Agartala: Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today paid tribute to Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, recalling his enduring contributions to the welfare of the people and the development of Tripura. Speaking at a program organized at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan in Agartala, Dr. Saha highlighted the Maharaja’s visionary efforts, particularly in higher education infrastructure.
The program, organized by the Information and Cultural Affairs Department, began with the Chief Minister and other dignitaries paying floral tributes to the portrait of the last king of the Manikya dynasty. A documentary on the Maharaja’s life and achievements was also screened.
Dr. Saha emphasized that despite passing away at the young age of 39, Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya had planned several initiatives for the state’s welfare. “Due to his farsighted vision, education, health, communication systems, markets, and banking services were introduced in Tripura, bringing unprecedented progress. His overall thinking was centered on the welfare of the state and its people. Drawing from his travels abroad, he implemented extensive developmental initiatives. Though a follower of Hinduism, he respected all religions,” the Chief Minister said.
He further added that the current government continues to follow the Maharaja’s ideals for overall development. Dr. Saha also noted that the kings of Tripura were often overlooked by previous governments. “During our tenure, the state’s only airport has been named after Maharaja Bir Bikram, and his birthday, August 19, has been declared a public holiday. Paying homage is not enough; the younger generation must also learn about his vision. During the partition, he generously provided food and shelter to countless refugees from East Bengal,” he said.
The event was attended by Cooperative Minister Shuklacharan Noatia, MP Kriti Debbarma, Agartala Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumdar, Shantikali Ashram President Padma Shri Chittaranjan Maharaj, eminent educationist Jagadish Gana Chowdhury, Subrata Chakraborty, Dr. P. K. Chakraborty, Director Bimbisar Bhattacharya, and other dignitaries.
On the occasion, cultural personality and educationist Sachin Koloi was conferred with this year’s Maharaja Bir Bikram Smriti Puraskar, recognizing his contributions to education and culture.
The event highlighted Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur’s lasting legacy as a visionary ruler whose developmental initiatives continue to shape modern Tripura.