The spirit of a modern, self-reliant, and economically robust Bihar resonated across Goa as the voluntary campaign Let’s Inspire Bihar (LIB) convened the Bihar Development Summit 2026 at Ravindra Bhavan, Vasco da Gama.
Centered on the ambitious theme “Developed Bihar, Developed India 2047,” the high-profile summit brought together over 500 delegates, including policymakers, business leaders, academicians, and members of the global Bihari diaspora.
The landmark event aimed to forge an actionable roadmap to accelerate economic growth, promote district-level entrepreneurship, revive Bihar's cultural heritage, and curb forced migration.
Economic Growth, Diaspora Engagement, and Social Harmony
Addressing the assembly, LIB founder and senior IPS officer Vikas Vaibhav emphasized that Bihar must maintain a sustained economic growth rate of nearly 15% annually to achieve developed state status by 2047.
· Targeting 15% Growth: Vaibhav highlighted that growth must translate into local opportunities, ensuring youth no longer need to migrate for higher education, employment, or specialized healthcare.
· Revisiting Civilizational Roots: Warning against increasing caste-based social fragmentation, Vaibhav invoked Bihar's intellectual legacy—from Nalanda and Vikramshila to the democratic ideals of Vaishali—urging citizens to rise above narrow identities and embrace collective progress.
· Grassroots Support & Scale: With LIB's voluntary network approaching 400,000 members nationally, over 100 associates have directly funded local libraries, virtual learning setups, and medical camps across the state. The movement aims to scale to one million members by March 2027.
State Initiatives and Industrial Collaboration
Bihar Sports and Industry Minister Shreyasi Singh commended the global diaspora for uniting behind state development. She emphasized that while government policies lay the groundwork for industrial investment and athletic advancement, active private sector partnership, innovation, and social leadership remain vital to long-term success.
"Transformation cannot rely on government action alone. Real progress occurs when our global diaspora, entrepreneurs, and local communities align toward a shared vision."
— Shreyasi Singh, Minister of Sports & Industry, Govt. of Bihar
"Bihar's ancient legacy was built on collective wisdom at places like Nalanda and Vikramshila. To rebuild that future, we must prioritize social harmony and economic enterprise over division."
— Vikas Vaibhav, Founder, Let’s Inspire Bihar
Key Strategic Focus Areas
The summit featured four core thematic panels along with strategic announcements:
1. Entrepreneurship & Job Creation: Setting a target to establish at least one startup employing 100+ individuals in every Bihar district by late 2028.
2. Culture, Heritage & Identity: Leveraging historical sites and ancient legacy to build sustainable tourism and boost local economies.
3. Bihar@2047 Vision: Outlining policy frameworks and investment channels for diaspora engagement.
4. Women Empowerment (LIB in Nari Shakti): Expanding initiatives like Gargi Pathshalas, which now operate across 20 districts to skill women and young girls.
Honouring Grassroots Leadership
The summit presented the Bihar Prernashrot Samman awards to recognize exemplary contributions in education, social welfare, healthcare, and enterprise. Notable attendees included Vasco MLA, Krishna Daji Salkar; Sulabh International Executive Convenor, Nitya Pathak; Private Schools and Children Welfare Association President, Dr. Syed Shamael Ahmed; Sr IRS Officer, Ajit Kumar; Sr Journalist, Kanhaiya Bhellari; Sr Journalist and Chief Coordinator-LIB Goa, Namita Sharan; Seasoned Entrepreneur and Coordinator LIB Goa, Sanjiv Lal; renowned economist Prof. Ashmi Raza; prominent social entrepreneur and advisor to the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Deepak Thakur; social worker from Rohtas, Akhilesh Singh; G.M. Ansari; social worker from Patna, Sonu Sharma; social worker from Begusarai, Sudhir Singh; social worker from Aurangabad, Lav Singh; renowned dancer Manisha Jha; and Dr. Shashikant and Dr. Reena Singh, who have relocated to Bihar from Australia to invest in the entrepreneurial sector of Bihar; Ms. Sunita Kumari (who has come especially from the USA), renowned filmmaker Mr. Sheel Kumar, entrepreneur and social worker Mr. Ravi Rajhans, Ms. Sonal Kriti, and Dreams 11 founder Mr. Abhishek Ravi. Other delegates, including educationists, angel investors, and start-up founders travelling from as far as Australia and the United States, and from various parts of the country including many districts of Bihar, were present at the event. Members, Coordinators and Chief Coordinators of the campaign, Let’s Inspire Bihar, were present as proud participants of the event.
The event concluded with a cultural performance, book launch, and a collective pledge by the Goa diaspora to actively drive economic and educational programs in their home districts.
