Celebration Of 118th Birth Anniversary Of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur At RS Bhavan, Agartala.

Agartala, Tripura, 20th of August, 2026 : With the initiative of Information & Cultural Affairs Department Government of Tripura State Level celebrated the 118th birth anniversary of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur Debbarman has been conducted at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan, Agartala, Tripura on Wednesday (19th August, 2026).

Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur’s contribution to the development of education and culture in Tripura was immense. In the past, this history of the Maharaja had been deliberately kept hidden from the general public. Since coming to power, the present Government, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of “Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi” (Heritage as well as Development), has taken the initiative to bring Maharaja Bir Bikram’s true glory and contributions before the public, enabling the new generation to learn the real history. Hon’ble Chief Minister Professor Dr. Manik Saha said thiswhile inaugurating the state-level programme held at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan to mark the 118th birth anniversary of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur.

Addressing at the event, organized by the Department of Information and Culture, the Chief Minister said that modern Tripura’s foundation was built upon the Maharaja’s visionary thinking, administrative efficiency, and development philosophy. Recalling the Maharaja’s administrative and economic foresight, he said that in 1935 the Maharaja established the Agartala Municipality, one of the oldest municipalities in India. Through the establishment of a treasury and a bank, he laid the foundation of financial discipline in the then princely state. Following that same development vision, the present government is bringing about extensive changes in the state’s infrastructure. Highlighting the Maharaja’s contribution to education, the Chief Minister said the Maharaja laid the foundation of higher education in Tripura. His visionary thinking lies behind many important educational institutions, from MBB College now MBB University to the Engineering College and Art College. During his time, he had visited Germany, America, and Italy, gaining ideas about world-class education and architecture, which he applied to the development of Tripura.

Referring to Tripura’s historical and spiritual ties with Bengali literature and culture, the Chief Minister said a close relationship had developed between the Manikya kings from Maharaja Ratna Manikya to Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya and the world poet

Rabindranath Tagore. Conferring upon the poet the title “Bharat Bhaskar” reflects the generosity of the Manikya royal dynasty. It was the Manikya dynasty that strengthened the spiritual and cultural bond between Bengal and Tripura. During the communal riots of 1941, Maharaja Bir Bikram gave shelter to the distressed, a unique example of humanity.

Highlighting the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Saha remarked that said the State Government is working to preserve the historical architecture and heritage built during the reigns of the Maharajas and Manikya kings, while also linking them to the state’s tourism and economic development. He said the government has taken initiatives to develop Ujjayanta Palace, Neermahal, and Kasba Kali Temple to make Tripura’s tourism more attractive at the national and international levels. Work is also underway to convert Agartala’s Pushpabanta Palace into a five-star hotel for the convenience of tourists. Additionally, plans have been made to develop “satellite towns” centred around Agartala, Udaipur, and Dharmanagar.

Regarding the current law and order situation in the state, the Chief Minister said Tripura is currently among the notable states in the country in terms of reducing crime rates, resulting in an atmosphere of peace in the state. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the continuous efforts to establish peace in the Northeast are showing positive results everywhere today. Many youths have left the path of militancy and returned to the mainstream of life, and the government has also announced special packages for their rehabilitation.

Highlighting the government’s various initiatives for the development of tribal communities, the Chief Minister said that allocations for various schemes have been significantly increased compared to before. Beyond the budgetary figures, much more is being spent on the development of tribal areas. Many national highways are being built in the state, most of which pass through tribal-dominated areas. To fulfil Maharaja Bir Bikram’s dream, the government is placing special emphasis on the education, health, and employment of tribal communities. The Chief Minister said that the present government’s goal of building a Viksit Bharat and a Viksit Tripura by 2047 draws one of its key inspirations from the visionary thinking and development philosophy of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur. Only by moving forward with his vision and ideals will the true purpose of celebrating his birthday be fulfilled.

At the event, Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma said Maharaja Bir Bikram was not merely a ruler but the visionary architect of modern Tripura. His forward-looking ideas on education, communication, urban planning, and cultural development continue to inspire even today. True development, she said, is not limited to building roads or structures; the Maharaja believed in the development of education, knowledge, and culture on the human platform. The Minister noted that in the past there had been no genuine effort to observe the Maharaja’s birth anniversary. Since coming

to power, the present government has given the Maharaja his due honour by declaring a government holiday on his birthday, and Agartala Airport has been named after him. The Industries Minister also spoke about the state government’s various initiatives for tribal welfare.

MLA Abhishek Debroy said that when Maharaja Bir Bikram envisioned higher education, Tripura had almost none of the necessary infrastructure for it. The Maharaja realized that true development of a state could not be achieved merely by building structures or palaces only, the light of education could take a nation forward. MBB College and numerous schools established through his initiative remain the backbone of education in Tripura to this day. The MLA said Maharaja Bir Bikram believed in equal rights for all, regardless of caste or religion. His cabinet had representation from both tribal and Bengali communities. His passion for art and literature, and his close bond with Rabindranath Tagore, enriched Tripura’s cultural heritage.

In his welcome address, Kiran Gitte, Secretary of the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs, described Maharaja Bir Bikram as a great visionary, educationist, and social reformer. He said the Maharaja worked tirelessly to move Tripura toward a modern and democratic administrative framework. The Secretary also highlighted the Maharaja’s nationalist role during the critical period of India’s independence and partition.

At the event, Dr. Dhammapiya was presented with the Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur Memorial Award-2026 in recognition of his significant contributions to education and culture and his important role in preserving and promoting the rich Buddhist and tribal cultural heritage. The Chief Minister presented him with a shawl, memento, citation, and a cheque for 1 lakh.

At the start of the programme, Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha, along with other dignitaries, paid floral tributes to the portrait of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya. A documentary on various aspects of the Maharaja’s life and work was also screened at the event.

Amidst the distinguished dignitaries there were Hon’ble Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation and MLA Deepak Majumder and many other distinguished  dignitaries were present in the event. Earlier that morning, Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha paid floral tributes at the marble statue of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya installed at “Zero Point” near Kaman Chowmuhani.