Tripura CM Dr. Manik Saha highlights drama as a powerful tool for social awareness, youth development and cultural preservation at a state-level school drama competition prize distribution ceremony in Agartala, where eight district teams showcased their talent and winners were felicitated.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Saturday described drama as an important medium for creating awareness among young people about pressing social issues and called for wider participation in theatre activities across Tripura. He was speaking at the prize distribution ceremony of the state-level school drama competition organised by the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Town Hall in Agartala.
Dr. Saha said theatre can play a significant role in sensitising young people about problems such as substance abuse, AIDS, social superstition, child marriage, social degradation and domestic violence. He emphasised that drama is not merely a form of entertainment but can become an effective platform for communicating socially relevant messages and encouraging positive change.
A total of eight teams representing eight districts of Tripura participated in the state-level competition. Golden Valley Higher Secondary School of North Tripura district secured the first position. Kshudiram Bose English Medium School of West Tripura district finished second, while Shishu Niketan High School of Unakoti district secured third place.
The Chief Minister, along with other dignitaries, presented awards to the winning teams. In addition, one male and one female student from each participating district team were recognised with Best Actor and Best Actress awards for their individual performances.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saha congratulated all the participating students and praised their dedication, enthusiasm and performances. He said Tripura has no shortage of talent in academics, sports or cultural activities, adding that young talents can flourish when they receive the right environment, encouragement and opportunities.
The Chief Minister also encouraged students who could not secure prizes in the competition not to become discouraged. Instead, he urged them to identify areas where they could improve and return with greater determination in future competitions.
According to Dr. Saha, participation in drama helps students develop concentration, focus and self-confidence. Theatre practice can also help young people overcome hesitation and inhibition while improving communication and presentation skills. These qualities, he said, can contribute to their success in different areas of life.
Recalling the historical significance of theatre, the Chief Minister said drama played a unique role even before India’s independence by creating awareness among ordinary people about social hardship and discrimination. It also contributed to awakening patriotic feelings among the masses.
Dr. Saha thanked parents for encouraging their children to participate in drama and urged them to continue supporting their involvement in theatre and other cultural activities.
The Chief Minister further said the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs is taking steps to revive Tripura’s traditional cultural practices, including puppet shows, Jatra and drama. He said the state government remains committed to promoting the cultural development of all communities and tribes in Tripura, which has a diverse and rich cultural heritage.
He also noted that the school-level drama competition has already been incorporated into the official annual calendar of programmes organised by the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs. This, he said, would provide students with a regular platform to showcase their creativity and develop their theatrical abilities.
Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, Secretary of the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs Kiran Gitte and eminent theatre personality Haradhan Dutta were among those present at the programme.
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Director of the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs Bimbisar Bhattacharya delivered the welcome address. A short documentary highlighting the importance and development of drama was also screened during the event.
The programme concluded with the felicitation of the young performers, highlighting the importance of nurturing school-level talent and strengthening Tripura’s cultural environment through theatre.
