A royal family in pursuit of ''New Bihar''

New Delhi, Mar 18 (UNI) To prevent large-scale exodus of young students from Bihar and Jharkhand to other states in search of quality education, the scions of erstwhile princely state of Darbhanga in Mithila region in North Bihar, have decided to open a string of technical and secondary-level educational institutions in the region.

With the help of central and state governments as well as corporate houses, they have also decided to open over a dozen of small-scale industries to prevent large-scale migration of labour force to various parts of the country.

Famously known as 'Darbhanga Raj', the princely family had played a distinguished role in promoting education and culture during pre- and post-independence era.

''There is an overwhelming response from corporate houses, educational institutions and industrialists and they have agreed in principle to join the venture,'' said Kumar Kapileshwara Singh, son of late Kumar Subheshawara Singh, Maharaja of Darbhanga.

''It's a beginning. Our purpose is to make a fresh beginning and provide them a modern, high-tech and sophisticated educational atmosphere in their home states," claimed Ms. Kavita Singh, daughter-in-law of Darbhanga Raj family and Chief Executive Officer of the mission.

She said good academic institutions do not just lift educational standards of a state but also the morale of the people, and lend it a status and an image that are imperative for the growth of a community.

Shivnath Jha, a senior journalist who had worked with the Darbhanga Raj-owned newspapers ''The Indian Nation'' and ''Aryavarta'' in the 70s, is the brain behind the mission to be taken up in phases over the next five years.

According to the Singhs, special emphasis would be on education for girls and women. At least half a dozen educational institutions would be opened exclusively for their higher education.

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