Agartala, August 5:
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Monday emphasized the pivotal role of culture in achieving mental and spiritual peace, stating that the preservation and promotion of Tripura’s rich traditional heritage should be transformed into a mass movement.
Speaking at the first meeting of the reconstituted State-level Cultural Advisory Committee held at the Secretariat, Dr. Saha highlighted the need to showcase the state’s diverse cultural identity to the global stage. The Chief Minister, who also serves as the Chairman of the 39-member committee, interacted with the newly appointed members before initiating discussions.
“Culture is the ornament of society,” Dr. Saha remarked, underscoring the importance of adapting traditional art forms with innovative approaches to align with modern times. He called for conscious efforts to preserve and nurture the traditional mixed culture of the state, particularly the indigenous cultural heritage.
To engage the younger generation, Dr. Saha proposed infusing creativity and modernization into cultural expressions while ensuring that age-old practices like kirtan, puppet dance, and yatra are revived. He warned that such traditional forms are gradually fading under the pressure of modernity.
The Chief Minister also aligned cultural advancement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of skill development, urging for enhanced training and presentation of artists across all domains. “Talented artists must be identified from grassroots levels and given the necessary support to thrive,” he said.
Dr. Saha reiterated the need for structured planning to bring forward hidden talents from villages and promote them through cultural platforms.
Among those present were ICA Secretary Dr. P.K. Chakraborty, Tourism Director Prashant Badal Negi, ICA Director Bimbisar Bhattacharya, and Vice Chairman of the Advisory Committee Subrata Chakraborty, along with other officials.
