NEW YORK (TIP): The Consulate General of India in New York, in collaboration with Bihar Foundation USA (East Coast Chapter) and the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA), hosted a vibrant and inspiring Bihar Diwas 2025 celebration. The event brought together over 135 distinguished members of the Indian-American community to honor Bihar’s rich heritage, remarkable progress, and growing global presence.

The celebration commenced with heartfelt messages from Hon. Chief Minister of Bihar Shri Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Shri Samrat Choudhary, who also serves as Chairman of Bihar Foundation, Patna. Shri Choudhary specifically acknowledged Mahesh Kumar, Founder of Tiger Analytics, for helping establish a strong IT presence in Patna and inspiring entrepreneurship in Bihar. He emphasized that “NRIs must give back to their roots and work for their land.”

In a special address, Mr. Kundan Kumar, CEO of Bihar Foundation Patna, reaffirmed the organization’s strong commitment to the welfare of the global Bihari diaspora. He announced the establishment of a dedicated Grievance Cell to address issues faced by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), aiming to strengthen their connection with Bihar and ensure their concerns are addressed effectively.

Hon. Consul General Mr. Binaya Pradhan warmly welcomed the guests and reflected on Bihar’s immense contributions to education, culture, and history—mentioning icons such as Nalanda University, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and Aryabhata. In recognition of his continued support and encouragement to the diaspora, Bihar Foundation USA East Coast and BJANA jointly presented a Thank You Award to Mr. Pradhan for his outstanding service and collaboration.

A touching video tribute was also presented in memory of the late Padma Vibhushan Smt. Sharda Sinha, one of Bihar’s most celebrated cultural icons. The video, created by her children Vandana Bhardwaj and Anshuman Sinha, featured one of her favorite songs and honored her unmatched musical legacy. Young artists gave heartfelt performances dedicated to her memory, creating an emotionally resonant moment for the audience.

Bihar Vishwa Gaurav Samman Honorees

A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Bihar Vishwa Gaurav Samman to four remarkable individuals for their exceptional contributions:

• Mahesh Kumar, Founder of Tiger Analytics – for advancing Bihar’s IT and innovation ecosystem.
• Dr. Abhishek Tiwary, Global Head of People at KPMG – for empowering youth through leadership and opportunity creation.
• Sharad Kumar, Managing Director at Bank of America – for his excellence in the financial sector and leadership within the diaspora.
• Dr. Prakash Jha, Agricultural Scientist – for leveraging technology to drive food security and uplift rural communities.

Their inspiring stories underscore Bihar’s global influence and the transformational power of its diaspora.

Community leaders such as Dr. Avinash Gupta (President, FIA NY-NJ-CT-NE), Mr. Saurin Parikh (Chairman, FIA), Mr. Sanjeev Singh (President, BJANA), and Mr. Alok Kumar (Chairman, Bihar Foundation USA – East Coast) shared perspectives on Bihar’s development and urged the community to continue building strong connections between Janmabhoomi (birthplace) and Karmabhoomi (workplace).

The celebration also spotlighted the upcoming 50th anniversary of BJANA, centered around themes of youth engagement, cultural preservation, and global collaboration.

Bihar Diwas 2025 was not just a celebration—it was a tribute to the spirit of Bihar, a showcase of its global achievements, and a reaffirmation of the community’s collective commitment to its bright and promising future.