PATNA, Oct. 23 -- In a strategic push to position Bihar on the global economic and tourism map, CM Samrat Choudhary met with Indian Foreign Service (IFS) diplomats of Bihar origin on Thursday, urging them to act as international ambassadors for the state's rich heritage, local products, and cultural identity. The high-level interaction, held in Patna, focused on harnessing the diplomatic network and international expertise of native officers. The visiting diplomats shared insights and actionable strategies to promote Bihar's traditional crafts, agricultural produce, and heritage circuits across world capitals. Commending the diaspora's global achievements, CM Choudhary emphasised the enduring bond between expatriates and their roots. He urged professionals from the state to actively contribute to their janmabhoomi (birthplace) alongside their karmabhoomi (workplace), noting that diplomats are uniquely positioned to reshape global narratives and build an inspiring, investor-friendly image of contemporary Bihar. Bihar holds immense, untapped tourism potential. Highlighting key destinations such as the sacred precincts of Gaya Ji, Sultanganj, the expansive Buddhist Circuit, and emerging eco-tourism hubs, the CM underscored that strategic international branding could convert these assets into major engines of employment and revenue. He pointed out that diplomatic outreach could bridge global travellers to these timeless civilisational landmarks. Special emphasis was placed on elevating Chhath Puja onto the international cultural calendar. As Bihar's defining festival of folk faith, Chhath draws millions to riverbanks across Patna, Munger, and the historic Sun Temple in Aurangabad to offer prayers to the Sun God. A concerted international branding campaign would draw cultural enthusiasts, researchers, and global tourists eager to witness this community-led celebration of nature and devotion. During the event, Choudhary felicitated the visiting envoys with traditional shawls and mementos. The delegation included Kumar Gaurav (deputy high commissioner, Maldives), Akash Gupta (counselor, Rome), Nitesh Kumar (counselor, Islamabad), Tavishi Behal Pandey (deputy chief of mission, Muscat), Naveen Kumar (counselor, Paris), Rajiv Ranjan (director, Central America, MEA), and Manusmriti (director, North, MEA). Chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit and secretary to the CM, Lokesh Kumar Singh, were also in attendance....