Dipak Mishra : It's payback period time for NRIs from Bihar

Migration from Bihar is an old story. In the 1980s and 1990s, the state witnessed large-scale migration of students as teaching in universities and

educational institutes had collapsed. Bihar watchers are now saying that the “brain drain” is finally paying dividend.

“Its a new culture that is taking firm roots, thanks to the work done by the present regime. Biharis across the globe now want to do something for their motherland. I always tell my students not to repeat the follies of the previous generation and do something significant for the state. Most of them have promised to return to Bihar after working for four-five years elsewhere,” said V Mukunda Das, director of Patna-based Chandragupt Institute of Management.

The trends are already visible. Irfan Alam of Begusarai district made waves when US President Barack Obama called him to attend the “Entrepreneurship Summit” scheduled for April in Washington DC. Alam, who is the chairman of the SammaaN Foundation, used his knowledge acquired outside the state to enhance the income of rickshaw-pullers in Bihar.

“Its not that Ambanis and Tatas alone can set up industries in Bihar. We Biharis are equally capable of doing that,” he said.

Irfan is not alone in his crusade. Kaushalendra Kumar, an alumnus of IIM, Ahmedabad, launched “Smriddhi ” project and organized the fragmented vegetable sector in the state. Today, over 1,000 vegetable farmers and vendors work for him for better financial prospects. “It’s a project that guarantees a dignified life to those associated with the vegetable sector,” Kumar said.

The list is endless. Ajay Jha of Colorado University, US, came here along with Israeli experts to work out a strategy to improve productivity in agriculture. Ravi Verma, who lives in California, has launched a software development centre here.

He also has plans to open an engineering college in the state. Dr Raje Narain has established Bihar Foundation in the UK and pumps in funds and materials whenever the state passes through any difficulty. He had also lent support when the state was facing the Kosi deluge.

Manoj Sinha of Virginia University and his friend Charles Rauster intend to set up a power plant in the state which would generate electricity by burning rice husk.

BRAIN DRAIN TO BRAIN GAIN

Irfan Alam



SammaaN Foundation: Helping enhance the income of rickshaw-pullers in Bihar.



Kaushalendra Kumar (IIM alumnus)



Smriddhi Project: Organized the fragmented vegetable sector in the state. Today, 1,000 farmers and vendors work for him for better financial gains.



Ajay Jha



Colorado University (US): Came to the state with Israeli experts to work out a strategy to improve productivity in agriculture.



Ravi Verma



Techie working in California: Launched a software development centre in Patna and also plans to open an engineering college.



Raje Narain



Set up Bihar Foundation in the UK: Lends financial support to the state during crisis like the recent Kosi deluge.



Manoj Sinha



Virginia University: With friend Charles Rauster working on setting up a power plant that will run on burning rice husk.