Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey visited Tripura’s historic Unakoti heritage site, offered prayers at the Mahadev idol, reviewed tribal development works, and highlighted the importance of preserving Northeast India’s spiritual and cultural heritage during his two-day official visit to Unakoti district.
Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey visited the historic Unakoti heritage site in Tripura’s Unakoti district on Thursday as part of his two-day official tour to the state. The visit focused on reviewing developmental activities in tribal areas while also highlighting the cultural and spiritual significance of the famous Shaivite pilgrimage destination.
The Union Minister reached the heritage site at around 11 am and was welcomed by senior district officials and local leaders. Among those accompanying him were Unakoti District Magistrate Megha Jain, Additional District Magistrate Sagar Shobhan Debnath, Unakoti Zilla Sabhadhipati Amlendu Das, Kailashahar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Bipul Das, Zilla Parishad member Bimal Kar, and several other administrative officials.
Durgadas Uikey had arrived in Kailashahar on Wednesday night and stayed at the Circuit House. Before visiting Unakoti on Thursday, he attended a meeting with Janajati Morcha leaders at the conference hall of the Circuit House to discuss organizational and developmental matters concerning tribal communities in the region.
At the Unakoti heritage site, the minister offered prayers before the iconic Mahadev idol and spent over an hour exploring the ancient rock-cut sculptures and archaeological structures. He expressed admiration for the scenic beauty of the surrounding hills and forests as well as the spiritual atmosphere of the site, which attracts pilgrims and tourists from across the country.
Speaking during the visit, Uikey described India as a sacred land of gods and goddesses and said Unakoti holds a special place among the country’s important Shaivite pilgrimage centres. He emphasized that the Northeast is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its deep spiritual traditions, tribal culture, and historical heritage.
In a statement shared during the visit, the Union Minister said that Unakoti stands as a living symbol of ancient Indian craftsmanship, mythology, and cultural richness. Referring to the meaning of “Unakoti,” which translates to “one less than one crore,” he noted the site’s immense mythological importance and its status as one of Northeast India’s proud cultural landmarks.
The minister also performed rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Bhagwati and prayed for peace, prosperity, good health, and happiness for the people of the region. He stressed the importance of preserving such historical and spiritual sites and ensuring their recognition at the national and global levels.
Following the temple visit, Uikey toured various parts of Unakoti district, inspected developmental projects in tribal areas, and held departmental review meetings with officials.
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As part of his ongoing visit, the Union Minister is scheduled to attend an organizational meeting with BJP leaders at the BJP Chandipur Mandal office in the Srirampur area of Kailashahar on Friday. BJP Unakoti district president Bimal Kar along with district and mandal-level leaders are expected to participate in the programme.
According to sources from the District Magistrate’s office, the Union Minister is likely to leave Unakoti district after concluding Friday’s official engagements.
