Patna, July 30, 2025: In the heartland of Bihar, where tradition often tussles with transformation, one man has walked miles—literally and metaphorically—to bridge the gaps of language, justice, and identity. Dr Birbal Jha, a celebrated linguist, author, and social reformer, has not merely marched on the streets—he has marched into the hearts of the people with a message that is both timeless and timely: Language is liberation, culture is identity, and justice is non-negotiable.
Over the last three decades, Dr Jha has emerged as a pioneering figure in social activism through education and cultural empowerment, convening and leading more than 30 public marches and movements that have challenged barriers, inspired communities, and redefined grassroots advocacy in modern India.
The Language of Empowerment
It all began with the English for All movement in 1993, a visionary campaign launched under the banner of British Lingua, the language institute founded by Dr Jha. At a time when English was widely seen as the preserve of urban elites, Dr Jha dared to democratize it. His initiative sought to equip the marginalised—particularly the rural and economically weaker sections—with English language skills as a means of social mobility, employment, and dignity.
“Language shouldn’t be a wall—it should be a window,” Dr Jha said at the launch, emphasizing the need for linguistic inclusion in India’s development story.
One year later, the message deepened with English as a Tool for Social Justice (1994), which recast English not merely as a skill, but as an instrument for equity and empowerment. These movements laid the foundation for his lifelong campaign of using language as a lever for justice.
Taking Gandhi’s Legacy to the Streets
In 2001, Dr Jha led the Gandhi March, invoking Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of truth, peace, and non-violence. The event was not just symbolic—it was strategic. Amid growing social divides, the march rekindled public discourse on moral leadership and civic unity. Mr N.R. Mohanty, then Resident Editor of Hindustan Times, called it “a much-needed reminder of the Gandhian roadmap in a confused age.”
From there, the marches multiplied—but each with distinct focus and formidable clarity.
The English Literacy March (2002), English March (2003), and March for Spoken English Skills (2009) advanced Dr Jha’s core mission of linguistic empowerment, often reaching villages and overlooked communities with free classes, workshops, and public interactions.
Culture as a Cause: Reviving Mithila’s Pride
Dr Jha’s activism is not limited to language. Equally passionate about preserving Mithila’s cultural heritage, he spearheaded the now-iconic Paag Movement—a campaign to restore the symbolic Paag (traditional headgear of Mithila) as a state-recognized cultural artifact.
Beginning with the Paag March (2016) in Delhi and later extending to Patna, Darbhanga, Madhubani and other parts of the state, the movement culminated in the Paag March to the Bihar Legislative Assembly, demanding that the Paag be declared the state cap of Bihar. His vision: culture must not perish under the weight of modernity—it must be carried forward with pride.
Later marches like the Saurath Sabha March (2017) revived age-old matrimonial traditions, while the Paag Kanwariya March (2017) saw over 500 devotees donning Mithila headgear as they journeyed to Vaidyanath Dham, reinforcing the cultural identity of Bihar’s younger generation.
Justice on Foot: Social Advocacy in Motion
Beyond language and culture, Dr Jha’s commitment to justice and reform has been firm. His Peace March (2003) protested violence against Bihari migrants in Assam. The Candlelight March (2017) and Child Safety Baton March (2018) drew attention to children’s rights and safety, while the Consumer Awareness March the same year informed citizens of their legal rights.
In 2016, he initiated the March for Dowry-Free Marriages, challenging one of India’s most entrenched social evils. More recently, the Kindness Awareness March (2021) sought to revive the lost art of compassion in civic life.
His Voter Awareness March (2015) pushed for democratic participation, especially among first-time voters, reinforcing the idea that social transformation is incomplete without political engagement.
Marching into the Present: Youth and Justice
The Atal March, led by Dr Birbal Jha on 25th December 2024, commemorated Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth centenary. Starting from Patna, it aimed to promote Vajpayee’s values of unity, democracy, and civic responsibility, engaging youth and honoring his legacy.
In 2025, two flagship events reaffirmed Dr Jha’s enduring relevance: the Youth March to celebrate National Youth Day and honour Swami Vivekananda, and the March for Social Justice, a bold movement demanding equal access to language education and societal opportunities for the underprivileged.
“English is no longer just a language—it is a ticket to opportunity,” Dr Jha declared during the rally. “And no Indian child should be denied that ticket because of where they were born or what they can afford.”
These marches, joined by students, scholars, civil society leaders, and villagers alike, demonstrated that change does not reside only in policy—but in participation.
Walking the Talk, Step by Step
With over 30 socially charged marches, each meticulously organized and emotionally resonant, Dr Birbal Jha has turned walking into a form of activism. His campaigns are not loud spectacles but thoughtful interventions—guided by the belief that knowledge shared is power multiplied.
From fighting illiteracy to reviving culture, from promoting ethical reforms to ensuring social justice, his contributions weave a larger narrative—that India’s progress lies not in towering statistics but in empowered individuals.
As we look to the future, Dr Jha’s footsteps leave behind a roadmap: one where language uplifts, culture connects, and justice prevails. His is a march that began in Bihar—but echoes across a nation.
From Education Marches, Consumer Awareness Drives, to Namaste March during the pandemic, each of Dr Jha’s initiatives brought people together—across caste, class, and community.
In this latest movement, hundreds—students, educators, and citizens alike—marched under the banner of British Lingua. With banners reading “Language for Livelihood, Culture for Identity, Ethics for Society,” Dr Jha proclaimed: “English is not colonial baggage—it is a modern vehicle of progress, and no one should be denied a seat in it.”
Dr Birbal Jha stands as a steadfast torchbearer of change—marching not merely with slogans, but with purpose, vision, and results. With over three decades of impactful social movements under his belt, Dr Jha, a noted linguist, author, and Managing Director of British Lingua, has not only championed the cause of English literacy but also emerged as a dynamic crusader for social justice, cultural identity, and ethical reform in India.