Bihar – Mystery and Misery

Bihar: Where Glorious History Meets Miserable Reality” – A stark reflection of Bihar’s paradox between its golden past and struggling present

Bihar is a land where history breathes in every corner. It is the land where Buddha found enlightenment and Chanakya laid the foundations of political thought. From the Mauryan Empire to the Freedom Struggle, Bihar’s soil has echoed with bravery, intellect, and resilience. Yet, when we look at its present, we are confronted with a puzzle — a state rich in legacy but struggling with modern-day challenges.

Bihar – The Mystery

Every year, Bihar contributes some of the highest numbers of successful candidates to the Indian Civil Services. These young minds, brimming with ambition, take oaths to serve the nation. Ironically, when we examine Bihar’s governance through indexes of development and bureaucratic efficiency, the state finds itself at the bottom. Where, then, are the minds and hands that once promised transformation?

Bihar is also one of the few states in India to have had a female Chief Minister. Yet, women’s safety and dignity remain deeply questionable. According to NCRB data, Bihar consistently ranks high in crimes against women. The paradox is striking — Bihar has one of the highest numbers of female police officers in the country, yet justice and protection for women remain elusive from birth to lifetime.

Perhaps the greatest mystery lies in the contrast between Bihar’s golden past and its struggling present. This land was once home to the most powerful dynasties, wealthiest communities, and thriving centers of knowledge. Today, it is counted among India’s poorest states and is known more for exporting labor than ideas or innovation.

Bihar – The Misery

A recent survey revealed what people commonly associate with Bihar: floods, poverty, labor migration, beggary. This image captures the misery that defines its perception today.

Bihar has the largest youth population in India, yet the majority remain unskilled and unemployed. Many spend their most productive years working as laborers in factories or preparing endlessly for government jobs, with little encouragement for innovation or skill development. Why is the state unable to channel its youth into becoming the backbone of a rising India rather than its base labor force?

Every year, Bihar faces devastating floods. When floods hit Punjab, solidarity pours in from across the nation. But when Bihar suffers — as it does almost annually — silence prevails. Why is there no collective voice for Bihar’s pain? Why do celebrities and leaders from the state not rise to the occasion, either with influence or with resources? Why does governance fail repeatedly in controlling a tragedy that is predictable year after year?

The Way Forward

Bihar today stands at a crossroad of mystery and misery. It holds immense potential to be a powerhouse of Viksit Bharat,yet remains shackled by poor governance, lack of opportunities, and systemic neglect. The state does not lack talent, culture, or spirit — what it lacks is an enabling ecosystem that can turn its vast human resource into an asset rather than a liability.

The real question is — when will the voices of change rise in Bihar? When will the black-and-white image of its present transform into a golden future that does justice to its glorious past?

Bihar has enough strength, history, and human capital to write a new chapter. What it needs is vision, leadership, and the will to break free from the cycle of apathy. Until then, the enigma of Bihar will remain — a land of extraordinary heritage, caught between mystery and misery.