Khowai, October 1: Tripura minister Animesh Debbarma on Thursday paid tribute to legendary musician and composer Sachin Dev Barman on his birth anniversary and called upon the younger generation to preserve the state's cultural traditions while taking them to contemporary platforms.
The Department of Information and Cultural Affairs (ICA), Tripura, organised a state-level programme at New Town Hall here to commemorate the birth anniversary of the legendary composer.
The programme began with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp by Debbarma, followed by floral tributes to Sachin Dev Barman's portrait.
MLA Pinaki Das Chowdhury, ICA Director Bimbisar Bhattacharjee, Khowai Zilla Parishad Chairperson Aparna Singh Roy and other dignitaries attended the programme.
Musical performances were organised as part of the event to showcase the enduring appeal of Sachin Dev Barman's compositions and his contribution to Indian music.
Addressing the gathering, Debbarma said Sachin Dev Barman's musical legacy continued to inspire audiences across generations.
He highlighted the composer's close connection with Tripura and its cultural traditions, saying his music reflected the influence of folk traditions, rural life, rivers, fields, boatmen and ordinary people.
Sachin Dev Barman was born into Tripura's royal family on October 1, 1906. He later moved to Kolkata and Mumbai, where he established himself as one of India's prominent composers, but continued to draw inspiration from his roots, Debbarma said.
The minister said lasting creative contributions were more important than temporary fame and urged young people to learn from the composer's journey.
He stressed that modernisation or achieving recognition at the national and international levels should not mean abandoning one's cultural identity.
Debbarma encouraged young artists in Khowai and other parts of Tripura to promote Kokborok music, Bengali folk traditions and indigenous musical instruments through modern technology and digital platforms.
"Traditions remain alive when younger generations reinterpret and carry them forward rather than confining them to the past," he said.
The minister also urged aspiring artists to remain persistent despite setbacks and failures. He said talent was not restricted by geographical location or financial circumstances and that artists from smaller towns could reach wider audiences through dedication, creativity and technology.
Debbarma said birth anniversary programmes should not remain limited to ceremonial tributes and speeches.
He called for greater efforts to identify emerging talent and provide young artists with opportunities to develop and showcase their abilities.
The programme concluded with musical tributes to Sachin Dev Barman, celebrating his contribution to Indian music and his enduring association with Tripura's cultural heritage.
