Tripura CM Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated Shikshak Pranam 2026 at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan, honouring teachers and highlighting their vital role in nation-building, character development and quality education while recalling Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s enduring philosophy and the importance of knowledge.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated the ‘Shikshak Pranam 2026’ programme at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan, highlighting the vital contribution of teachers in shaping society, developing human resources and building a progressive and knowledge-based India. The programme was organised by the Department of Higher Education to honour teachers and principals associated with colleges and universities across Tripura.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha described teachers as the true guides of society and said their knowledge, dedication, sacrifice and continuous efforts play an indispensable role in preparing an educated and conscious generation. He said that a developed and progressive India can be built through the knowledge, guidance and direction provided by teachers.
The Chief Minister said the teaching profession is noble and prestigious and carries a significant responsibility towards society. He expressed happiness and pride at being able to participate in the ‘Shikshak Pranam’ programme and honour respected teachers under the Department of Higher Education.
Dr. Saha also highlighted the life and philosophy of former President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, saying his ideals and thoughts on education would continue to serve as a guiding light for future generations. According to the Chief Minister, Dr. Radhakrishnan’s philosophy of education opened a new horizon for social transformation and remains relevant in shaping an enlightened society.
Urging teachers to focus on comprehensive education, Dr. Saha said students must be equipped with knowledge that goes beyond textbooks and examinations. He stressed that teachers have the responsibility to help students of both the present and future generations become truly educated, capable and responsible citizens.
Recalling India’s historic position as a global centre of knowledge, science and culture, the Chief Minister said the country had once occupied a leading position in several fields. He called for collective efforts to restore that lost glory by strengthening education, knowledge and human resources.
Dr. Saha said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi”—heritage as well as development—should serve as an important guiding principle in building a knowledge-based India. He said excellence becomes possible when people continuously enrich themselves through knowledge and education.
The Chief Minister further said the National Education Policy was introduced with the objective of putting the country’s education system on the right path. He noted that technology has also been integrated with education, creating new opportunities for students and educational institutions.
Emphasising the broader purpose of education, Dr. Saha said education should take individuals beyond their limitations and open the door to new possibilities. He stressed that education should not be viewed merely as a means of securing a career, but must primarily contribute to character building.
The Chief Minister also underlined the importance of skill development and called for greater emphasis on improving students’ abilities alongside academic knowledge. He said students must receive quality education so that they can actively contribute to the country’s development and transformation.
Describing quality education as a pathway to prosperity, Dr. Saha called for strengthening educational standards at every level. He urged educational institutions to play a greater role in developing strong and capable human resources who can contribute to the state and the nation.
Speaking as the special guest, Higher Education Minister Kishore Barman said teachers are the guides of society and deserve respect and reverence. He said a teacher or guru should be respected not only on Teachers’ Day but throughout the year.
Barman said that, for the first time in Tripura, the ‘Shikshak Pranam’ programme had been organised to honour teachers at the college and university levels on the occasion of Teachers’ Day. He stressed that meaningful transformation in the education sector can be achieved only through coordinated efforts involving students, teachers and the Education Department.
The Higher Education Minister also called upon every college campus to become a starting point for a new journey towards building a developed India. He emphasised the collective responsibility of educational institutions in creating an environment that encourages knowledge, innovation, discipline and social responsibility.
At the beginning of the programme, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, Higher Education Minister Kishore Barman and other dignitaries paid floral tributes to Goddess Saraswati and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
The Chief Minister subsequently felicitated principals of various colleges across Tripura by presenting them with mementoes in recognition of their contribution to higher education. The gesture highlighted the importance of acknowledging the leadership and dedication of educational institutions in the state.
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Director of Higher Education Animesh Debbarma delivered the welcome address at the programme. Education Department Secretary Dr. Milind Ramteke, Tripura National Law University Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Pratap Singh, Maharaja Bir Bikram University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Bibhash Deb and Indian Institute of Information Technology, Agartala Director Abhay Kumar were among those present.
Faculty members and students from different colleges and universities across Tripura also attended the programme.
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The ‘Shikshak Pranam 2026’ programme thus placed teachers at the centre of discussions on education, character building and nation-building, while paying tribute to the enduring educational philosophy of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. The event also underscored the government’s emphasis on quality education, skill development, technology-enabled learning and the creation of strong human resources for the future.
