Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Tuesday said that the thoughts and vision of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur continue to hold great relevance even today.
Paying homage at the statue of the late Maharaja at Zero Point, Kaman Chowmuhani in Agartala, Dr. Saha described him as the “architect of modern Tripura.” He said Maharaja Bir Bikram was a visionary leader whose ideas remain significant in shaping the state’s development.
“The Maharaja envisioned a modern education system, including a rural university, medical college, general college, and engineering college. The present government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is taking steps to fulfill that vision,” Dr. Saha said.
He criticized earlier governments for neglecting the Maharaja’s contributions. “The previous regimes neither acknowledged his work nor allowed people to learn about his achievements. Since 2018, our government has been making sincere efforts to honor the Maharajas and give them the respect they deserve,” he added.
Dr. Saha also highlighted the progressive and inclusive outlook of Maharaja Bir Bikram. “He believed in uniting all castes and tribes and had deep respect for all religions. He provided food and shelter to riot-affected people, and though a Hindu convert, he established the Benuban Vihar Buddha Temple. His legacy of harmony and inclusivity is a lesson for all of us,” the Chief Minister said.
Extending his greetings on the 117th birth anniversary, Dr. Saha urged the people of Tripura to remember the last Maharaja’s contributions and ideals.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumdar, Corporator Ratna Dutta, and several other dignitaries during the homage ceremony.
