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When you move away from your people, your home, your state, your country—if there is one thing you crave, it is those very people, that very home, and the familiar sense of community. To find a sense of belonging miles away from the place you once called your own, to stay connected with and ensure the upliftment of your own people, perhaps this very longing inspired Mr. Mirtyunjay Singh and Mr. Indranath Jha to form the impactful organization known as BJANA.
Bringing Together Bihar and Jharkhand
I’ve been associated with BJANA (formerly known as BANA), an acronym for Bihar-Jharkhand Association of North America, for years now, and have formed and found invaluable connections and friends. People from all walks of life having roots in the states of Bihar and Jharkhand are members of this organization, fulfilling the simple yet heartfelt purpose of the founders of bringing together the people of Bihar and Jharkhand who migrate to North America and conducting programs and activities to socially and economically serve the said regions in India.
A Celebration of Shared Roots and Traditions
It is always a pleasure to attend their vibrant and culturally rich events, each one a celebration of shared roots and cherished traditions. I have had the privilege of emceeing at one of their events and was looking forward to being a part of BJANA’s golden jubilee celebration. As BJANA celebrated 50 years of uniting people, cultures and traditions, it held a 2-day event, the ‘Golden Jubilee and Global Conclave’, in May 2025 at Hyatt Regency, New Jersey with a meaningful theme ‘Celebrating Legacy, Inspiring The Future’.
A Feeling of Homecoming
As someone who finds immense joy and pride in reconnecting with her heritage, I was absolutely delighted to attend this conclave. I was greeted with winds of familiarity on stepping in—the sight of saree-clad women and kurta-clad men, sounds of music and regional dialect, and aromas instantly transporting me back to my hometown, Bihar. It was more than an event for me; it was a feeling of homecoming. It was a place where note-worthy achievements and plethora of opportunities and vision for my state and my people were celebrated, discussed and supported, where Bihar and Jharkhand’s rich traditions, heritage and tourism potential were showcased through performances, delicacies, art, textiles and jewellery.
Eminent Personalities and Global Representation
With over 700 attendees from across America, Europe and Australia, the event successfully highlighted Bihar and Jharkhand’s accomplishments across the globe. The Consulate General of India in New York, Shree Binaya Pradhan graced the event as the chief guest, and many eminent personalities attended the conclave, to name a few:
Dr. Kris Singh – Founder & Chairman, Holtec International, pioneer in the field of nuclear energy
Sweta Singh – Managing Editor, AajTak
Hasmukh Ranjan – Chief Information Officer, AMD
Anand Kumar – Padma Shri awardee, Founder, Super 30
Akshara Singh – Popular Bhojpuri star and singer
Radio Mirchi Patna’s RJ Anjali
Prof. Niraj Jha – Princeton University
Prof. Alok Chaturvedi – Purdue University
Jharkhand’s former Deputy CM Subodh Kumar
A Perfect Blend of Culture and Progress
From district flag parades representing every district of Bihar and Jharkhand to shark-tank style startup and investment conclave, from healthcare and AI summits led by diaspora professionals to a youth cultural showcase, the 2-day event struck a balance between showcasing cultures and achievements accomplished in the years gone by while preparing the new generation to achieve great heights in the years to come. The program also consisted of a women empowerment panel featuring Sweta Singh, Akshara Singh, RJ Anjali and leadership dialogues from academic, tech, and development sectors.
A Warm Embrace of Community Spirit
I have to say though, that the attendees that warmed my heart the most were the children, who ran around in absolute jolly, crowding the food stalls, giggling and playing at every nook and corner, reminding me of one great Indian wedding. And just when I thought it couldn’t get better, the event’s magical ending left me in awe—Kailash Kher’s live concert transported the entire crowd to nostalgia and provided a sense of belonging, leaving some in a trance, some in tears, some swayed, some sang and some hummed, each one enjoying the moment.
A Golden Jubilee to Remember
To me, BJANA’s Golden Jubilee celebration was nothing short of a warm embrace from people that let Bihar live within them, no matter where they live in the world.
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