PXylem

“I am proud, I am a Bihari!” Have you ever heard this sentence? Not to mention, you have heard…at Mariana Trench, terrorism infested state Jammu and Kashmir, Capital city Delhi, Commercial city Mumbai, even in the thick jungles of Assam, or in permit driven state Arunachal Pradesh [visitors have to take permit to enter the state]…

You name it, and you will find people who utter this sentence.

Unfortunately, this sentence comes out as a reaction to defend oneself from ignominy that usually builds up when two elements adds: first there is a Bihari and, second there is in air - a topic on Bihar, its politics, people and personalities.

Uhhhh!!! No body on earth utters this sentence than Bihari people do. Interestingly, we all love our soil we belong to. But, the momentum they build on by saying “I am proud, I am a Bihari!” seem childish. It is something like a child caught red handed while stealing stuff and defensively blurts out: I told you, I haven’t done it. That’s it.

It is ironical that wherever in any part of India parochialism is given fan, they are the first people coming to the target. In Jammu and Kashmir, they are being gunned down by the terrorists and in Assam and Maharashtra, they are in the receiving end.

It shouldn’t happen since we are all brethren of the great country India. We all have our unique culture, customs, language, traits and we must pay respect as much we give to ours.

Again, on an average we all pay respect to other persons’ genetic and political make-up. We are inquisitive to other person’s caste, religion and the state he belongs to. And there are many myths, proverb and funny stuff lingering in and around any state and caste.

The word “Bihari” means a lot. Anyone being called a Bihari is being taken with disdainful, scornful, inhuman note. It is still a mystery why Biharis doesn’t like being called a Bihari.

There is no point reacting to any such comments if it is made. It must be taken with a bit of humour. And if possible, maintain the golden rule: Silence.