Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha highlights education, research and innovation as key drivers of development at Tripura University’s 40th Foundation Day, outlining higher education expansion, research achievements, new academic initiatives and plans to strengthen the university’s future.
Education, research and innovation will play a crucial role in the development of Tripura and in preparing young people to contribute to the state’s progress and nation-building, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha said on Friday while addressing the 40th Foundation Day celebration of Tripura University.
The Foundation Day programme was held at the university’s Maharaja Bir Bikram Satabarshiki Bhavan on October 2, bringing together students, faculty members, officers, staff, academic leaders and representatives of partner institutions. The programme highlighted Tripura University’s journey over four decades, its achievements in education and research, and its future plans for academic and infrastructure development.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Saha said his government remained committed to creating greater opportunities for students and empowering the youth. He described education, research and innovation as the driving forces behind the vision of a “Viksit Tripura” and emphasised the importance of developing an education system that contributes not only to knowledge acquisition but also to character building.
According to the Chief Minister, Tripura University has played an important role in nurturing knowledge, talent and character and has helped shape generations of students into confident and responsible citizens. He said the university, established on October 2, 1987, had contributed significantly to the state’s education, research and knowledge sectors before attaining Central University status through a Parliamentary Bill in July 2007.
Dr Saha called for collective efforts to transform Tripura University into a major centre of education and research in the North-East. He stressed the importance of national and international academic cooperation, expansion of research activities and promotion of entrepreneurship among students and researchers.
The Chief Minister also pointed to Tripura’s cultural heritage, tribal society, biodiversity and geographical and environmental features as areas offering significant opportunities for research. He called for stronger coordination between industries and educational institutions, greater inter-departmental research and increased cooperation in innovation and academic activities.
Highlighting the expansion of higher education in the state, Dr Saha said seven new government degree colleges had been established since 2018 at Old Agartala, Panisagar, Ambassa, Kakraban, Karbook and Nalchhar, along with Sri Aurobindo General Degree College. He said the Women’s Degree College at Nalchhar began functioning from the 2026-27 academic session.
He further said legislative steps had been taken to upgrade Agartala Women’s College into Tripura Government Women University and Tripura Institute of Technology into a University of Technology. These initiatives, he said, were aimed at expanding opportunities for higher education and creating institutions capable of meeting emerging academic and professional requirements.
On faculty recruitment, Dr Saha said the Tripura Public Service Commission had recommended 74 Assistant Professors for appointment in the first phase, while recruitment for another 126 posts was under process. Approval had also been received for 200 additional Assistant Professor posts.
Tripura University Vice-Chancellor Professor Debabrata Das said the institution was entering its fifth decade with a focus on research, innovation and employment-oriented education. He said nearly 1,500 research papers had been published by the university during the past five years, including 75 international-standard papers, while researchers had secured 25 patents.
The university also outlined a proposed investment plan of around Rs 1,589 crore for infrastructure, research and academic development. As part of the Foundation Day programme, five MoUs were signed or proposed with academic and institutional partners, including Assam University, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, North East Financial Inclusion Trust, the Institute of Cost Accountants of India and the Pahle India Foundation.
Bandhan Group Chairman Chandra Shekhar Ghosh announced financial assistance of Rs 10 crore for the development of Tripura University. The support is expected to contribute to the institution’s development plans and future academic initiatives.
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The programme was presided over by Tripura University Chancellor Ahmed Javed. Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman, Assam University Vice-Chancellor Prof Rajiv Mohan Pant, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya Vice-Chancellor Prof Rakesh Singhvi, Bandhan Bank Managing Director Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, Tripura University Vice-Chancellor Prof Debabrata Das, Registrar Prof Samir Kumar Shil and Dean Prof Sukhendu Debbarma were among those present.
The Foundation Day celebration also included the felicitation of professors, staff members and contributors for their association with the university. The event concluded with an emphasis on strengthening research, innovation, academic collaboration and employment-oriented education as Tripura University enters its fifth decade.
