Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu inaugurates five-day Pitha-Puli Utsav at Kathalia, highlighting harvest traditions, healthcare reforms, women empowerment through self-help groups, organic farming, and the need for greater awareness of central welfare schemes.
Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu on Monday inaugurated the five-day-long traditional Pitha-Puli Utsav at the Kathalia Class XII School ground in Sonamura subdivision, marking the second edition of the festival dedicated to celebrating the cultural heritage of the harvest season.
The festival, rooted in age-old rural traditions, aims to preserve and promote the spirit of gratitude, togetherness, and cultural expression associated with the Sankranti period. Addressing the gathering during the inaugural ceremony, Governor Nallu highlighted the shared cultural essence of harvest festivals across India, despite regional variations in names and customs.
“Across the country, people in almost every state celebrate the arrival of new harvests with joy, particularly in rural areas. Though these festivals may carry different names, their core spirit remains the same—gratitude for nature’s bounty and collective celebration,” the Governor said.
Governor Nallu revealed that he had cut short his visit to Andhra Pradesh, his home state, to attend the Kathalia Pitha-Puli Utsav, underlining the importance of the event in promoting Tripura’s cultural identity. His presence was widely appreciated by locals, as such high-level participation adds visibility to rural cultural platforms.
During his address, the Governor also lauded the Tripura government’s progress in strengthening healthcare infrastructure across the state. He noted that sub-divisional hospitals have been significantly upgraded, reducing dependence on major hospitals and improving access to quality healthcare in rural and semi-urban areas.
“The healthcare services provided at the sub-divisional level are commendable. Special attention to pregnant women during childbirth reflects a humane and responsible governance approach,” he said.
Governor Nallu further highlighted the government’s comprehensive welfare framework, stating that state responsibility begins from the time of conception. Nutritional support to mothers and children through anganwadi centres, vaccination programmes, and educational assistance were cited as examples of integrated social development initiatives.
“From conception to education, the government ensures continuous support to children and mothers. This reflects a holistic vision of social welfare,” the Governor added.
However, he expressed concern that several centrally sponsored welfare schemes have not yet reached their full potential due to lack of public awareness. He stressed the urgent need to improve outreach efforts, particularly in rural areas, so that eligible beneficiaries can fully access government support.
The Governor also underscored the importance of empowering women through self-help groups (SHGs). He said initiatives have been taken to market SHG-made products from remote villages to metropolitan markets, including the national capital, with fixed pricing mechanisms to ensure fair returns for women producers.
Calling upon farmers, Governor Nallu urged a shift towards organic farming practices. He cautioned against excessive use of chemical fertilisers, pointing out their long-term adverse effects, and encouraged the adoption of organic alternatives for sustainable agriculture.
Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and Tripura BJP President Rajib Bhattacharjee, in his brief address, said the present state government is working inclusively for all sections of society. Referring to Governor Nallu, he noted that since assuming office, the Governor has actively toured various parts of Tripura under the ‘Viksit Sankalp Yatra’, acting as a vigilant observer committed to public welfare.
Former Union Minister Pratima Bhoumik, delivering the welcome address, described the occasion as historic. She stated that it was the first time a Governor of Tripura had visited Kathalia to attend a cultural programme associated with traditional food heritage.
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She also highlighted the economic empowerment of rural women, stating that Kathalia block alone has 1,467 women entrepreneurs known as Lakhpati Didis. Across Tripura, their number stands at around 90,000, while the national figure has reached one crore.
The programme was presided over by Kathalia Block Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Mithu Rani Das. MLAs Bhagaban Das and Bindu Debnath, social worker Uttam Das, and several other dignitaries were present at the event.
The five-day Pitha-Puli Utsav is expected to attract large crowds and serve as a platform for cultural exchange, women empowerment, and rural economic promotion.
