Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Monday emphasized that the birth anniversary celebrations of Maharaja Bir Bikram will only be meaningful if his life philosophy and progressive thinking are passed on to the next generation.

“Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur played a pivotal role in elevating Tripura to new heights of development. His birth anniversary celebrations will only be meaningful if his life philosophy and progressive thinking are passed on to the next generation. There is no place in the state where the memory of the late Maharaja is not cherished. He was the architect of modern Tripura,” he said.

Dr Saha said this while inaugurating the 116th birth anniversary celebration of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan.

The Chief Minister, along with the other guests present, paid their respects by garlanding the portrait of Maharaja Bir Bikram.

On this occasion, MLA Rampada Jamatia was honored with the Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur Memorial Award-2024 for his significant contributions to education and the preservation of Tripura's glorious culture.

Dr Saha noted that Maharaja Bir Bikram aspired to build a modern Tripura and to achieve this, the Maharaja traveled the world multiple times and met many renowned figures. Drawing from these experiences, he sought to implement modern ideas in Tripura. His writings continue to enrich society.

Dr Saha also highlighted that the late Maharaja implemented the Land Reforms Act and was a pioneer in encouraging people to adopt modern farming methods instead of traditional jhum cultivation.

“He initiated several schemes in agriculture, education, health, communication, and culture. The current state government has given due respect to the royal family of Tripura. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself unveiled the statue of the Maharaja at Agartala Airport and renamed it in his honor. The present central and state governments, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, have shown true respect to the people of the state,” Dr Saha said.

The event was attended by the Secretary of the Department of ICA, Dr P.K. Chakraborty, MP Kriti Devi Debbarman, eminent writer and researcher Sourish Debbarma, Vice Chairman of the State Cultural Advisory Committee Subrata Chakraborty, and Acting Director of the ICA Department Tapan Kumar Das.