Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur Debbarman was a farsighted person and who never believed in self-promotion. His name stays bright in the hearts of the people. His efforts to build modern Tripura inspires us even today. Inspired by his ideals, Government is working on building a prosperous and self-reliant Tripura, stated Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb after inaugurating 113th birth anniversary celebration of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur Debbarman organised by Information and Cultural Affairs department at Rabindra Bhavan on Thursday.
Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Varma, TTAADC Executive Member Maharaja Pradyot Bikram Kishore Manikya Debbarman, Vice Chairman of State level Cultural Advisory Committee Subhash Deb, Secretary of ICA dept P.K Goyal and Director Ratan Biswas were also present there. Guests including the Chief Minister paid tribute to the portrait of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur Debbarman with flowers. Many other dignitaries of the state also graced the programme.
Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb in his speech said, Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur Debbarman was such a farsighted person that in a short span of time, under his leadership, the idea of building a modern Tripura reached the pinnacle of great progress in education and other fields. Had we followed his path earlier, it would have been possible to build Shreshtha Tripura already. The present government is also working following his ideology to build a modern and self-reliant Tripura. But in the past, a different mentality that is not related to Indian or state culture was prioritised in the state. The opportunity to learn about the true history of Tripura or the contribution of the kings was noticed to be disturbed through mischievous attempts to divert the people of the state. But the present government is respectful of the contributions of the kings towards development of the state because we believe that the main strength of the state is in its history and heritage. Chief Minister also informed that various decisions have been taken to pay tribute towards the king, one of them is to announce government holiday on his birthday, initiative to celebrate his birth anniversary in officially and naming the airport after him.
Chief Minister in the programme also said, government has been implementing various development projects in the state to bring overall development following Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur Debbarman’s vision.
Maharani Kanchan Prabha Devi took strong steps to include Tripura in India. But in past years, neither the history of Tripura nor of its kings was shown any respect. Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur Debbarman did not limit himself to development of education and infrastructure but also took necessary steps with proper evaluation and reviews. State government also has taken necessary steps to strengthen the foundation of education in the state by introducing NCERT syllabus in government schools, bringing 100 schools under CBSE, setting up 18 Eklavya schools etc. The government believes in the overall development of the state through proper action plan instead of the slogan of deprivation.
Chief Minister said, the state has seen a good amount of development in all sectors including education, health, primary sector, drinking etc.. Due to proper management, even in the Covid situation, state’s economy did not fall. Paying respect to tribal culture, 2 days government holiday was announced for Garia Puja, Baramura was renamed as Hathai Kotor, Samajpatis of 19 different tribes in the state are being given social pensions, TTAADC seats were increased to 50 seats, proposal has been sent to rename TTAADC as Tripura Territorial Council. The long standing issue of Bru rehabilitation was solved. Government has paid importance to healthy work culture and rights of the workers. A mentality of becoming self-employment has developed in the state. State grown jackfruit and pineapples are showing new paths of income in the state. But one part of the society is busy in spreading negativity around. We must not let such motives succeed. Tripura has achieved notable success in Covid vaccination drive among other states in the country. Chief Minister also said, the process of development of the state has gained momentum due to implementation of Prime Minister’s HIRA model through direct flights from Delhi to Agartala, express trains, improved highways etc. Prime Minister found out hidden gems of Tripura like Rosem player Thanga Darlong, Satyaram Reang and Benichandra Jamatia and awarded them for their contributions towards keeping the culture alive through their art.
Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Varma in his speech said, government is working to fulfil Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur Debbarman’s dream. He formulated Constitution for Tripura in 1941 which consisted reservation for the weak. He wanted the society and the government to walk towards the same direction. He has worked for bringing overall development by winning everyone’s faith.
He established schools and colleges to bring overall development from his experience during his trip to educational institutions in Europe. Instead of promoting themselves by building their statues, Tripura kings made places in people’s hearts through their works. Deputy Chief Minister said, no society can achieve success unless they don’t pay respect to their history and culture just like a tree’s strength is in its roots. But in past years, due respect was not given to the contributions of our kings. But world renowned poet like Rabindranath Tagore had praised Tripura Kings. During the famine in East Bengal, it was Tripura king Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur Debbarman who extended help including food and other assistance.
TTAADC executive member Pradyot Bikram Kishore Manikya Debbarman in his speech said, many have not seen Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur Debbarman but his dream is still alive with us. He has set an example of educational and infrastructural development in Tripura. He wanted Tripura to have good terms with Rabindranath Tagore and named him ‘Bharat Bhaskar’. He played an important role in development of connectivity including the setting up of Agartala airport. The role of kings in Tripura’s development was denied in past. There was even a conspiracy to change the name of Ujjayanta Palace. But presently Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur Debbarman is being given his due respect. Only when we can take Tripura ahead with the foundation that he set, then his dream will be truly fulfilled. He urged everyone to come forward with confidence to bring development in the state unitedly. Welcome speech was given by ICA Secretary P.K Goyal.
