Tarubala Debbarma, a teacher and radio presenter in the Kokborok language, has been awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi award for her contributions in preserving the folk music and dance of indigenous tribes in Tripura. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony in New Delhi, and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has also congratulated her.
Debbarma expressed her gratitude for the award and stated that she will continue to preserve the tribal culture of the state until her last breath. She emphasized the importance of young people adopting the basics of their cultural heritage and developing it further.
”My mother, who was an employee of the social welfare department, instilled in me a love for folk culture. She extended all help to me till her death,” Debbarma, who has completed her Master’s in Education, said.
She completed her education in Agartala and later worked at Tripura Gramin Bank but left to pursue her passion for cultural activities.
In 1997, she joined All India Radio (AIR) Agartala as a part-time Kokborok radio presenter, where she still works today. Debbarma also acknowledged the support of her family, without whom she would not have been able to achieve her success.
Chief Minister Manik Saha congratulated the recipient of the award for her work in preserving and promoting the folk culture of the indigenous people. It is also inspiring to hear the passion and dedication of the 63-year-old mother of a son and daughter to continue preserving the tribal culture of the state. Her commitment to folk songs, dance, and drama is truly admirable and highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations. It is through efforts like hers that we can keep traditional forms of expression alive and vibrant.
