ZIRO, 20 Aug: 'Bihar Bites', a homemade traditional thekua brand conceptualised and developed by Rohit Kumar Rajak, a 3rd-year BBA student of the commerce & management department of Indira Gandhi Technological and Medical Sciences University (IGTAMSU), Ziro, was launched here in Lower Subansiri district on Thursday.

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. Rohit Kumar Rajak's Bihar Bites was declared the winner of the 'business idea pitch competition'during the youth carnival, providing a platform for him to further develop and realise his business idea.

IGTAMSU Vice-Chancellor Prof K Satya Lakshmi attended the programme, along with Lower Subansiri and Keyi Panyor Trade Development Officer (TDO) Tai Arun, IGTAMSU Registrar Dr Prashant Roy, IGTAMSU Commerce and Management HoD Anwar Hussain, Ziro Press Club President Tailyang Pugang, faculty members, and students.

Registrar Dr Roy commended 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.

Dr Roy advised Rajak to maintain consistent product quality, emphasising that quality would ultimately determine the product's marketability and sustainability.

Rajak through a 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 TDO Arun for their encouragement, guidance and support, particularly in the process of obtaining the necessary licences and formalities for the venture.

Arun in his address congratulated Rajak and IGTAMSU's commerce and management department 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) initiative of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. He 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.

Arun also suggested that IGTAMSU collaborate with the APIIP for establishing an incubation centre and exploring funding support for student entrepreneurs. He informed the gathering that he would write to the APIIP CEO, 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 youths to pursue entrepreneurship.

IGTAMSU VC Prof Lakshmi 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."

IGTAMSU Commerce & Management HoD Hussainlauded the initiative of his student and encouraged the students to develop an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset comparable to students of leading management institutions, including IIMs and other reputed B-schools. He said that there is no dearth of talent, ideas or courage among the students of IGTAMSU.

As a gesture of support and encouragement, the guests, faculty members and students purchased the newly launched Bihar Bites thekua products.