Tripura bid a heartfelt farewell to one of its most respected educators and cultural figures, Manik Lal Datta, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 78 following heart failure while undergoing treatment at ILS Hospital. His demise has left a deep sense of grief across Bordowali and beyond, where he was widely admired as a dedicated teacher, mentor, cultural activist, and philanthropist.
The mortal remains of the veteran educationist were taken on a solemn procession through places closely associated with his life and legacy. The cortege first stopped at the Tripura Cricket Association office, where Datta was a life member, before proceeding to Bordowali Higher Secondary School, where he served as a teacher for more than three decades and shaped the lives of countless students. It later passed through his ancestral residence at Milan Sangha and Mouchak Club, where he had served as president, before the final rites were performed at the Battala crematorium.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha visited Datta’s ancestral home to pay his last respects and offer condolences to the bereaved family. Paying tribute, the Chief Minister described him as a popular teacher and distinguished cultural activist whose invaluable contribution to education, society, and cultural development would continue to inspire future generations.
Leaders cutting across political lines also expressed their condolences. Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) President Asish Kumar Saha and MLA Sudip Roy Barman paid tribute to the departed soul and extended their sympathies to the grieving family.
Born in 1948 to Dr. Manoranjan Datta, a renowned medical practitioner, Manik Lal Datta completed his schooling at Bordowali Higher Secondary School and later graduated from Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) College. He joined Bordowali Higher Secondary School as a teacher in 1974 and served the institution with dedication until his retirement in 2008, earning immense respect for his commitment to education and student welfare.
Outside the classroom, Datta remained deeply involved in theatre, literature, and cultural activities. Known for his generosity, he devoted a significant part of his personal savings to social and charitable causes, contributing to Jagannath Bari, the establishment of an Ashram at Melaghar, and providing financial assistance to economically weaker sections of society.
With his passing, Bordowali has lost a revered teacher, cultural leader, and compassionate humanitarian. His lifelong commitment to education, social service, and cultural enrichment leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
