Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (March 22, 2026) wrote to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on occasion of Bihar Diwas, extending his heartfelt greetings to the people of the State.
Mr. Modi, in his three-page letter, said that Bihar Diwas is a day to celebrate Bihar’s rich history, its potential, and its traditions.
“It is an opportunity to recall Bihar’s invaluable contribution to India’s robust identity. Since ancient times, the land of Bihar has enriched society through knowledge, spirituality, and moral values. The teachings imparted by Lord Buddha on this very soil remain an integral part of global consciousness today, continuing to guide humanity,” he wrote in the letter shared by Mr. Kumar.
The prime minister went on to highlight that Bihar is the land that witnessed the influence of a great diplomat like Acharya Chanakya, who, alongside Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, laid the foundation of a strong and united India.
Praising the people of Bihar, Mr. Modi said that the people of the State have carved a distinct identity for themselves—both within the country and across the globe—through their hard work, honesty, and talent.
“Whether in the service of society or the world of industry, in the field of education or the arts and music, the contribution of the people of Bihar is unparalleled in every sphere. The inherent spirit of the people of Bihar—to move forward and achieve success together with everyone—is truly commendable,” Mr. Modi said.
He pointed out that wherever the people of Bihar go, they carry with them the State’s cultural richness and values. He recalled that during his tenure as Chief Minister, he observed very closely how the people of Bihar were contributing to Gujarat’s progress.
The Prime Minister said that a grand event was organised in Surat to mark the completion of 100 years of the formation of Bihar. People from all walks of life came together to celebrate Bihar’s glorious heritage at the event, he added.
“I have witnessed the culture of Bihar flourishing in Mauritius, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago as well. Even there, people connected to their Bihari roots have diligently preserved their culture. Today, Bihar’s cultural traditions are gaining global recognition. The great festival of Chhath stands as the most powerful example of this, as it is now celebrated with immense enthusiasm across the world,” Mr. Modi said.
Mr. Modi also wrote that during the freedom struggle, Bihar gave the nation a new direction and it was in Champaran that Mahatma Gandhi launched the Satyagraha movement.
He further highlighted that several leaders of Bihar have made pivotal contributions to the drafting of the Constitution. “Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan inspired the people to stand firm and resolutely oppose the attacks being launched against the democratic order. Just recently, the NDA government had the privilege of conferring the Bharat Ratna upon Jannayak Karpoori Thakur—an honor that has been widely acclaimed across the country.”
He called himself fortunate to have been granted the opportunity to accelerate Bihar’s developmental journey.
“Compared to the period between 2004 and 2014, the quantum of Central assistance received by Bihar has witnessed a substantial increase. This has provided significant momentum to large-scale development projects,” Mr. Modi said.
Hailing the work of the Bihar CM, Mr. Modi said, “Under your leadership, Bihar has borne witness to a monumental transformation. Coupled with good governance, your personal commitment toward the welfare of all sections of society. I pray to God that Bihar continues to progress, establishing new benchmarks of prosperity, and remains a source of inspiration for generations to come.”
Mr. Kumar also thanked Mr. Modi by writing a post on the social media platform X.
“On behalf of all the people of Bihar, I extend our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji for his affectionate message on the occasion of Bihar Diwas. It is a matter of pride for us that you have appreciated Bihar’s rich heritage, culture, and efforts toward progress,” Mr. Kumar said.
He further said, “We are receiving the full cooperation of the Central Government. Now, Bihar will become even more developed, join the ranks of the country’s leading states, and make a significant contribution to the nation’s progress. With your guidance and support, Bihar’s diligent and talented people will undoubtedly take the State and the country to new heights.”
Published – March 22, 2026 02:12 pm IST
