ZIRO, Aug 20: In a significant way forward, the product launching event for ‘Bihar Bites’, a homemade traditional Thekua conceptualised and developed by Rohit Kumar Rajak, a 3rd-year BBA student of the Department of Commerce & Management, IGTAMSU, Ziro, was organised by the Dept today.
The entrepreneurial journey of Bihar Bites began with its recognition at the IGTAMSU Youth Carnival 2026, organised by IGTAMSU in collaboration with the Department of Trade & Commerce, Ziro, in May 2026, in which Rajak’s Bihar Bites was declared the winner of the Business Idea Pitch Competition, providing an important platform for him to further develop and realise his business idea.
Prof (Dr) K Satya Lakshmi, Vice Chancellor IGTAMSU, attended the programme as chief guest, while Tai Arun, Trade Development Officer, Lower Subansiri and Keyi Panyor districts, was the guest of honour. Dr Prashant Roy, Registrar IGTAMSU; Anwar Hussain, HoD Commerce & Management; Tailyang Pugang, president Ziro Press Club; faculty members and students were also present.
Rajak, in his PPT presentation, highlighted the origin of the idea, the challenges he encountered during the development process and his journey towards launching the final product. He expressed gratitude to the faculty members of IGTAMSU and the TDO for their encouragement, guidance and support, particularly in the process of obtaining the necessary licences and formalities for the venture.
The VC, in her address, appreciated Rajak’s idea, initiative and courage in transforming a concept into a marketable product. She emphasised that knowledge should ultimately contribute to making human life easier and better. She encouraged more students to develop entrepreneurial skills and suggested that Rajak and his team explore ways to combine the traditional flavours of the Ziro Valley with Bihar Bites, thereby creating opportunities for people from outside the region to experience and appreciate the rich culinary heritage of Ziro.
Describing entrepreneurship and innovation as contagious in a positive sense, she remarked that “such good initiatives are infectious, so let it infect all young minds around us.”
In his speech, the TDO congratulated Rajak and the entire Dept of Commerce & Management for promoting student entrepreneurship. He briefed the gathering on various initiatives and policies of the Central and State governments aimed at promoting ease of doing business, innovation and entrepreneurship development.
He highlighted flagship initiatives of the Government of India such as Startup India and Invest India, along with the Arunachal Pradesh Innovation & Investment Park (APIIP) initiatives of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. He strongly encouraged Rajak and his team to participate in the forthcoming edition of the Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Programme (APEDP) and assured them of his assistance and guidance.
The TDO also suggested that IGTAMSU collaborate with APIIP for establishing an incubation centre and exploring funding support for student entrepreneurs. He informed the gathering that he would write to the CEO, APIIP, recommending IGTAMSU, Ziro for such support. He encouraged students to come forward with more innovative business ideas, observing that both the Central and State Governments are increasingly creating opportunities and support mechanisms for educated youth to pursue entrepreneurship.
HoD Hussain said that there was no dearth of talent, ideas or courage among the students of IGTAMSU. He further encouraged students to ask innovative and meaningful questions during such programmes—questions that could benefit society at large—and emphasised that good questions emerge from dedication, curiosity and courage.
As a gesture of support and encouragement, the guests, faculty members and students purchased the newly launched Bihar Bites Thekua products.
Earlier, the Registrar appreciated Rajak for his innovative idea and entrepreneurial initiative. He observed that Thekua, a traditional delicacy of Bihar largely associated with Chhath Puja and traditionally available in limited regions, would now be available throughout the year in Ziro, through the student’s initiative. Describing the occasion as a historic day, he advised Rajak to maintain consistent product quality, emphasising that quality would ultimately determine the product’s marketability and sustainability.