Padma Bhushan Shri Udit Narayan Jha and Shri Sanjay Nirupam Grace Historic Event Celebrating Bihari Pride and Identity
Mumbai, June 14, 2025: Mumbai witnessed a landmark moment as the Bihari Swabhiman Sammelan 2025—the first-ever community gathering dedicated to celebrating the pride, identity, and unity of Biharis—concluded successfully at the Lata Mangeshkar Auditorium in Dahisar. Organized by Shubhsita Foundation, a social development non-profit, the event brought together eminent voices and members of the Bihari diaspora for a vibrant and culturally rich celebration of Bihar.
Drawing massive participation, the Sammelan served as a national platform to reconnect migrant Biharis with their cultural roots, while honoring Bihar’s legacy in governance, arts, literature, and enterprise.
The gathering was graced by a distinguished panel of guests from diverse sectors including:
Padma Bhushan Shri Udit Narayan Jha, Shri Sanjay Nirupam, Acharya Shri Pawan Tripathi, Shri Aslam Hassan, Shri Abhay Sinha, Mrs. Ritu Jaiswal, Shri Manoj Bharti, Shri Satish Kumar Singh, Shri Pravin Chandra Jha, Shri Ram Bandhu Vats, Smt. Shweta Shalini, Mrs. Kalpana Patowary, Captain Nikunj Parashar, Shri Rakesh Jha, and Shri Niraj Kumar Mishra, among others.
The day began on a nostalgic note with a traditional Bihari breakfast of Litti Chokha and Chai, setting a warm and authentic tone for the event. The morning featured the first panel discussion titled “Literature, Cinema, and Culture”, spotlighting the Bihari narrative from Maithili traditions to modern storytelling, with poets, filmmakers, critics, and cultural historians contributing to the conversation.
This was followed by a vibrant “Cultural Infusion” segment that showcased the richness of Bihari folk music and traditions. The afternoon progressed with a second panel on “Politics & Governance – Bihar at the Crossroads, Vision 2035”, where leaders and policy experts explored the state’s development roadmap. The final session highlighted “Enterprise & Innovation”, celebrating the success stories of New Age Bihari Entrepreneurs and startup founders.
Manorama Jha, Founder of Shubhsita Foundation, expressed,
“This Sammelan is more than an event—it’s a historic moment for Bihari identity and pride. Bihar has consistently contributed IAS and IPS officers, scientists, doctors, and artists to India. Today, we ignited a people’s movement that celebrates our shared legacy and envisions a progressive future.”
Shri Sanjay Nirupam, political leader and former MP, remarked,
“Wherever we go, our Bihari culture leaves its mark. Being a Bihari in Mumbai, this event makes me proud. My heartfelt thanks to Manorama ji for curating such a powerful platform.”
Padma Bhushan Shri Udit Narayan Jha, reflecting on his Bihari roots, shared,
“Though my voice has echoed across the country for decades, my heart has always belonged to Bihar. This Sammelan is a symphony of unity—a celebration of our roots and an inspiration for our future.”
More than a conference, Bihari Swabhiman Sammelan 2025 was a unifying force—bringing together Biharis from all walks of life under one roof to celebrate their collective identity and spirit. The event set a precedent for future cultural platforms that put Bihar at the center of national conversations.