India’s Vice President CP Radhakrishnan brought star power to the closing day of the Unmesha International Literature Festival in Patna, Bihar. On September 28, 2025, he stepped in as chief guest at the third edition of this vibrant event, which wrapped up after four days of literary buzz.
The festival, running from September 25 to 28, draws writers, poets, scholars, and publishers from 15 countries. They represent more than 100 languages, making it a true global celebration of stories and ideas. Organizers from Sahitya Akademi teamed up with India’s Ministry of Culture and the Bihar government to host it at the Samrat Ashok Convention Centre in Patna. Over 550 big names in literature joined in, turning the spot into a hub for creative minds. Past events lit up Shimla in 2022 and Bhopal in 2023, but Patna stole the show this time.
Before Radhakrishnan’s speech kicked off, the crowd paused for a minute of silence. They honored victims of a heartbreaking stampede at a public event in Karur, Tamil Nadu. It was a solemn touch amid the festival’s energy.
This marked Radhakrishnan’s first trip to Bihar as vice president. At Patna Airport, Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha gave him a hearty welcome. In his address, Radhakrishnan dove straight into Bihar’s rich legacy. “Bihar is the land of dharma, culture, and knowledge,” he said, firing up the audience.
He spotlighted Bihar’s spiritual powerhouse status. Think Buddha finding enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya—spreading messages of peace and compassion worldwide. Or Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankara, born in Vaishali, teaching non-violence and truth that shaped India’s ethical core. Bihar blends Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu traditions like no other place.
Radhakrishnan raved about ancient learning hubs like Nalanda and Vikramshila universities. These drew scholars from across Asia, proving Bihar’s role as an intellectual giant back in the day. He cheered the revival of Nalanda University, thanks to efforts from the central government, state leaders, and global partners.
History buffs, take note: Bihar birthed mighty empires like Magadha and Maurya. It even cradled early democracy in Vaishali over 2,500 years ago—echoing ancient election systems in places like the Chola kingdom. Radhakrishnan linked it all to India’s long love for self-rule.
He didn’t skip Bihar’s push for social change. Mahatma Gandhi’s Champaran Satyagraha started there, sparking India’s freedom fight. Then there’s the Total Revolution Movement led by Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan, where a young Radhakrishnan jumped in at 19 and later became district general secretary. Bihar has given India trailblazers like first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad and democracy’s watchdog, JP Narayan.
Culturally, Bihar shines bright. Radhakrishnan praised Mithila paintings, lively Bidesia folk theater, and the eco-friendly Chhath Puja festival. Devotees honor the rising and setting sun with discipline that’s rare these days. He noted how Bihar keeps producing top talent in civil services, academia, tech, and law.
In a fun anecdote, Radhakrishnan shared a chat with a European leader puzzled by India’s unity amid diverse languages and cultures. His reply? “Our dharma is one.” Simple, yet it hits home.
Turning to Unmesha, Radhakrishnan called it one of Asia’s biggest and most welcoming literature festivals. It gathers voices from everywhere to shape societies, spark new thoughts, and build bridges across languages, borders, and beliefs. “Unmesha means awakening fresh ideas and perspectives,” he said, predicting it’ll inspire writers and readers for years. He wrapped up urging everyone: Through shared literature, we build “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”—one strong, excellent India.
The crowd included Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha, Tourism Minister Raju Kumar Singh, and Sahitya Akademi President Madhav Kaushik, plus other notables.
Beyond the festival, Radhakrishnan paid floral respects to JP Narayan at J.P. Golambar in Patna. He also visited Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir in Muzaffarpur, offering prayers for everyone’s well-being. Deputy CM Sinha and Muzaffarpur MP Raj Bhushan Choudhary joined him there.
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