A monumental shift from ridicule to respect

WELL-KNOWN AUTHOR, academician and political commentator, Vivekanand Jha has been deeply concerned about Bihar’s social and cultural identity. As the state goes to the polls, the proud Bihari speaks about what the state needs. Edited excerpts from an interview with Jha:

- VIVEKANAND JHA WRITER BY PRADEEP KUMAR THAKUR

What can literature offer for the development of Bihar?

I was born and brought up in the City of Joy, where in college I was subjected to incessant taunts. For years together, I was in deep distress, unable to duck the pejorative term Mayo, which was hurled at people from Bihar.

It took me years to rediscover my illustrious moorings. I realised I hailed from Mithila, the birthplace of the great sage Yajnavalkya, and from a land consecrated by Gautama Buddha. This realisation led to my evolution and later to my book, Yes, I Am Bihari. The book reaffirmed the Bihari identity and pride.

Unfortunately, Biharis are scattered across the globe. They dare not stay within their own state, because Bihar lacks industrial infrastructure for employment generation.

Education is the only means of salvation for Biharis. Bihar must progress as an educational hub. Remember, most of the IAS officers are from Bihar. In fact, everywhere you find Biharis excelling in education and administration.

But the Bihari youth are hooked to digital devices.

Along with rapid technological growth, there is a corresponding degeneration in the intellectual level of the younger generation. When information is literally at your fingertips, your thinking ability begins to decline. The mind no longer feels the need to explore or question deeply.

This has led to an intellectual emptiness. If we are not aware of our moral roots or heritage, of what use is technological advancement?

How do you assess the performance of the Nitish Kumar government?

I am completely apolitical. But I must acknowledge one very big change. A most visible transformation began with the Golden Quadrilateral highways project. It is evident to anyone travelling through the state.