Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Wednesday paid tribute to Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur on his 118th birth anniversary, describing him as a visionary ruler whose progressive ideas and development-oriented initiatives laid the foundation for modern Tripura.
Addressing a commemorative programme at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala, Saha said the state government was pursuing comprehensive development by following the path shown by Maharaja Bir Bikram.
The Chief Minister said attempts had been made in the past to distort history and keep people unaware of the contributions made by Tripura’s kings and Maharajas. He stressed the need to preserve the correct history and educate the younger generation about personalities who contributed significantly to the state and the country.
“Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur was a visionary who always thought about the welfare of his people. His important initiatives laid the foundation for modern Tripura,” Saha said.
He said the contributions of the erstwhile rulers had not received adequate recognition earlier, while the present government was taking steps to honour their legacy and preserve the state’s historical and cultural heritage.
Referring to tribal development, Saha said sections of the tribal population had once been drawn towards violence and misguided activities. The government, he said, had taken several initiatives to bring them into the mainstream and ensure their socio-economic development.
The Chief Minister also highlighted measures to conserve heritage structures, traditions and cultural assets associated with Tripura’s princely era.
Saha said the government was working for the overall development of the state in accordance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”. He said peace had strengthened, infrastructure had improved and greater emphasis was being placed on tribal-dominated areas.
During the programme, the Maharaja Bir Bikram Smriti Puraskar 2026 was conferred on Dr. Dhammapiya Maharaj. Minister Santana Chakma, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumder, MLA Abhishek Debroy, Information and Cultural Affairs Secretary Kiran Gitte and other dignitaries attended the event.
Earlier, Saha offered floral tributes to Maharaja Bir Bikram at Zero Point and the state BJP office in Agartala.
