Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 4 CITY VIEWS March 29, 2024 Bihar Foundation US Celebrates Bihar Diwas With India’s Consul General Indian Overseas Congress USA Launches Campaign For Lok Sabha 2024 Elections T he Indian Overseas Congress USA (IOC USA) launched its offi- cial campaign for the Lok Sabha 2024 elections, March 22, 2024, declaring this election as the “mother of all Lok Sabha elections.” The IOC-USA said it had a “fervent commitment to uphold the core values of freedom, fairness, secularism, and democracy, the IOC USA stands firm in its resolve to ensure that India remains a land where every citizen is treated equally, regardless of religion, caste, language, or region.” Calling the stakes high in this election, IOC-USA said democracy was facing un- precedented challenges, where a 3rd term for the current administration could threaten that democracy, and lead to autocracy. Youth unemployment, the IOC-USA said, was “alarm- ing” in India and the high demand for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in rural India, “the urgency for change has never been more palpable,” and combining that with the Covid pandemic’s economic effects, there was an urgent need for changing the leadership. It also criticized what it described as a “pay to play” system operating, and intimidation of opposition. “In this critical juncture, the Congress Party, under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, emerges as a beacon of hope and the true alternative,” the IOC-USA maintained. “With a steadfast commit- ment to addressing the pressing issues plaguing our nation, the Congress Party pledges to effectuate real change and fulfill the promise of a true democratic India for all,” the organization said. By a StaffWriter T he Bihar Foundation US, East Coast Chapter, celebrated Bihar Diwas at the Consulate General of India, NY, in partnership with Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America, BJANA and CGI, NY. The Bihar Governor Rajendra Arlekar, and Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar, sent congratulatory messages and best wishes, a press release from BF-US said. The program showcased Bihar’s tour- ism destinations, cultural heritage, Mad- hubani paintings, and culinary delights. Consul General of India, NY, Binaya Pradhan congratulated the Bihari dias- pora for Bihar Diwas and also shared his affinity to Bihar as he hails from Orissa. He spoke about Bihar’s illustrious leader- ship, including late President of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and scientist Aryabhata. Santa Mishra recited the “Bihar Diwas poem” written by him. FIA (NYNJCT&NE) President Dr. Avinash Gupta discussed the healthcare sector improvements, including the Bihar AIMS in Patna and the upcoming AIMS in Darbhanga. President of BJANA Sanjeev Singh highlighted infrastructure development in Bihar and unexplored opportuni- ties. Rajnish Ojha represented the Bihar Jharkhand Association of New England (BJANE) and advocated for unity to make Bihar great again. Chairman Bihar Foundation US East Coast, Alok Kumar, discussed the recent opportunities in Bihar, especially in information technol- ogy, mentioning companies like Tiger Analytics and HCL Technology expanding in Bihar. Dr. Krishna P. Singh who has already signed a Rupees 3000 Crore deal in green energy, emphasized the need for Biharis to contribute to Bihar’s development, visit Bihar and witness its potential in tourism and industries. He thanked the Bihar Tourism department for showcasing Bihar’s attractions. M. Kumar ended his speech with a quote from his friend Dr. Prakash Jha: “Bharat Badal Raha Hai, Bihar Bhi Ba- dalega,” meaning, India is changing and so will Bihar. Anandita Jha performed a contem- porary dance on the song “Aaju Mithila Nagaria.” Outstanding individuals were honored with the Bihar Vishwa Gaurav Samman recognition. Dr. K.P. Singh, founder & CEO of Holtec International, was recognized for his contributions in the field of nuclear waste management. He spoke about his pride in being a Bihari and his commitment to bringing more green energy to Bihar. The 2nd honoree, Amit Choudhary, COO atWipro Limited, discussed the col- lective spirit of Bihar and its potential for growth. Dr. Dinesh Ranjan, founder of PRAN medical group, highlighted the grow- ing healthcare needs of underprivileged people in Bihar. The 4th honoree, Abhinave Atul, Direc- tor of Nutrivet Farmcare, was acknowl- edged for his mission to provide medica- tion to pet animals at a reasonable cost. Individuals who were doing great work in their respective fields were also rec- ognized, like in painting, Nupur Nishith, Shivangi Singh and Shaily Jha; Litti pro- motion, Anand Raj and Rinku Kumari. Ranjeet Kumar, vice chairman of Bihar Foundation, thanked every for their participation, including CG Pradhan, BJANA members and guests who came from other states, including Dr. Ajay Jha of Colorado, Vikas Ranjan from Japan Bihar Foundation, Sanjeev Jha and Rajnish Ojha from Boston, Manish Jha and his team from Connecticut. Also acknowledged were Anurag Kumar and Vinay Singh. past presidents of BJANA. By a StaffWriter Photos:CourtesyBihar Foundation US Top (L-R) Consul General of India, NY Binaya S. Pradhan awarding Dr. Krishna P. Singh ( Chairman Holtec Internation, Amit Choudhary (Chief Operating Officer, Wipro ltd), bottom(L-R) Dr. Dinesh Ranjan (President- PRAN-BJANA) and Abhinave Atul (Director Nutrivet Farmcare). Dr. Krishna P . Singh addressing gathering who is founder of Holtec International, a Nuclear waste technology company. A section of the audience at the Bihar Diwas event hosted by Bihar Foundation US and Indian Consulate. Indian Overseas Congress USA holds press conference March 22, 2024. Photo: IOC-USA