Agartala, Aug 20: Royal scion and Tipra Motha chairman, Pradyot Manikya Debbarma, today attended the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Bir Bikram Memorial College in Agartala. He expressed gratitude to the college authorities and students for their warm welcome, writing on social media: “Today at Bir Bikram Memorial College! Thank you for the love and hospitality all of you gave me.”
In his address, Pradyot highlighted the visionary contributions of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, describing him as “not just another Maharaja” but a leader who transformed Tripura during his short reign of 39 years.
He reminded the gathering that during a time when India had barely seven or eight airports, Maharaja Bir Bikram built one in Tripura. The Maharaja, he noted, promoted harmony by building temples, supporting churches, and granting space for Buddhist monasteries, reflecting an inclusive vision.
Pradyot also recalled the Maharaja’s historic 1939–41 Gazette Notification, which protected the land rights of Indigenous people later forming the basis of today’s TTAADC areas. He emphasized that Maharaja Bir Bikram laid the urban foundation of Agartala, sent food grains to famine-hit Bengal in 1940 at Mahatma Gandhi’s request, and personally honoured Rabindranath Tagore with the Bharat Bhaskar title when the poet was ailing.
“He was ahead of his time. He drafted a Constitution for Tripura almost a decade before India’s Constitution, reducing his own powers and paving the way for democratic elections,” Pradyot said.
Expressing disappointment that a statue of Maharaja Bir Bikram at the college took more than 70 years after his death, Pradyot said he was nonetheless happy that the recognition finally came: “Better late than never.”
Turning to the students, he urged them to dream big and become leaders, judges, civil servants, and achievers for Tripura’s future. “Our state’s future will not be shaped by those sitting on the dais today, but by you—the young generation. My dream is to see a local Tripura youth become the next Chief Secretary, High Court Judge, or DGP,” he remarked.
Pradyot stressed unity beyond caste, creed, or community, reminding the students that Maharaja Bir Bikram was trusted by his people irrespective of religion or background. He assured the college of his personal support in academics, sports, and cultural activities, pledging assistance for students competing at national platforms.
“I am not in politics to earn money. I am Maharaja Bir Bikram’s grandson. Whenever Tripura shines—be it through athletes like Dipa Karmakar or artists from our soil—I feel proud. I want you, the students of this college, to carry that legacy forward,” he said.
The event concluded with Pradyot affirming his commitment to stand with the youth of Tripura “till my last breath” and contribute from his personal resources for their welfare.
