23.03.2026Address by Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Maharashtra on the occasion of Bihar State Formation Day
Address by Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Maharashtra on the occasion of Bihar State Formation Day, Lok Bhavan, Mumbai at 1100 hrs on Monday, 23 March 2026
Prof Ravindra Kulkarni, Vice Chancellor, University of Mumbai
Dr Prashant Narnaware, Secretary to the Governor
Shri S Ramamoorthy, Deputy Secretary to the Governor
Prof Ajay Bhamare, Pro Vice Chancellor of the University
Dr Prasad Karande, Registrar
Other senior officers of the University
Members of the Faculty and Cultural Coordinators of the University,
Dear Students and Artists,
Members of the Lok Bhavan Family,
I extend my greetings to you on the occasion of the Bihar State Foundation Day.
I extend my greetings to the people of Bihar and to the vibrant Bihari diaspora settled across the world and in Maharashtra on this day.
I would like to convey my sincere thanks to the Hon’ble Governor of Bihar Lt Gen (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain for sending his good will message to us on this occasion.
I was extremely happy to see the beautiful cultural presentation made by the students of the University. Your performance beautifully captured the rich heritage and vibrant folk traditions of Bihar. The Audio Visual film on Bihar was also informative.
I would like to convey my appreciation and thanks to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi Ji for conceiving this programme of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ under which we are commemorating the Foundation Day of various States and union territories.
Bihar holds a unique place in India’s history, culture, and spiritual identity. It is the land of knowledge and enlightenment — home to the world-renowned universities of Nalanda and Vikramshila, which attracted scholars from far and wide.
It was in Bihar, in Bodh Gaya, that Lord Buddha attained enlightenment and gave to the world the profound teachings of peace and compassion.
Bihar is also the sacred land of Vaishali, where Lord Mahavira was born and where the seeds of democracy were sown centuries ago.
The tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born in Patna Sahib in Bihar and spent the last years of his life at Nanded in Maharashtra. Guru Gobind Singh ji is therefore a spiritual bridge between Maharashtra and Bihar.
Bihar has played a significant role in shaping the destiny of our nation.
Its contributions to India’s freedom struggle are immense. Bihar gave us towering leaders like Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, Jai Prakash Narayan, the champion of total revolution, Loknayak Karpoori Thakur, and the brave warrior Babu Kunwar Singh — whose courage and sacrifice during the First War of Independence in 1857 remain etched in history. The son of Maharashtra M S Aney served as the second Governor of Bihar.
Post-independence, Bihar has continued to strengthen India’s parliamentary democracy. The state has produced exceptional statesmen and leaders who have shaped the political and social landscape of our nation.
Bihar’s strength lies in its people – known for their simplicity, hard work and intellect.
The State of Bihar has produced many top civil servants who have been serving the nation with distinction and integrity.
The people of Bihar have made invaluable contributions to the progress and development of Maharashtra and also Mumbai.
The socio-cultural and economic history of Mumbai would be incomplete without a reference to the rich contribution of the people of Bihar to the progress and development of the financial capital of India.
Members of the Bihari community have made their mark in fields ranging from business and administration to arts and culture.
Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, a new Bihar that fulfills the hopes and aspirations of its people is being created.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the students of University of Mumbai for their brilliant and inspiring cultural presentation.
My sincere appreciation also goes to Vice Chancellor Prof Ravindra Kulkarni for his leadership and for organizing such a meaningful and engaging event.
Finally, let us all draw inspiration from the legacy of Bihar as we continue to build a strong, united, and prosperous India. May Bihar continue to shine as a beacon of knowledge, culture, and democracy.
Jai Hind ! Jai Maharashtra! Jai Bihar!