A Celebration of Words, Culture, and Identity :Three day-Tripura Literature Festival begins
Agartala, Feb 21, 2025, By Our Correspondent135
The Tripura Literature Festival, a first-of-its-kind event in the state, was inaugurated in rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan with an inspiring call from Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha—to take the state’s rich culture, heritage, and traditions beyond borders.
Organized by the cultural group ‘Udaan’, on the International Mother Language Day-February 21- the festival brought together a constellation of literary luminaries, artists, and intellectuals, making it a landmark event in Tripura’s cultural landscape. Among the distinguished guests was Wing Commander (Retd.) Rakesh Sharma, India’s first astronaut, who added a touch of cosmic wonder to the literary celebration.
A Unique Inauguration: Words That Connect
The festival’s inauguration was unlike any other. In a symbolic gesture, the dignitaries on stage wrote a word of their choice in their mother tongue—a tribute to the power of language. While Chief Minister Saha penned ‘Udaan’ (meaning ‘flight’) in Bengali, mirroring the name of the organizing group, Wing Commander Sharma chose to write ‘Jai Hind’ in Hindi, a reflection of his undying patriotism.
This act resonated deeply with the spirit of International Mother Language Day, observed on the same occasion, reminding everyone of the unbreakable link between language and identity.
Tripura’s Literary Legacy: Past, Present, and Future
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saha highlighted the state’s commitment to preserving and promoting its literary and cultural heritage. He spoke of the Agartala Book Fair, now expanded to multiple sub-divisions, and other initiatives like the Atal Poetry and Literature Festival and state-run theater festivals, which have become vital platforms for creative expression.
He also reflected on Tripura’s deep-rooted connection with Indian literary greats. Rabindranath Tagore, who shared a special bond with the Tripura royal family, visited the state seven times, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations. Other stalwarts, including Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, have also found creative inspiration in Tripura’s cultural landscape.
Tripura, home to 19 indigenous communities, is a melting pot of cultures, with vibrant Bengali and Manipuri traditions adding to its rich artistic fabric. “Our diversity is our strength, and through literature, we must showcase it to the world,” the Chief Minister remarked.
Rakesh Sharma’s Cosmic Perspective
Adding a surreal dimension to the event, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma took the audience on a journey beyond Earth. Recalling his historic spaceflight, he spoke of how India appeared from space, with the lush green Northeast region standing out in its natural splendor.
“When I told Prime Minister Indira Gandhi that India looked Sare Jahan Se Achha from space, I was speaking the truth,” he shared, drawing applause from the audience. He also acknowledged the rapid progress of the region, emphasizing its growing significance on India’s cultural and developmental map.
A Gathering of Literary Titans
The festival’s grandeur was reflected in its lineup of guests. Among the eminent figures present were:
- Padma Shri Dr. Arunoday Saha, former Vice-Chancellor of Tripura University
- Padma Shri Gokul Chandra Das, renowned percussionist
- Padma Shri and Magsaysay awardee Dr. Ravi Kannan, noted Cancer specialist
- Geetanjali Shree, Booker Prize-winning writer
- Bikach Chowdhury, Rabindra researcher
- Dr. Ratan Saha, Vice-Chancellor of Techno India University
- Rupak Saha, sports organizer
- Dr. Sumanta Chakraborty, President of ‘Udaan’
A commemorative souvenir was also released, marking the festival as a significant milestone in Tripura’s cultural evolution. Additionally, Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and celebrated Bengali author Sanjib Chattopadhyay sent their best wishes through virtual messages.
A New Chapter for Tripura’s Literary Scene
As the festival unfolds over three days, it promises to be a platform for dialogue, creativity, and inspiration. More than just a celebration of books, it is a testament to Tripura’s cultural vibrancy and its aspirations to make a mark on the global literary stage.
With the power of words uniting minds and cultures, the Tripura Literature Festival has set its course toward an inspiring future—one where stories from the hills and valleys of this beautiful state find their place on bookshelves and hearts worldwide.