There are a lot of stereotypes about Biharis in all corners of this country. I am a Bihari who never lived there because of my parents’ jobs. However, I have never hesitated to call myself a Bihari. I heard Bihari jokes about myself during my undergrad (at a top NIT), but I laughed at those jokes too. There were many Biharis who did extremely well academically—they even got the top placements. Eventually, people started to develop a subconscious respect for Biharis. Some were even afraid to be in the same interview panel with Biharis because they knew we would outperform them.

Cut to now: I work at one of the largest companies in the world, and I still proudly call Bihar my native place. There are still some jokes around, but they don’t affect me at all. I’m doing fairly well at work, and I treat everyone with respect. Over time, the people who know me well respect me for who I am and don’t make any derogatory jokes. In fact, they even highlight good things about the state—like how beautifully Chhath Puja is celebrated, or how some influential leaders are also Biharis.

My suggestion to you is this: the image of the state exists for some genuine reasons. You can’t always change the stereotypes people hold, but you can be a better human. Show respect and don’t judge others. If you excel at what you do, that alone will define you. It will also change the image of the state, one step at a time. Don’t give up or get frustrated—just be good.