Renowned educationist and Padma Shri awardee Anand Kumar is set to headline the golden jubilee celebrations of the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA), scheduled for May 24 and 25. The two-day event will be held at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick, New Jersey, marking fifty years since the founding of BJANA. It promises to be a major global gathering of the diaspora from Bihar and Jharkhand living in the United States and other countries.
The event will not only celebrate the five-decade journey of BJANA but also serve as a platform to bring together individuals with roots in Bihar and Jharkhand. It will highlight the organization’s efforts in preserving cultural heritage and promoting community-based social initiatives. The presence of Anand Kumar adds prestige and meaning to the occasion, as his life’s work closely aligns with BJANA’s mission and values.
Sanjeev Singh, president of BJANA, conveyed his excitement about Kumar’s involvement, emphasizing how Kumar’s Super 30 initiative reflects BJANA’s core principles. “His work through the Super 30 program exemplifies the values of perseverance, intellect, and social commitment that BJANA upholds,” Singh stated. He noted that Kumar’s journey is a source of inspiration for the diaspora and especially for the younger generation striving for academic and personal excellence.
Anand Kumar’s Super 30 program, which began in Bihar, is widely recognized for transforming the lives of underprivileged students. Each year, Kumar selects 30 talented but economically disadvantaged students and prepares them for the highly competitive entrance examinations for the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). His unique educational model has led to exceptionally high success rates, and his dedication remains steadfast despite financial constraints. Kumar has consistently refused financial support from external sources to maintain the integrity and independence of his initiative.
Kumar’s work has earned him both national and international acclaim. In 2023, he was honored with the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, in recognition of his contribution to education. His efforts were earlier acknowledged in 2010 when Time magazine included him in its “Best of Asia” list, underscoring the far-reaching impact of his work.
In addition to print accolades, Kumar’s story has been featured in prominent global media. His journey and the achievements of Super 30 were captured in documentaries by the Discovery Channel and the BBC. Furthermore, Newsweek recognized Super 30 as one of the four most innovative schools worldwide, cementing its reputation as a groundbreaking model in education.
The story of Anand Kumar also reached the big screen. His inspiring life served as the foundation for the Bollywood biopic Super 30, with actor Hrithik Roshan portraying him in the lead role. The film drew widespread attention to Kumar’s work and brought his message to an even larger audience, helping people understand the challenges and triumphs of his mission.
Kumar’s international recognition goes beyond awards and features. In 2024, he was appointed as Korea’s honorary tourism ambassador, a role in which he worked to foster educational and cultural connections between the two nations. His contributions have also been acknowledged by Germany and Canada, where he was lauded for his innovative educational model. Remarkably, his work was even praised in the Canadian Parliament, a testament to the global influence of his initiative.
Speaking about the upcoming BJANA celebration, Kumar expressed his pleasure in being part of a milestone event that brings together a vibrant and accomplished diaspora. Reflecting on his previous lectures at leading U.S. universities, he remarked on the significance of connecting with a community that has continued to achieve and contribute meaningfully while living abroad. “It is a delight to join a community that continues to make significant contributions abroad,” Kumar said.
The golden jubilee event is expected to be one of the largest overseas gatherings for the Bihar and Jharkhand community. Organizers anticipate thousands of attendees from across the U.S. and other parts of the world. With a diverse program planned, the celebration will feature cultural performances, forums for professional networking, and exhibitions showcasing the rich heritage of the two Indian states. These elements are aimed at strengthening the bonds of shared identity among community members while honoring five decades of unity and progress.
BJANA, which began as a small community initiative, has grown over the years into a robust organization that plays an integral role in the lives of its members. From supporting educational projects to organizing relief efforts and promoting regional art and culture, the association has maintained a consistent focus on upliftment and unity.
The presence of Anand Kumar at the golden jubilee event is seen as symbolic of the values that the association cherishes: empowerment through education, cultural pride, and service to society. His life story serves not only as motivation for students and educators but also as a reminder of the power of community support and individual dedication.
The celebration of BJANA’s 50th anniversary thus promises to be both festive and reflective. It will shine a spotlight on the organization’s achievements, honor individuals like Kumar who have brought global recognition to the region, and inspire the next generation to continue building on this proud legacy. As the diaspora gathers in New Jersey, it will be a moment to look back with pride and ahead with purpose.