"It was a wonderful experience interacting with you and appreciate the way you have planned and executed the whole publication process within the agreed timelines.”
Subrat SaurabhAuthor of Kuch Woh Pal
Being Bihari! Of Love, Belonging and Courage
What does it mean to be called a “Bihari”—a slur, a stereotype, or a source of strength?
Set in the 1990s, when Bihar was infamous for crime, corruption, and collapse, Being Bihari! follows Ronnie (Rinku Kumar Singh) as he comes of age in a state both maligned and misunderstood. From classrooms in Patna to Delhi University’s North Campus and the charged desks of a newsroom, his journey traces the struggles of identity, migration, and love.
At the heart of this story is Priyanka—first a classmate, later a companion—whose presence steadies him through migration, betrayal, and the compromises of journalism. Their relationship, fragile yet enduring, becomes a thread of belonging through years of distance and doubt.
The novel captures the silent exodus from Bihar, the stigma carried by those who left, and the determination to rise above labels. It weaves together politics and scams—from the fodder scandal to the kidnappings that scarred the decade—with the courage demanded of journalists trying to speak truth in compromised newsrooms. Alongside, it reflects Bihar’s cultural heartbeat: the resilience of Patna’s streets, the faith of Chhath Puja, and echoes of Nalanda’s ancient glory.
Being Bihari! is more than a novel—it is an odyssey of love, identity, and courage. Open these pages, and you may find yourself in its story.
Delete your review
Your review will be permanently removed from this book. Delete your review
Your review will be permanently removed from this book.
Write your review for this book (optional)
Review Deleted
Your review has been deleted and won’t appear on the book anymore.
Vishal Aggarwal, Rajiv Kumar
Vishal Aggarwal — A graduate of the University of Delhi, Vishal brings over 25 years of leadership experience in the IT/ITES sector. Born in Mumbai and raised in Delhi, he carries a deep connection to Bihar shaped by lifelong friendships and associations. He now lives in Pune.
Rajiv Kumar — Also a graduate of the University of Delhi, Rajiv has over 20 years of experience in legal services. Born and raised in Patna, he blends professional expertise with an insider’s view of Bihar’s culture. A passionate sports enthusiast, he now lives in Gurgaon.
Friends for nearly two decades, Vishal and Rajiv share a bond that goes beyond work. Being Bihari! is their joint labour of love — the outcome of countless conversations, memories, and reflections on their roots, their friendship, and the idea of Bihar.
Follow us @beingbihari.authors on Instagram, Facebook, or write to connect@beingbihari.co.in
