Things I got to learn touring Bihar on cycle

When seeking perspectives on underdevelopment in India, Bihar often takes the spotlight as the least developed and poorest state. Renowned for its educational shortcomings and the highest population density in the country, traveling through Bihar offers a glimpse into life amid limited education and prosperity. Despite the initial similarities with Uttar Pradesh in culture and lifestyle, a closer connection with locals unveils subtle distinctions between the two states. During my extensive cycle tour across India, I delved into Bihar’s living conditions, drawing comparisons with other states I visited. While I strive to minimize bias, my conclusions inevitably reflect my travel mode and personality. Approach the article with a critical eye, and feel free to suggest any amendments in the comments.

Education

A notable distinction between Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Bihar lies in their educational landscapes. Surprisingly, Bihar exhibited a comparatively higher quality of education than UP, where the educational standards appeared subpar. Mr. KK Pathak, the Chief Secretary of Bihar’s education department, implemented rigorous measures concerning teaching, attendance, and examinations. In contrast to the ease of purchasing degree certificates in UP (as discussed in this article), Bihar demonstrated a more robust system. This difference can be attributed, in part, to the prevailing belief in Bihar that government jobs offer a pathway to a higher quality of life, especially in the absence of significant industries.

Employment

Bihar claims the unfortunate title of having the highest unemployment rate in the country. During my travels here, I noticed a concentrated competition for employment primarily in two sectors: education and government jobs. Notably, renowned educators like Khan sir and Anand Kumar, founder of the Super 30 program, hail from the state’s capital, Patna. It’s a common narrative to find students pursuing undergraduate degrees alongside rigorous preparation for competitive exams like UPSC and SSC.

The demand for entrance exams creates a thriving coaching industry, with Patna boasting a higher number of coaching centers than many entire states. Beyond retail, the majority of individuals in Bihar seem to be either farmers, teachers, or aspirants for government service exams. Limited opportunities even lead graduates in fields like psychology to work as local doctors in villages.

The allure of a government job, seen as a pathway to comfort for oneself and their family, elevates its status in the community. Failure to secure such a position often carries societal stigma, regardless of the industry one eventually finds employment in. This mindset is reflected in Bihar’s significant contribution to the nation’s administrative service officers.

Quality of life

A staggering statistic reveals that one in every two people in Bihar is considered poor, significantly impacting the overall quality of life. Similar to the situation in UP, houses made of bricks are frequently left incomplete. Despite locals noting a marked improvement in road quality over the past 5 to 10 years, most other aspects of daily life appear to be of substandard quality. The familiar sight of inadequate drainage systems and litter strewn across the streets mirrors the situation in UP. Notably, a larger proportion of the population relies on cycles rather than vehicles, echoing the trend in UP.

While Bihar has been notorious for its crime rate, stringent police measures and improvements in roadways have contributed to a significant decline. Conversations with locals convey a shift from the perception of a troubled past to the current reassurance that Bihar is as safe as any other place in the country. Personally, I did not encounter any issues during my travels.

Resources

The entire region known as the cow belt shares a commonality in abundant water resources and fertile soil. Bihar, a prominent state in this belt, boasts significant agricultural dominance, yielding ample crops such as rice, wheat, potato, and various other vegetables. Despite its agricultural potential, the impact of historical partitioning has made it nearly impossible for a substantial portion of the population to depend solely on agriculture as the primary source of income for their families’ livelihoods.

Alcohol and drugs

The current Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, implemented a strict alcohol ban in the state, met with public discontent due to perceived negative consequences. Despite the ban, alcohol consumption persists through illicit channels, causing the outflow of tax revenue to neighboring states and exacerbating the state’s financial challenges. In response, the government raised prices on various commodities, including petrol and other goods, disproportionately affecting the economically disadvantaged.

Additionally, the prohibition on alcohol has led to a concerning surge in marijuana usage among the younger generation, evident in various places I visited. Critics argue that the ban has inadvertently contributed to the rise of other drugs like smack, with little evident benefit to the state’s overall development.

Culture and traditions

Much like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar exhibits a notable absence of enthusiasm in sports and the arts. The cultural landscape is largely confined to Bhojpuri music and movies, characterized more by explicit content than artistic depth. Despite these limitations, Biharis take immense pride in their local festival, Chatt Puja, held shortly after Diwali. This festival becomes a statewide carnival, evoking deep emotional connections among all residents.

On the culinary front, the staple diet revolves around rice and wheat, accompanied by a variety of vegetables. However, Bihar’s cuisine, while wholesome, doesn’t showcase extravagant or distinctive elements.

Mentality of people

The dearth of proper education and employment opportunities has cultivated an environment in Bihar that discourages people from venturing beyond its confines. This lack of exposure manifests in their attitudes, which, for someone like me, proved quite irksome. Engaging with Biharis, I observed their penchant for engaging in conversations about random topics, often laced with innovative insults. Their insensitivity to others’ feelings seems normalized, as does their tendency to boast about themselves in various aspects of life, from temples to education and even their food.

Throughout my journey in this state, I encountered individuals who displayed immaturity, a lack of understanding, and an absence of knowledge on interpersonal behavior. Bossy encounters were a common theme, with people exhibiting a desire to assert power in their actions, words, and even their way of addressing others. The prevalence of self-centered conversations and a dearth of interest in understanding others underscored my interactions with Biharis.

Regrettably, my experience in Bihar was tainted by a toxic atmosphere characterized by extreme immaturity and self-aggrandizing narcissism. While acknowledging the historical context and living conditions, the challenging environment can partly explain the prevalent disdain for Bihar. Despite the disappointment, the journey enriched me in numerous ways, humbling my character and providing a stark contrast between highs and lows in the quality of life throughout the diverse nation. For more insights into my travels across various states, you can visit this page.