WARM HANDS: Deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi interacts with foreign delegates at his official residence on Polo Road in Patna on Friday. Pictures by Deepak Kumar

Patna, Jan. 21: Youths from 12 different countries, including Australia, Canada, Fiji, Israel, Mauritius, South Africa, Trinidad, UK, New Zealand, Peru and Zimbabwe, are currently touring Bihar as part of the 16th “Know India Programme”.

All 35 delegates were invited to the official residence of deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi where they shared their experiences they had gathered while touring the state since January 14.

Modi spoke to all the delegates and presented them gifts made by Bihar Foundation group members. Speaking on the occasion, Modi said: “This is the first time that Bihar has been chosen as part of a programme being organised by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs with a view to promote awareness on India and its socio-cultural diversity. It’s a great opportunity for us to serve the delegates and show them the real and true Bihar. There is all round development in the state. It is emerging as an economic powerhouse. It’s a centre of good education and the ongoing development in various fields including infrastructure will surely send good message to the rest of the world.”

Modi further said: “There are many people who migrated to various countries like Mauritius and Fiji many years ago from Bihar but their roots are still connected to the state. The Bihar government is planning to help them search their family roots.”

These delegates will go to Vaishali tomorrow and day after they will depart for Agra where they will spend 10 days.

One of the delegates, Caerish Prathera from Johannesburg, said: “It’s my first visit to Bihar and it has been a great feeling as my great grandfather Bhim Sukunanun was from this state. I don’t know which district he belonged to. I like this state and its culture and tradition.”

Jayanti Bachani, a girl from Peru, was also very impressed with the Bihari culture. “I think Bihar is the most cultured state that I have ever seen. I really liked the Mendhi that they drew on my palms yesterday. It looks so beautiful.”

About the Bihar link, she said: “My father is from Delhi and mother is from Peru but according to my father, my ancestors were from Bihar. As I am a teacher, I liked the Nalanda University. The structure of university is fascinating. It is a life-time experience for me to visit this state.”