"Not here for politics": Shashi Tharoor urges Indians to visit Bihar's historical sites

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, during his visit to Bihar, encouraged Indians to visit key historical sites like Pataliputra and the Bihar Museum, stating his trip was driven by cultural interest. He also inaugurated the Nalanda Literature Festival, emphasising the importance of discussing ideas beyond classrooms and noting positive developments in the state's infrastructure.

Key Points: Shashi Tharoor in Bihar: Congress MP promotes tourism, lauds infrastructure

  • Congress MP Shashi Tharoor promotes Bihar tourism during visit
  • Tharoor clarifies his visit is cultural, not political
  • MP praises Bihar's infrastructure development
  • Tharoor inaugurates Nalanda Literature Festival 2025
  • He stresses on expanding knowledge beyond classrooms
  • Tharoor calls for government support to revive Nalanda's legacy
2 min read

"Not here for politics": Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Bihar visit

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, during his Bihar visit, urged Indians to explore Patna's historical sites and praised the state's infrastructure, emphasising his trip was cultural, not political.

"I want to say to all Indians that they should visit Pataliputra, the Bihar Museum and the Bapu Tower. I have not come here for politics. - Shashi Tharoor / Congress MP"

Patna (Bihar), December 23

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday urged Indians to visit Pataliputra, the Bihar Museum and Bapu Tower, adding that his visit was not politically motivated but driven by an interest in history and culture.

"I want to say to all Indians that they should visit Pataliputra, the Bihar Museum and the Bapu Tower. I have not come here for politics," he said, noting that the Bihar Museum is one of the two best Museums in the world.

"I travelled from Patna to Rajgir and back, and I liked the infrastructure I saw," he added

Tharoor had earlier visited Rajgir on Sunday to inaugurate the Nalanda Literature Festival 2025, alongside Bihar governor Arif Mohammad. Speaking to the media, the Congress MP described such festivals as an opportunity to promote the tradition of discussing literature and ideas.

"Knowledge should not be limited to the classrooms, but also outside the university. The literature festival is an opportunity where we can carry forward this tradition by discussing literature and ideas," Tharoor told the media.

Shashi Tharoor also opened up about the development of the state of Bihar in line with the legacy of the Nalanda University. "I have that the situation was not good. Nowadays, things are looking good. The essence of knowledge and heritage is still present. 20 years back, when our former President APJ Abdul Kalam spoke about reviving Nalanda, I wondered about its heritage. Now I have come to see the campus, to meet people and to interact with the students. It is a great matter of joy. Nalanda should be taken forward. There is no doubt about it. The government should extend full support," he shared.

The Nalanda Literature Festival 2025 is being held from December 21-25, 2025, at the historic sites of Rajgir in Bihar, celebrating the confluence of legacy, language, and literature.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from Patna, I'm glad he appreciated the infrastructure development. The road to Rajgir has improved a lot in recent years. More such endorsements from national figures can really boost tourism here.
R
Rohit P
"Not here for politics" – easier said than done when you're a sitting MP from the opposition. But I do agree with his message about promoting our cultural heritage. Nalanda's revival is a matter of national pride.
S
Sarah B
Literature festivals outside major metros are so important! They decentralize cultural discourse. Glad he's supporting the Nalanda festival. Knowledge truly shouldn't be confined to classrooms or big cities.
V
Vikram M
Tharoor always brings an intellectual depth to his public engagements. His mention of President Kalam's vision for Nalanda connects past, present, and future perfectly. More leaders should focus on such constructive issues.
K
Kavya N
While I appreciate the sentiment, it's hard to completely separate such visits from politics in an election season. That said, highlighting Bihar's positive transformation is a good thing. Hope it encourages more visitors! 🙏
M
Michael C
As a history enthusiast visiting India, this article is a great recommendation! Adding Pataliputra and the Bihar Museum to my itinerary.

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