‘Bihar Day’ celebrated in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia chapter of Bihar Foundation recently celebrated “Bihar Diwas 2016” with gaiety at Riyadh Palace Hotel. Eastern Indian state of Bihar was formed 104 years ago when it was separated from Bengal. “Bihar Diwas” was first celebrated in 2010 by the Bihar government during the tenure of the incumbent chief minister Nitish Kumar. Indian politician and current Finance Minister of Bihar Abdul Bari Siddiqui, who recently visited the Kingdom, was the chief guest of the function. He commended Biharis in Riyadh for celebrating their state day thousands of miles away. Stating that government higher dignitaries should attend to boost the morale of the celebration, he announced that Bihar CM Nitish Kumar will be the chief guest for the next edition. Abdul Bari said Biharis working in the Kingdom are hardworking and law-abiding people. He said that the Bihar state offers a lot of business opportunities and need investment from non-resident Biharis. He assured that the investment will be in the safe hands and also offers tax discounts for NRI investors. On demand of Bihari’s working in the Kingdom for an international airport in Patna, he said the government is working on an international airport in outskirts of the state capital. Once the airport is ready, direct flights from Riyadh to Patna will commence. Bihar is an agro-based state and lot of fruits and vegetables are grown here. If there are direct flights between Patna and Riyadh, it will open a window for new business opportunities.