Agartala: From royal ties with Rabindranath Tagore to the songs of its tribal heart, Tripura’s cultural pulse beat strong at the launch of the Tripura Literature Festival today. Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha rallied the crowd to carry this legacy far and wide, igniting pride in every listener. Organized by the non-governmental cultural group “Udaan,” the three-day festival opened at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan, coinciding with International Mother Language Day.
In his inaugural address, Chief Minister Saha passionately urged the people of Tripura to showcase the state’s rich heritage to the world. “I call upon everyone to take our state’s culture, traditions, and heritage to people across the country and abroad. The state government is tirelessly working to preserve and promote Tripura’s literature, art, and culture,” he added.
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Highlighting ongoing efforts, he noted, “Every year, the Agartala Book Fair is held to foster literary and cultural development. Now, book fairs are also being organized in various Sub-divisions beyond Agartala to inspire the new generation.”
He added, “The government also organizes the Atal Poetry and Literature Festival and Drama Festival, while the Department of Information and Culture Affairs hosts cultural events across the state year-round.”
Saha emphasized Tripura’s diverse cultural fabric, stating, “We have 19 tribal communities, each with its own unique culture, alongside the vibrant traditions of the Bengali and Manipuri communities.” He traced the state’s artistic legacy back to its royal past, saying, “Since the royal era, many renowned artists, writers, and cultural figures from India and abroad have visited Tripura. The close bond between the royal family and Rabindranath Tagore is a notable chapter in literary history. Tagore visited Tripura seven times, and his timeless works inspired by this land remain our treasure.”
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He also mentioned other literary giants, adding, “Besides Tagore, distinguished novelist Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay and many luminaries of literature and culture have come to Tripura.” Looking ahead, he expressed optimism: “Such literary festivals will expand the horizons of our state’s literature and culture in the days to come.” Paying tribute on International Mother Language Day, he said, “Today, I offer my respects to all language martyrs.”
The event drew an impressive lineup of guests, including India’s first astronaut and Former Indian Air Force Officer Rakesh Sharma, who captivated the audience with tales of his life and historic space journey. Reflecting on his 1984 mission, Sharma shared a memorable moment: “When former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi asked me how India looked from space, I replied, ‘Saare Jahaan Se Achcha’—better than the whole world.” His words stirred a wave of pride among the attendees.
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Other dignitaries included former Vice-Chancellor of Tripura Central University Dr. Arunoday Saha, renowned Dhol player Gokul Chandra Das, litterateur Dr. Ravi Kannan—all Padma Shri recipients—alongside International Booker Prize winner Geetanjali Shree, Rabindra researcher Bikash Chowdhury, Techno India University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ratan Saha, sports organizer and MD of Shyam Sundar Jewellers Rupak Saha, and Udaan President Dr. Sumanta Chakraborty. Dr. Ranbir Roy delivered the welcome address.
The festival kicked off with a symbolic gesture as the Chief Minister and guests wrote their favourite words in their mother tongues on a canvas. A souvenir was also unveiled to mark the occasion. Virtual greetings added depth to the event, with former Deputy Chief Minister of Tripura and current Governor of Telangana Jishnu Dev Varma addressing the people of Tripura virtually, as he couldn’t attend in person. “I extend my best wishes to everyone in Tripura and hope for a successful festival that celebrates your rich culture and literature,” he said. Acclaimed Bengali writer Sanjib Chattopadhyay also shared his greetings virtually.
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