Agartala: Feb 20: India’s first astronaut, Rakesh Sharma, arrived in Agartala on Thursday to attend the Tripura Literature Festival, which kicks off on Friday. The festival, which coincides with the celebration of International Mother Language Day, aims to celebrate and promote the rich literary culture of Tripura. Organized by Udaan, a cultural and literary organization, the event brings together a diverse group of poets, writers, artists, and intellectuals from across India and abroad.
The festival will feature a range of activities, including discussions, poetry recitations, performances, and book presentations. These events are designed to highlight the literary heritage of the region and foster a greater appreciation for literature. Rakesh Sharma’s participation adds a unique dimension to the festival, as the astronaut’s visit connects the event to national pride and space exploration.
Along with Rakesh Sharma, Booker Prize-winning author Geetanjali Shree, as well as two other distinguished guests, have also arrived in Agartala to join the festivities. A total of 17 guests, including other prominent figures from the world of literature, are expected to be part of the event, with the remaining guests arriving by Friday evening.
The Chief Minister of Tripura, Dr. Manik Saha, is scheduled to inaugurate the festival at the Agartala Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan. The festival, which will run until February 23, promises to be an exciting platform for the exchange of ideas, the celebration of diverse languages, and the promotion of literary and artistic expression. It also aims to strengthen the cultural bonds within Tripura and beyond, while acknowledging the importance of language and literature in shaping society.
