234th March 2025: Commemorating Bihar Diwas, the 113th anniversary of Bihar’s establishment as a separate state, the Mithilalok Foundation launched the transformative social campaign “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Bihar” in Patna. This initiative aims to accelerate Bihar’s progress while aligning with India’s broader vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, marking a century of independence. By emphasizing socio-economic development, education, environmental sustainability, and technological advancements, the campaign aspires to create a ripple effect that uplifts communities and drives holistic progress at every level.
A Vision for Change
Speaking at the launch event, Dr. Birbal Jha, convener of the campaign, underscored the need for a shift in mindset among the youth. He stressed that breaking caste barriers and fostering unity are pivotal to Bihar’s transformation. Socio-economic empowerment through community engagement must go hand in hand with productive use of time and creative pursuits, cultivating an optimistic outlook that fuels development.
Dr. Jha further highlighted the role of technology in accelerating progress, urging students and teachers to work in synergy to ensure holistic education. He also emphasized the enhancement of communication skills to groom future leaders in public speaking and writing. As part of the initiative, student-authored articles on Bihar’s development will be published, giving voice to young minds and their vision for the state’s future.
Strategic Objectives
The “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Bihar” campaign is built on five foundational pillars:
- Economic Growth and Employment: Stimulating entrepreneurship, strengthening MSMEs, and driving agricultural advancements to create a robust economy.
- Education and Skill Development: Enhancing literacy, vocational training, and digital education to prepare the workforce for emerging opportunities.
- Environmental Sustainability: Advocating for green initiatives, afforestation, and responsible resource management to ensure a healthier future.
- Infrastructure and Innovation: Prioritizing enhanced connectivity and technological integration for long-term development.
- Social Change and Inclusivity: Championing gender equality, improved healthcare, and a cohesive society to uplift living standards and foster inclusivity.
- March for English Language Awareness (2011): Took English skills to villages.
- Mahadalit Youth March for Spoken English Skills (2012): Brought English education to the most marginalized sections of society.
- English Vinglish March (2012): Encouraged women to learn English through the film English Vinglish.
- Bihar Asmita March (2013): Urged migrants to work for identity and self-respect.
- English for Mahadalit March (2014): Promoted English learning among Mahadalit communities.
- Voter Awareness March (2015): Encouraged democratic participation and voting rights.
- March for Dowry-Free Marriage (2016): Advocated against the dowry system.
- Paag for All (2016): Revived the traditional Mithila headgear as a symbol of identity and cultural heritage.
- Paag March (2016): Campaigned for Paag to be declared the state cap of Bihar.
- Paag Kanwariya March (2017): Promoted Mithila cultural identity by having Kanwariyas don the Paag.
- Saurath Sabha March (2017): Worked to revive the age-old marriage system in Madhubani.
- Candlelight March (2017): Raised awareness about child safety.
- March for Justice (2017): Called for justice for Pradyuman Thakur.
- Child Safety Baton March (2018): Highlighted child safety concerns.
- Consumer Awareness March (2018): Educated people about consumer rights.
- March for Intellectual Donation (2020): Promoted ideation and execution.
- Namaste March (2020): Advocated for greeting with ‘Namaste’ over handshakes.
- Kindness Awareness March (2021): Spread messages of compassion and kindness.
- Lingua March (2022): Celebrated International Mother Language Day.
- Atal March (2024): Commemorated Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s centenary birth anniversary.
- Youth March (2025): Honored Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary on National Youth Day.
- March for Social Justice (2025): Advocated for equal access to education and linguistic empowerment.
With his relentless commitment to social change, Dr. Jha continues to inspire generations to work towards a developed and equitable society. The “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Bihar” campaign marks another milestone in his journey of social transformation.
With its deep-rooted historical legacy, vast demographic potential, and rich cultural heritage, Bihar is uniquely positioned to become a model of development in India. The launch of this campaign on Bihar Diwas is not only a tribute to the state’s formation but also a reaffirmation of its commitment to progress. It serves as a clarion call for collective action and sustainable transformation.
Call to Action
The success of “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Bihar” hinges on the collective efforts of policymakers, educators, entrepreneurs, and citizens. The campaign calls for unified participation, urging all stakeholders to collaborate in fostering a more developed and prosperous Bihar, reinforcing its role in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Together, let us work toward building a progressive Bihar and a stronger India, turning aspirations into achievements through shared commitment and unwavering determination.
Dr. Birbal Jha’s Legacy of Social Campaigns
Dr. Birbal Jha has spearheaded numerous social campaigns and marches aimed at promoting education, social justice, and cultural revival. Some of his notable initiatives include:
- English for All (1993): Promoted English language skills among the underprivileged for better education and employment opportunities.
- English as a Tool for Social Justice (1994): Empowered marginalized communities with English proficiency to bridge socio-economic gaps.
- Gandhi March (2001): Spread Mahatma Gandhi’s message of peace and nonviolence.
- English Literacy March (2002): Advocated for English education to improve literacy rates.
- Peace March (2003): Called for peace and non-violence against the migrants of Bihar in Assam.
- English March (2003): Promoted English proficiency in Bihar.
- March for Spoken English Skills (2009): Advocated better communication skills.
- Education March (2010): Campaigned for educational reform in Bihar.