Lakhisarai, Bihar: Journalists from Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and other parts of India visited several historical and religious sites in Lakhisarai as part of their visit to Bihar during the Hindi Fortnight. The district administration welcomed and honored the visiting journalists. Lakhisarai District Magistrate Shailendra Kumar welcomed the journalists at his office on Monday by presenting bouquets. The delegation included Raju Lama, President of the Saarc Journalists forum ; Bangladeshi journalist Mohammad Abdur Rahman; and senior human rights journalist Dr. Shashi Bhushan Kumar, among others.

The delegation was represented by senior journalist Dr. Shashi Bhushan Kumar and archaeologist Dr. Arun Kumar. The international group, comprising journalists from Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and India, reached Lakhisarai under the leadership of Ranjit Samrat, National President of the All India Journalist Union (AIJU). During their visit, the journalists toured Indradhaneswar Mahadev Ashokdham Temple, one of Lakhisarai’s important religious and historical sites. They observed ancient statues and archaeological remains at the site and received detailed information from archaeologist Dr. Arun Kumar and his team about their historical significance. The delegation later visited Lali Pahadi, where archaeological excavations have uncovered the remains of a residential complex believed to have been used by female Buddhist monks. The journalists closely observed the excavation site and learned about its historical importance. According to archaeologist Dr. Arun Kumar, a large number of remains associated with accommodation facilities for female Buddhist monks have been discovered at Lali Pahadi. He said the site is among the largest such archaeological discoveries made in Bihar so far and could potentially develop into an important tourism destination in the future.

The visiting delegation included Bangladeshi journalist M.K. Siddiqui from Dhaka, Nepali journalists Rudra Subedi and Mohammad Arif Ansari, Ajmat Ali , Sushil Khadka and Ramesh chandra Kumal and senior journalist Dr. Shashi Bhushan Kumar from Hajipur, along with other journalists.On the occasion, Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC) Sumit Kumar honored the visiting journalists from India and abroad, as well as AIJU representatives from Lakhisarai, by presenting them with traditional angavastram.

Speaking at the programme, DDC Sumit Kumar highlighted the role of journalism in promoting peace and protecting democracy. Referring to the International Journalists Conference held in Jamalpur, he said the event had conveyed an important message about the responsibility of the media in promoting global peace and democratic values.He noted that growing tensions and conflicts around the world continue to create concerns about the possibility of war and said that efforts by journalists from different countries to promote the message of peace through international platforms were commendable. AIJU National Principal General Secretary Sunil Kumar, District Principal General Secretary Amalesh Kumar Pandey, Treasurer Jaiprakash, Executive Committee members Manish Kumar and Himanshu Kumar, along with other representatives, were present during the programme.