Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America
Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America
Bihar and Jharkhand
Bihar and Jharkhand, located in eastern India, share a deep-rooted history marked by cultural richness, resilience, and transformation. Historically part of the Magadha region, Bihar was a powerful center of ancient Indian civilization, producing influential empires like the Mauryas and the Guptas. The region is known for being the birthplace of Buddhism and Jainism, with sites like Bodh Gaya drawing spiritual seekers from around the world. Jharkhand, once part of Bihar until it became a separate state in 2000, is rich in mineral resources and home to numerous indigenous communities with unique traditions and languages. The region's history reflects a blend of tribal heritage, Hindu influences, and a strong legacy of social reform movements, shaping Bihar and Jharkhand into culturally diverse and historically significant areas of India.
Maa Dewri Temple, Jharkhand, India
Meet Our Founder
Meet Our Founder
Binay Ranjan is the founder of the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) in Washington D.C., a platform dedicated to fostering community and cultural connections among the Indian American diaspora. With a robust background in leadership, Binay previously served at the National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA), where he championed initiatives that strengthened ties between Indian American communities nationwide. His career spans both federal and private sectors, where he has held various program management roles, including with IBM, contributing his expertise in project oversight and organizational strategy. Binay is committed to promoting cultural heritage and building impactful networks within the Indian American community.
Binay Ranjan is the founder of the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) in Washington D.C., a platform dedicated to fostering community and cultural connections among the Indian American diaspora. With a robust background in leadership, Binay previously served at the National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA), where he championed initiatives that strengthened ties between Indian American communities nationwide. His career spans both federal and private sectors, where he has held various program management roles, including with IBM, contributing his expertise in project oversight and organizational strategy. Binay is committed to promoting cultural heritage and building impactful networks within the Indian American community.
Meet Our President
I am excited to introduce myself to the BJANA of DC Metro community! My name is Chandra Kumar ( Bulbul), and I am a second-generation Bihari, born in Saharsa, Bihar. My family and I immigrated to the USA when I was just an infant in the early 1970s. This journey has shaped me into a unique blend of Western and Indian values, and I take immense pride in my Bihari heritage.
Professionally, I currently serve as the Chief Operating Officer for Goodwin Living, a non-profit healthcare and housing organization serving senior citizens. Our organization encompasses over 1,000 units of Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Long Term and Post-Acute Care services, employing over 1,100 dedicated team members. My experience has provided me with a strong foundation in organizational leadership, systems and process management, board governance, and stakeholder relations. With over 30 years of executive leadership experience in a highly regulated industry, I have always strived to maintain ethical balance in my professional journey. My career includes working in large matrixed organizations such as Marriott International and Erickson Senior Living.