Agartala, Aug 19: Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Wednesday described Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur as architect of modern Tripura, crediting the former ruler’s progressive outlook and development initiatives with laying the groundwork for the state’s transformation.

Speaking at a commemorative programme at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan marking the 118th birth anniversary of Maharaja Bir Bikram, Dr. Saha said his government was drawing inspiration from the former Maharaja’s vision while pursuing the overall development of Tripura.

The Chief Minister emphasized the need to preserve historical memory and ensure that younger generations learn about the contributions of the state’s former rulers and other prominent figures.

He alleged that attempts had been made in the past to distort history and suppress the contributions of the kings and Maharajas. Such historical contributions, he said, deserved proper recognition.

“Maharaja Bir Bikram was a visionary leader who consistently prioritised the welfare of his people and undertook several initiatives that helped lay the foundation of modern Tripura,” Dr. Saha said.

Referring to the state’s tribal communities, the Chief Minister said the government had been working to bring sections that had once been drawn towards violence and extremism back into the mainstream through development and welfare initiatives.

He also highlighted government efforts to conserve heritage sites, traditions and cultural assets associated with Tripura’s princely past, saying the state’s history and cultural legacy needed to be protected for future generations.

Linking the government’s development agenda with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”, Dr. Saha said, Tripura had witnessed progress in peace and infrastructure, while greater attention was being given to tribal-dominated areas.

The ‘Maharaja Bir Bikram Smriti Puraskar 2026’ was presented to Dr. Dhammapiya Maharaj during the programme.

Minister Santana Chakma, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumder, MLA Abhishek Debroy, Information and Cultural Affairs Department Secretary Kiran Gitte and other dignitaries attended the event.

Earlier in the day, Dr. Saha paid floral tributes to Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur at Zero Point and at the state BJP office in Agartala to mark his birth anniversary.