Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday praised chief minister Nitish Kumar for his “commitment” to Bihar’s development, as the two leaders shared the stage for the first time after the JD(U) returned to the NDA fold.
Modi, who attended the centenary celebrations of the Patna University (PU) here along with Kumar, said the Centre and the state government led by Kumar will work together with a pledge to bring Bihar on par with the other prosperous states by 2022.
“Nitishji is committed to development of Bihar... and the central government has pledged to develop the country. Together the two will work together to ensure that Bihar is counted among the prosperous states by 2022 when the country celebrates 75 years of independence,” the prime minister said.
Modi said that Bihar has been blessed by Saraswati, the Goddess of learning.
Modi also said that many top level officials of civil services are students of Patna University.
“In Delhi, I interact with so many officials, many of whom belong to Bihar,” he said.
“I consider it my honour to visit Patna University and be among the students. I bow to this land of Bihar. This university has nurtured students who have contributed greatly to the nation.”
{{/usCountry}}“I consider it my honour to visit Patna University and be among the students. I bow to this land of Bihar. This university has nurtured students who have contributed greatly to the nation.”
{{/usCountry}}He also urged universities to move from conventional teaching to innovative learning.
He said that Bihar is blessed with both ‘Gyaan’ and ‘Ganga.’ “This land has a legacy that is unique,” he said.
Modi is to later lay the foundation stones for several projects, including four sewerage projects under the Namami Gange Programme and four national highway projects in Mokama area of Patna district.