Agartala, Aug 18: Tipra Motha founder and head of the Royal Family of Tripura, Bubagra Pradyot Bikram Kishore Manikya Debbarma , said ...
Agartala, Aug 18: Tipra Motha founder and head of the Royal Family of Tripura, Bubagra Pradyot Bikram Kishore Manikya Debbarma, said the legacy of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur continues to hold direct relevance to the struggle for the rights, dignity and development of Tripura’s indigenous people.
Speaking at a programme organised to mark the 118th birth anniversary of Maharaja Bir Bikram at Manikya Enclave in Agartala, Bubagra Pradyot said the Maharaja’s vision remains a guiding force in his efforts to protect the land and other rights of indigenous communities.
“Today, when I fight for my indigenous people, I fight on the path which Maharaja Bir Bikram laid down for us,” Bubagra Pradyot said.
Referring to land protections introduced for indigenous people through a 1941 Gazette notification, he said the safeguards were subsequently affected by amendments to the Tripura Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act. Bubagra Pradyot said he has been urging the Centre to restore the protections associated with the arrangements made during Maharaja Bir Bikram’s time.
“I celebrate my grandfather’s birthday because I want the land back for my people. Not everything is related to politics. Everything is related to dignity and self-respect,” he said.
Bubagra Pradyot also recalled the difficulties surrounding earlier efforts to commemorate Maharaja Bir Bikram’s birth centenary, which he attributed to political differences. However, he said people are now increasingly united in recognising the Maharaja’s contribution to Tripura.
Highlighting Maharaja Bir Bikram’s achievements, Bubagra Pradyot said the former ruler played a major role in shaping modern Tripura despite passing away at the young age of 39. He referred to the Maharaja’s contribution to the planned development of Agartala, the establishment of M.B.B. College and the development of the airport, among other initiatives.
He also called upon younger generations to learn about their history and remain connected to their roots.
“Without love, empathy and unity, we will either fight as a family or lose as individuals,” he said.
Earlier, INTACH Tripura Chapter Convenor Maharaj Kumari Pragya Debbarma called for Maharaja Bir Bikram’s contributions to be incorporated into school curricula and history textbooks. She also stressed the need to promote his legacy through exhibitions, films, artworks and proper documentation.
The programme was organised by the INTACH Tripura Chapter. East Tripura MP Maharani Kriti Devi Debbarma attended as the Chief Guest, while Bubagra Pradyot Bikram Kishore Manikya Debbarma was the Special Guest. Prof. Abhay Kumar and Prof. (Dr.) Ratan Kumar Saha were also present.
Two textbooks, Souvenir and Mukumu, were launched during the programme with the aim of promoting awareness of Tripura’s history and heritage among students.
