratulating organizations such as the Bihar Foundation and BJANA for their impactful work in strengthening community ties. He also highlighted the historical significance of Nalanda University, noting that it had a system of coeducation long before such practices were adopted in many other parts of the world.
Community leader Avinash Gupta encouraged attendees to move beyond assumptions about Bihar, highlighting significant improvements in infrastructure and development, while acknowledging that there is always room for further growth.
Priti Kashyap, President of BJANA, emphasized the importance of unity within the community and the need to engage and empower the next generation.
A highlight of the evening was a captivating skit performed by participants of all age groups, depicting Bihar’s journey—from the era of Emperor Ashoka and the legacy of Nalanda University, to Mahatma Gandhi’s Champaran movement, and culminating in modern advancements such as AI development in Bihar. The performance received a standing ovation and was widely appreciated as one of the finest presentations of the evening.
The event then transitioned to the prestigious Bihar Vishwa Gaurav Samman awards ceremony, skillfully hosted by emcee Vandana Jha.
Saroj Kumar Jha was honored for his outstanding contributions. In his acceptance speech, he highlighted the importance of family values and giving back to society, emphasizing selfless service.
Rajesh Sinha shared that his father was his greatest inspiration, guiding him toward entrepreneurship and building a global digital and AI-driven enterprise.
Sanjay Choubey expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized that while AI is a powerful tool, the foundation of success remains rooted in family support and values.
Hasmukh Ranjan, who could not attend in person, shared a heartfelt video message, stating that giving back to one’s roots is a responsibility and appreciating the government’s efforts in creating a conducive environment for growth.
The event concluded with a group photo session coordinated by Anish Kumar and his team, followed by networking and celebration among attendees.
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