Winter Immersion Program highlight of BJANA and Bihar Foundation event

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The Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) and the Bihar Foundation USA East Coast Chapter partnered to host a special event October 20, 2024, featuring Harvard alumnus Sanjay Kumar, PhD, an educationist, and his initiative to connect youth with rural life and empower them academically.

Kumar introduced his Winter Immersion Program, aimed at providing high school students with an immersive experience in Bihar’s village systems. This initiative goes beyond traditional education, offering hands-on learning opportunities that will help students develop unique personal narratives, enhancing their college applications, a press release from BJANA said.

His leadership and commitment to social change, was the focal point of the event, organizers said. “This program is designed to change perceptions and create a deeper connection to our cultural roots,” Kumar emphasized.

Alok Kumar, chairman of the Bihar Foundation USA East Coast, highlighted the broader impact of this program on the perception of Bihar, stating, “This is more than an educational initiative—it’s about transforming how the world views Bihar. We are building a bridge between cultures and empowering the next generation to take pride in their heritage.”

Sanjeev Singh, president of BJANA, also lent his voice to the cause, stressing the importance of such programs in fostering both academic growth and social responsibility. “Our partnership with Dr. Kumar is a step towards creating opportunities that help students succeed academically while staying connected to their roots,” Singh remarked.

The event also featured key contributors, including Prof. Prakash Jha, an agricultural scientist, who highlighted the importance of integrating rural education and sustainable agricultural practices into youth programs. Rakesh (no last name) from Ireland expressed his enthusiasm for expanding the program internationally, noting, “This vision is something we want to bring to Ireland, as it offers a global perspective on education and cultural immersion.”

Vandana Kumar shared how the program can help second-generation children reconnect with their ancestral roots. Pranav Jha added insights on how young parents can be involved in the initiative to support their children’s educational journey.

BJANA Secretary Sushant Krishen highlighted the immediate impact on his own family, sharing how his daughter was “super excited” to participate in the program. Pakhi, a high school student, also expressed strong interest in joining the Winter Immersion Program, reflecting the growing enthusiasm among students, the press release said.

For more information about the Winter Immersion Program, please visit ISPI Global.