4 Indian American members honored at Bihar Diwas 2026 celebration in New York for global presence of the state

Highlights:

• Four diaspora members received the Bihar Vishwa Gaurav Samman 2026 awards for their achievements and contributions.
• The event was organized by the Consulate General of India in New York with community organizations.
• Officials emphasized Bihar’s global presence, development progress, and future potential.
• Speakers encouraged diaspora involvement in Bihar’s growth and transformation initiatives.
• The event included a book launch and cultural performances showcasing Bihar’s heritage and history.

Four members of the Bihar diaspora were honored for their achievements and contributions during a special commemoration marking Bihar Diwas 2026 in New York.

The Consulate General of India in New York, in collaboration with the Bihar Foundation USA-ETZ and the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA), hosted the celebration earlier this week. The event brought together members of the diaspora community to recognize excellence and reflect on Bihar’s progress and global presence.

On this occasion, the Bihar Vishwa Gaurav Samman 2026 awards were presented to four distinguished individuals: Saroj Kumar Jha, Global Director for the World Bank Group’s Water Department; Rajesh Sinha, Chairman and Founder of Fulcrum Digital; Hasmukh Ranjan, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at AMD; and Sanjay Chaubey, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Sylvamo. Each was recognized for outstanding achievements and contributions in their respective fields.

Addressing the gathering, India’s Consul General in New York, Binaya Pradhan, highlighted the widespread influence of people from Bihar across the world, remarking that “almost everyone has a friend from Bihar.” He spoke about the state’s rich historical legacy, its evolving present, and its promising future. He also congratulated diaspora organizations for their continued efforts in strengthening community connections abroad.

In a message shared at the event, Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit emphasized that the state is ready for transformation and called on the global diaspora to actively contribute to its development. He underscored the government’s commitment to accountability, stating that challenges and issues would be addressed transparently.

Industry Secretary of Bihar and CEO of the Bihar Foundation, Kundan Kumar, reinforced this message with the theme “Bihar Hai Taiyar” (Bihar is ready). He highlighted initiatives such as new Global Capability Center (GCC) policies and encouraged members of the diaspora to play a role in positioning Bihar as a leader across multiple sectors.

Alok Kumar, Chairman of Bihar Foundation USA-ETZ, spoke about the state government’s proactive approach toward advancing artificial intelligence, including the establishment of a center of excellence. He described these efforts as forward-looking and reflective of Bihar’s commitment to technology-driven development. He also praised the award recipients, noting that their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to millions and strengthen ties with their homeland.

Community leader Avinash Gupta pointed to significant improvements in Bihar’s infrastructure and emphasized the vast opportunities for continued growth and development. BJANA President Priti Kashyap highlighted the importance of unity within the diaspora and stressed the need to engage and empower the next generation.

The event also featured the launch of the book Gaon Ki Mitti Mitne Nahi Deti by Santa Mishra. The evening concluded with cultural performances celebrating Bihar’s heritage, including a skit portraying the state’s journey from the era of Emperor Ashoka and the legacy of Nalanda University to Mahatma Gandhi’s Champaran movement and modern advancements such as artificial intelligence initiatives in Bihar.