The monthly newsletter of Bihar Foundation 1FEBRUARY 2017FEBRUARY 2017The monthly newsletter of Bihar Foundation

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Bihar

350th Prakash Parv of Guru Gobind Singh ji Maharaj was organised recently in Patna, the capital city of Bihar. During this grand celebration held from 1st to 5th January, not only lakhs of people from India but also from abroad visited Patna. The Bihar government and all other organisations left no stone unturned for the success of this function.

The land of enlightenment

FEBRUARY 2017

GRAND CELEBRATION OF 350TH PRAKASH PARV IN PATNAThe 350th Prakash Parv of Guru Gobind Singh ji Maharaj was organised recently in Patna, the capital city of Bihar. During this grand celebration held from 1st to 5th January, not only lakhs of people from India but also from abroad visited Patna. The Bihar government and all other organisations left no stone unturned for the success of this function. For not only the main event, but arrangements were made also for boarding, lodging and travelling of foreign guests. In Patna city alone, more than two hundred buses were deployed. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had himself taken over the responsibility of all arrangements related to the historic occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Punjab’s Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal and all other dignitaries, who came to attend the event, specially praised the efforts of CM Nitish Kumar for wonderfully organising the function. On this occasion, the CM announced formation of Sikh circuit in Bihar, while speaking about the sacrifices, contribution and personality of Guru Gobind Singh ji. Along with this, the decision to set up Prakash Park near Guru Bagh was also announced. The CM said, all sites related to Sikh religion in the state would be developed. It is worth mentioning that Bihar has a number of significant places associated with Sikh religion.

BRAND BIHAR GOT A SPECIAL RECOGNITION DUE TO SUCCESS OF THE PROGRAMMEAll the guests during the celebrations were overwhelmed by Bihar’s hospitality. Many devotees felt they were not expecting such a grand and magnificent function. During Prakash Parv, Bihar not only successfully hosted the most important dignitaries, but also efficiently managed large crowds and also took complete care of guests, who came from abroad. By successfully organising the event, Bihar has carved a special niche for itself on world map.

All the devotees were full of praise about the arrangements and they were very happy to come to Bihar. They spoke about their experience that by visiting Bihar and witnessing world class facilities at the event, their perception regarding the State has changed. These devotees had come not only from different states of India but also from world over in large numbers.

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Grand Celebration of 350th Prakash Parv in Patna

Editorial

Kalchakra Puja in Bodhgaya

Large Human Chain on Liquor Prohibition

Free Wi-Fi in 309 Educational Institutions

Engineering Colleges to be opened in each district of Bihar

Contents

The monthly newsletter of Bihar Foundation 3FEBRUARY 2017FEBRUARY 2017

Free Wi-Fi in 309 Educational Institutions

Editorial

It gives me immense pleasure to facilitate and witness the launch of Bihar Foundation first issue of the E-Newsletter. The idea, under deliberations for last few months, was to make the information we share with our readers more nuanced.

The newsletter will primarily contain enabling and positive news about what’s happening in Bihar. A lot of it is actually happening, but not really talked

about in mainstream media. So here is an alternative media to make just that happen. I wish it all success.

Jai Kumar Singh Executive Chairman

Bihar Foundation

KALCHAKRA PUJA IN BODHGAYA

The Kalchakra Puja of Tibetans was organised recently in Bodh Gaya. This puja was initiated by Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. Widespread arrangements were made for the puja. Buddhist devotees from India and abroad along with a large number of media persons reached Bodhgaya to participate and cover the event.The puja began with Dalai Lama performing bhoomi-pujan on Kalchakra ground. After that the making of puja-place began. A special seat was created for the spiritual leader to conduct the religious ceremony. After bhoomi-pujan, Dalai Lama gave a sermon on purity of consciousness. An atmosphere of festivity was created in the entire city due to Kalchakra puja. A large number of devotes thronged the city. Tight security arrangements were made for the occasion. Thousands of people came to see and listen to Dalai Lama. Due to a large crowd, TV screens were put up outside the pavilion. Buddhist devotes enjoyed the sermon in their own languages. The translation of the religious ceremony in Hindi, English and other languages was broadcasted on FM band.According to an estimate, more than one lakh devotees

The people associated with Bihar Foundation were planning to launch a monthly newsletter since a long time, which could provide a factual account of that month’s positive activities in Bihar. An account, which could encourage them to be emotionally attached to the social-cultural and economic mainstream of Bihar. Now this newsletter, which will be published every month, is a firm step in that direction. It is a natural feeling for any immigrant to be

attached to ones roots and heritage. The mainstream media, because of its special characteristics, is unable to highlight those points to the non-resident Biharis, which would make them feel very proud of their heritage. Even though, there is no dearth of such initiatives, every day, every week and every month in Bihar. What is required is to preserve such efforts. Bihar Foundation took this step around two years back through social media. This newsletter is the second important step taken in the same direction. It will help non-resident Biharis to connect to each other, to their roots and to the positive energy flowing in Bihar. Hope this effort would help all non-resident Biharis to become brand ambassadors of Bihar.

Dr S. Siddharth, IASChief Executive Officer

Bihar Foundation

I am happy to learn that Bihar Foundation is taking out a monthly e-newsletter in Hindi and English to be embedded in its website.

Bihar has been historically an experimental land. It has witnessed sprouting of Buddhism, Jainism, and its society has provided conducive shelter to Sufism, Sikhism, and several sects of Hinduism. Some of the top ancient Indian intellectuals - Chanakya, Aryabhatta, Vatsayana, Patanjali, Jeevaka among others -

have contributed to its magnificent past, and a lot of them currently are contributing majorly to the nation building as non-resident Biharis outside and in Bihar.

It is important to write about these constructive contributors. The monthly newsletter will address that need, I hope.

I wish the publication all the best.Sri Tejashwi Prasad Yadav

ChairmanBihar Foundation

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PRAVASI BHARTIYA DIWAS SAMAROHThe Global Convention for the Indian Diaspora organised in Bengaluru. Huge crowd of Indian immigrants on Bihar stall.The three day long Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas Samaroh was organized recently in Bengalur. The Industry Minister Jay Kumar Singh represented Bihar in the convention. He enlightened the people of Indian origin about Bihar’s resources and uniqueness. He apprised the gathering on abundance of fertile land in Bihar. It has adequate availability of water and has a cheap and efficient work force. The State government

reached Bodhgaya for the 34th Kalchakra Puja. More than hundred foreign correspondents also reached Bodhgaya for the coverage of the same. Media persons from Russia, France, Germany, Taiwan, America, Mongolia and other Nations were present there.There were wide ranging arrangements for the devotees, who came to Bodhgaya for Kalchakra Puja. For VIPs, the tourism department had established a tourism village.It is believed that Kalchakra puja is a tantric sadhana in which a mandal is created to establish Kalachakra and Vishwatma. Kalchakra and Vishwatma are considered to be the form of Shiv and Shakti.Kalchakra puja is considered to be the Mahakumbh of Buddhist devotees. It is their biggest puja.Kalchakra means wheel of time, which is a significant part of Tibetan Buddhism. It is also known as the Maha-anushthan of tantra.

is building essential infrastructure at a fast pace for growth of industrialisation, which the NRIs will find encouraging. The Industry Minister said that the handicrafts of Bihar are quite attractive. There were a number of stalls representing different states in the event. The Bihar stalls were very popular among the NRIs.On this occasion, the Industry department also highlighted the State Government’s Investment Encouragement Scheme, 2016 and Bihar Start-Up Scheme 2016.The Industry Minister also launched, ‘Handicrafts of Bihar and Handloom of Bihar’, a booklet published by Upendra Maharathi Shilpa Anusandhan Sansthan

VALMIKI PROJECT TIGER TO BE DEVELOPED

For attracting tourists and for revenue generation, the forest areas under Valmiki Project Tiger (VTR) will be developed very soon. For this, the area will be divided in five sectors on the basis of their scenic value.This step is taken on the advice of CM Nitish Kumar. Once the VTR is developed, its beauty will grow manifold in the coming years. Modern amenities would be provided in the entire belt. On a recent visit to the area, the CM suggested to work upon a five circuit formula in VTR. In future, the tourists would be able to decide, which circuit they would like to visit in the VTR. All modern facilities would be based upon the specialty of each circuit.The CM also directed to enhance the facilities around Sopha temple so that the tourists get religious peace too. He also suggested a further development of the view-point at Lalbitiya hill so that the tourists get a closer look of Nepal border and Himalayan Mountains.

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PATNA FILM FESTIVAL Patna Film Festival was organised recently jointly by Bihar State Film Development and Finance Corporation and the Art and Culture Department. A number of films of different languages were screened in the festival. The audience got a chance to meet top actors from the film world. The theme of the festival was, ‘Hamara Bihar, Jai Bihar’.The film festival showcased both competitive and creative films. This festival, organised from 9th to 16 December was unique in a number of ways. A total of 20 films were screened in Regent Cinema hall, while 14 Bhojpuri, 3 Maithili and one each of Magahi and Angika were screened at Rabindra Bhawan. Along with this, six documentaries and 21 short films were screened too.In Open Discussion session on the state and development of Bhojpuri and other regional films, noted Bhojpuri actors Kunal Singh, Ravi Kishan, Dinesh Lal Yadav Nirahua, K.K. Goswami, actress Amrapali Dubey and Tejal, director Aslam Sheikh and others participated.The jury of the film festival announced best films in different categories. ‘Le Lota’ won the award for best feature film, while the award for best

HUMAN CHAIN ON THE ISSUE OF LIQUOR PROHIBITIONA large human chain was formed in Bihar on the issue of liquor prohibition. More than 2 crore people participated in this human chain, which was more than 11000 kilometers long. The purpose of this human chain was to create awareness among people in support of liquor prohibition in the state. People stood holding hands for 45 minutes.Hon'ble Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his happiness over such mass participation in the initiative and said that this showed people are overwhelmingly in support of prohibition and that they have shown their feelings by forming the human chain. He also noted that people from different sections of society participated with much enthusiasm. The CM expressed his gratitude towards people of Bihar for the success of the awareness exercise. It is worth mentioning that Bihar is witnessing complete ban on alcohol since April 2016. Elaborate arrangements were made for this programme. It began at the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna in the presence of CM Nitish Kumar, Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav and many leaders from different political parties. The long human chain of over 11,000 km in support of prohibition is considered to be a world record. To capture the historic moments of human chain, arrangements were made to obtain images through satellites and drones. Helicopters were put in service for videography of the event.

It was probably a first of its kind initiative in the world, in which people gave their support in such large numbers against a social evil. The state government has decided to send a proposal for inclusion of the prohibition human chain in Guinness Book of Records.

THE PM PRAISED CM NITISH KUMAR’S LIQUOR PROHIBITION CAMPAIGN

The PM also attended the Prakash Parv celebration in Bihar’s capital, Patna. During his address at the event, he praised CM Nitish kumar for his prohibition campaign. PM Modi said that CM Nitish Kumar has created history by implementing prohibition and de-addiction. He emphasised that prohibition would benefit coming generations of Bihar. He said that other states should take inspiration from this work of Nitish KumarThe PM stressed that it is very difficult to begin a social reform movement. He congratulated the CM for his strong move on prohibition despite objections from all quarters. Modi appealed to the people of Bihar and all political parties to understand that this is not just Nitish Kumar’s work but it is the duty of every person to ensure the success of the campaign, which will make Bihar a centre of inspiration.

short film went to ‘Days of Ottoman.’ Several film personalities were facilitated for their special contribution towards development of cinema.Young Critics Contest was also organized during the festival in which student Taslim Fatima stood first, while Ujjwal Kumar grabbed the second position and Raviranjan came third.

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EVERY BIHAR HOUSEHOLD TO BE LIT UP BY THIS YEAR-END

309 EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS WILL GET FREE WI-FI

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has reiterated his resolve of making electricity available to every household in the state. Addressing a meeting in Cheada in Shekhpura in the course of his Nischay Yatra recently, he said that by the end of 2017 not only every village but every household in the state would be getting electricity. He appealed to the public to stop any misuse of electricity. Kumar urged Jivika women to work to create awareness against electricity misuse with the same zeal that they had shown in making prohibition a grand success.The government is taking various steps to provide electricity round the clock. In order to achieve this goal all the grids are getting interconnected.

A total of 1,000 crore rupees, raised from Asian Development Bank will be spent on this endeavour. The grids will be upgraded to be connected with double-circuit network. At the moment, state has 106 grids, and the number will go up to 150 by the year end.Along with grid upgradation, the number of transmission lines too is being increased. The main benefit of grid interconnection and double-circuit network is certainty of uninterrupted power supply in case a grid fails or some wire develops a defect.

To provide a vital modern day facility to students, the Bihar government will make available free Wi-Fi to 309 educational institutions of state encompassing all universities and engineering colleges. State information technology (IT) department is working to achieve this feat. Five institutions including Chanakya National Law University and J L College, Hajipur, have already got free Wi-Fi for students. This high speed connectivity will be made available only to those students whose names and mobile numbers are sent to the IT department by their respective institutions.

The 309 institutions, which are eligible for the free Wi-Fi scheme, include all the universities and engineering colleges in the state. Adequate numbers of access points are being created as per the number of students in individual institutions. A single access point would be serving up to 255 students.

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BIHAR GOVERNMENT IS DEVOTED FOR THE UPLIFTMENT OF WOMEN

EVERY DISTRICT OF BIHAR WILL GET AN ENGINEERING COLLEGE

Bihar government has been making all efforts for the empowerment of women, and to provide more opportunities so that they equally contribute to the society. The Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said at a function recently that the state government is trying to give dignity to women. He noted the steps already taken to empower women. Kumar said that the women will get reservation in government jobs. Also, there would be focus on providing better technical education to them.

The Chief Minister also called for women to equip themselves with computer education as they may face problems ahead for lack of computer knowledge. He urged women to take up nursing training too, because there is shortage of qualified nurses in the country. He promised that the government will facilitate nursing training for women.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was in his home district Nalanda recently during his Nischay Yatra where he underlined the importance of education. He recounted the steps taken by his government to improve the education system in the state.Chief Minister said that the government has planned to establish engineering colleges in every district. He stated that connecting women to technical education is necessary for women upliftment. He also

announced establishing polytechnic colleges and nursing schools in every subdivision.Chief Minister mentioned that Bihar has got more youths compared to other states. Kumar said that to provide better technical and higher education to youths his government would be establishing five new medical colleges in the state and engineering college in every district

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The Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Governor Ram Nath Kovind and the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar released a commemorative postal stamp on the occasion of 350th Prakash Utsav of Guru Govind Singh Ji Maharaj.