Nitish's commitment towards progress of Bihar is commendable: PM Modi

NEW DELHI: Lauding the efforts of Bihar's Patna University , Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that "when India will be celebrating 75 years of Independence in 2022, Bihar should be among prosperous states of the country."Speaking at centenary celebrations of Patna University, PM Modi said, "I consider it my honour to visit Patna University and be among the students. I bow to this land of Bihar. This university has nurtured students who have contributed greatly to the nation."The Prime Minister also praised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the commitment towards the progress of Bihar."The commitment of Nitish Kumar towards the progress of Bihar is commendable. We in the Centre attach topmost importance to the development of eastern India," he said, adding, "Bihar is blessed with both Gyaan and Ganga. This land has a legacy that is unique."Batting for innovativons, he said, "From conventional teaching, our universities need to move towards innovative learning.Living in an era of globalisation, we need to understand the changing trends across the world and the increased spirit of competitiveness. In that context India has to make its place in the world."He also urged youngsters to think about innovative solutions to the problems faced by people around them.Earlier today, PM Modi shared the stage with Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for the first time after the the JD(U) returned to the NDA fold.This is the prime minister's first full-fledged official tour to the state since the BJP became a part of the ruling coalition in Bihar in July this year after Kumar-led JD(U) snapped its alliance with Lalu Prasad's RJD and the Congress.In August, Modi along with Nitish Kumar had made an aerial survey of the flood-hit districts of Bihar.The prime minister had promised a "package" of Rs 1.25 lakh crore in 2015 for the state during the campaign for the assembly elections in which the BJP and the JD(U) were pitted against each other.The two parties remained partners in Bihar for 17 years but the JD(U) severed ties in mid-2013 over elevation of Modi as BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate.Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who was among the dignitaries at the PU function today, told reporters, "I am not here as a minister but as a proud alumnus of this glorious university. And I am proud that the Prime Minister of the country is attending a function at my alma mater".Other Union Ministers present at the ceremony included Ram Vilas Paswan, Ashwini Chaubey and Upendra Kushwaha.After attending the Patna University function, the Prime Minister will fly to Mokama, which is in Patna district about 100 km from the capital city. Modi will launch a number of development projects there. He will also launch development projects worth over Rs 3,700 crore during the visit.