Bihar and the Reality Check: A Tale of Language, Development, and Perception

The Controversy That Sparked a Debate

Bihar—a state synonymous with enlightenment, where Lord Buddha attained Nirvana, Lord Mahavir preached his philosophy, and Lord Ram studied under Sage Vishwamitra—has a storied legacy. Yet, its modern image often clashes with this past, a tension brought to light by a recent controversy.

In February 2025, a viral video surfaced of Deepali Sah, a teacher at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Jehanabad, Bihar, describing the state as the "worst posting region" and claiming it hampers India’s development. Her harsh words sparked outrage, leading to her suspension and legal action. While her language was indefensible, the incident opened a window into broader issues worth dissecting.

This debate unfolds across three key dimensions:

1. The Rise of Crude Language in Indian Society – How offensive speech has become normalized across professions and platforms.
2. Bihar’s Persistent Development Challenges – Why a state with immense potential struggles with infrastructure, education, and industry.
3. The Myth That Bihar Holds India Back – Why this perception is misguided and ignores Bihar’s vital contributions.

Let’s explore each dimension with facts and nuance.

1. The Normalization of Offensive Language Across India

Crude language was once rare in public discourse, confined to informal or heated exchanges. Today, it’s pervasive—heard in classrooms, offices, and even online rants like Deepali Sah’s. Her remarks weren’t just a personal failing; they reflect a broader societal shift.

What’s Driving This Trend?

• Digital Culture: Platforms like YouTube, OTT services, and social media have mainstreamed expletives. Content once censored on Doordarshan now passes as “relatable” or “authentic,” shaping how people speak.
• Casual Speech: From corporate boardrooms to college campuses, strong language is increasingly used to vent frustration or assert opinions, blurring the lines between informality and disrespect.
• Erosion of Professional Norms: When teachers, government officials, or shopkeepers use harsh words casually, it chips away at the decorum expected in public roles.

This isn’t unique to Deepali Sah. Social media posts from across India reveal similar instances—teachers in Delhi, officials in Mumbai, and influencers nationwide have been caught using abrasive language. Her outburst, then, is a symptom of a larger national trend.

Key Question

If offensive speech is becoming the new normal, how do we balance free expression with professionalism—especially in roles shaping young minds?

2. Bihar: A State of Unfulfilled Promise

Bihar’s historical glory—home to Nalanda University and a cradle of learning—stands in stark contrast to its modern struggles. While progress has been made, the state remains a paradox of potential and stagnation.

The Brain Drain Reality

• Education Gap: Bihar’s Gross Enrollment Ratio in higher education was 14.3% in 2021 (All India Survey on Higher Education), far below the national average of 27.1%. Students flock to Kota or Delhi for coaching, as local options lag.
• Migration Surge: The 2021 Census (extrapolated) estimated over 2 million Biharis working outside the state. The COVID-19 reverse migration briefly exposed this scale, but many left again due to limited local job opportunities.

Industrial Decline

Bihar once hosted industrial giants like the Sindri Fertilizer Plant and early Tata ventures. However, after its bifurcation from Jharkhand in 2000, it lost significant industrial momentum. While recent efforts—new highways, electrification—show promise, challenges persist:

• Infrastructure Woes: The 2023 collapse of the Aguwani-Sultanganj bridge highlighted corruption and quality issues, deterring investors.
• Business Barriers: A 2022 World Bank report ranked Bihar low on ease of doing business due to bureaucratic delays and land acquisition hurdles. Successful Bihari entrepreneurs often invest elsewhere—consider Samprada Singh of Alkem Laboratories, who built his empire in Mumbai.

Key Question

What radical reforms—perhaps a special economic zone or streamlined governance—could turn Bihar into an industrial powerhouse?

3. The Misconception That Bihar Holds India Back

Deepali Sah’s claim that India would progress faster without Bihar is a lazy stereotype, refuted by data and reality.

Bihar’s Contributions

• Workforce Engine: Bihari migrants power construction, manufacturing, and services nationwide. A 2023 NITI Aayog report estimated they contribute over ?50,000 crore annually to other states’ economies via remittances.
• Agricultural Anchor: Bihar ranks among India’s top producers of rice (7.6 million tonnes, 2022-23) and maize (3 million tonnes), bolstering food security (Ministry of Agriculture data).
• Administrative Talent: The state consistently produces UPSC toppers—over 10% of successful candidates annually since 2015—shaping India’s bureaucracy.

Far from a liability, Bihar is a pillar of India’s growth. The real issue isn’t its existence but the failure to harness its potential locally.

Key Question

Can Bihar pioneer a governance model so effective that it inspires other states—and keeps its talent home?

Looking Forward

Deepali Sah’s remarks were a flashpoint, exposing fault lines that demand attention.

• Language Matters: Offensive speech is now common across India. From social media rants to classroom outbursts, we must ask: Can we preserve candor without sacrificing civility?
• Bihar’s Turnaround: The state’s challenges—education, jobs, infrastructure—are real but not insurmountable. Bold policies, like tax incentives or skill hubs, could spark a renaissance. The Nitish Kumar government’s post-2005 gains (crime reduction, road networks) prove change is possible.
• Perception vs. Reality: Bihar isn’t holding India back; it’s propping it up. The narrative must shift from blame to solutions—how can Bihar thrive, not just survive?

Bihar’s past is illustrious. Its future hinges on action—from leaders, citizens, and even critics. Can it reclaim its legacy as a land of progress? The answer lies in what we do next.

By Praveen Sharma & Team

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