Patna: In a significant departure from their traditional role, religious institutions across Bihar are increasingly emerging as centres of education, social reform, healthcare and community development. Led by Bihar State Religious Trust Board chairman Ranbir Nandan, the Board has launched an innovative model that seeks to combine faith with public service and social welfare.The vision was showcased at the recent state-level Religious Trust Conclave held at Bapu Auditorium in Patna, which was attended by more than 4,000 representatives from temples and monasteries across the state. Inspired by Bihar’s broader development agenda and efforts to promote cultural heritage, the Board is redefining the role of religious institutions in society.Temple offerings are no longer being used solely for religious activities. They are now being utilised to support orphaned children, assist underprivileged families, promote girls’ education and contribute to a range of welfare and development initiatives. Several temple premises have also introduced free coaching centres, libraries, Sanskrit education, computer training and skill development programmes for youth and women.The Board is actively promoting anti-dowry campaigns, mass marriages, de-addiction drives and environmental awareness through plastic-free temple campuses, medicinal plant nurseries and gaushalas. Free health camps, yoga sessions and Ayurveda centres are also being organised regularly.During the Chhath festival, the Board extended its services beyond Bihar by assisting devotees in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Surat and Kolkata.Its future plans include the construction of integrated ‘Tirth Bhawan’ facilities at major pilgrimage centres, where education, healthcare, counselling and women’s empowerment services will be provided under one roof.
