A couple of months ago, noted filmmaker Prakash Jha visited New Jersey in connection with fund raising for his activities in flood affected areas of Bihar. He was a judge at the local beauty pedeant organized by Dharmatma Saran. Some physicians of New Jersey including the Edison Councilman Sudhanshu Prasad contributed towards the fund raising efforts that was aimed at contributing to 'Punarwaas', an organization set up by Jha.
Jha is a native of Bihar whose films, 'Damul', 'Mrityudand', 'Gangajal' and 'Apaharan', were all based on social issues of Bihar. A few years ago his involvement with his native land took a new dimension when he launched infrastructure development projects at a number of locations in Bihar.
I met him over lunch at a restaurant in Edison, NJ where I found Jha very comfortable with wine and mozzarella dishes. He demonstrated a mature understanding of the social and political situation of his native state, Bihar. He spoke about his industrial ventures as well as his rehabilitation projects.
I asked Jha why he was in USA. He said, "I am visiting USA to connect with people who could help in developing infrastructure for Bihar. Almost 30 percent of the population of Bihar, able bodied laborers and professionals, are working outside of the state because there are no opportunities available in the state. There is not a single industry in the state. I would like to reverse the trend of migration of the people of Bihar. I seek help from successful people settled in this country. "
What makes you think that progress and success is possible in a lawless state like Bihar?
Jha: If people of Bihar could succeed outside of Bihar, there is no reason why they can't do the same in their home state. The state has suffered due to incompetency of its leaders. Bihar produced very good politicians but not one who cared for its development-not even a rice mill was promoted by its leaders.
Thanks to Lallo Prasad Yadav's leadership, a sense of social equity was developed among the lower strata of people who have been oppressed since centuries. Lallo inspired the downtrodden to realize their potential but he, like other leaders, redeemed their trust to build his vote bank. He wasted his unchallenged leadership and ignored to set up industries or educational institutions. We never had a leader, such as Sharad Pawar, who founded cooperatives and educational institutions in Maharashtra.
Can you provide a blueprint of how you are involved in development of Bihar?
Jha: For the last five years I have been seriously engaged in development of Bihar. I have promoted a company called Maurya Sugar that is developing sugar factories in seventeen locations around the state. Another company promoted by me, P&M Infrastructure, is involved in developing multiplexes and agro-based industries. Both companies have a market valuation of more than three hundred crores rupees. I am working to develop successful industrial ventures so that examples are set for attracting investors and entrepreneurs. I want to convince people that Bihar is not a barren place. It is a place where new enterprises can succeed. In order to make this happen, entrepreneurs born in Bihar should return to their native place and engage in development and profit making.
Many good filmmakers don't see profit making as the goal of their work. On the contrary, they consider the objective of profiteering from films as an obstruction in quality filmmaking.
Jha: I don't see a conflict between a good film and a financially successful film. When I produced 'Mrityudand', I had to cope with a budget of Rs. 70 lakhs. I had to design a project that could attract crowd at box office. I had to incorporate songs and dance but the basic structure of the movie was not changed. It was focused to make a statement and leave imprints on the mind of viewers.
After the success of 'Mrityudand', I made even bigger films, 'Gangajal', and then 'Apaharan'. I am not shy of profit making. A filmmaker aims at making a movie that should be seen by as many people as possible.
How is your charitable organization doing?
Jha: Three months after the floods inundated parts of Bihar, my organization, 'Punarwaas', is working to help more than five thousand people who had no place to go. While other relief organizations have folded up we are expanding our activities. We are trying to help the flood victims find resources to support their families. I am grateful to Indians residing in the US for inviting me and supporting 'Punarwaas'. Earlier I visited California where settlers from Bihar raised funds for the organization. We are truly energized by this grand gesture on part of our brothers and sisters in USA.
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