New York – The spirit of Bihar echoed across the Indian diaspora in the US as 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 special celebration of Bihar Diwas 2025. The event honored the state’s rich cultural heritage while recognizing the contributions of four prominent Indian-Americans making a mark on the global stage.
Honoring Bihar’s Global Icons
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the ‘Bihar Vishwa Gaurav Samman’ to four outstanding individuals for their exceptional contributions across industries:
✅ Mahesh Kumar (Founder, Tiger Analytics) – Recognized for advancing Bihar’s IT and innovation ecosystem.
✅ Dr. Abhishek Tiwary (Global Head of People, KPMG) – Honored for empowering youth through leadership and opportunity creation.
✅ Sharad Kumar (Managing Director, Bank of America) – Acknowledged for excellence in the financial sector and leadership within the diaspora.
✅ Dr. Prakash Jha (Agricultural Scientist) – Awarded for leveraging technology to drive food security and uplift rural communities.
Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, in a special message, commended Mahesh Kumar for establishing a strong IT presence in Patna, urging NRIs to stay connected to their roots and contribute to Bihar’s development.
Strengthening Bihar’s Global Identity
Indian Consul General in New York, Binaya Pradhan, highlighted Bihar’s deep-rooted contributions to education, history, and culture—from the legacy of Nalanda University to great thinkers like Aryabhata and Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
Kundan Kumar, CEO of Bihar Foundation Patna, announced the launch of a grievance cell for NRIs, ensuring direct engagement with Bihar’s government for addressing their concerns and strengthening connections with their homeland.
A Tribute to Bihar’s Cultural Heritage
A special video tribute to Late Padma Vibhushan Sharda Sinha, Bihar’s beloved folk icon, was showcased at the event. Created by her children, Vandana Bhardwaj and Anshuman Sinha, the tribute featured one of her cherished songs, celebrating her unparalleled musical legacy.
Looking Ahead: Bihar’s Diaspora & Future Initiatives
The celebration also set the stage for the 50th anniversary of BJANA, focusing on youth engagement, cultural preservation, and global collaboration. Notable community leaders—including cardiologist Dr. Avinash Gupta, FIA President Saurin Parikh, and BJANA President Sanjeev Singh—emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between Bihar’s Janmabhoomi (birthplace) and Karmabhoomi (workplace).
As Bihar moves forward, its diaspora continues to play a pivotal role in shaping its economic, cultural, and technological progress. Events like Bihar Diwas serve as a powerful reminder of the state’s growing global influence and the contributions of its people in building bridges between Bihar and the world.
