Agartala, Oct 26: Celebrating Tripura’s cultural diversity and harmony, Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha highlighted the rich heritage and unique traditions of each community during the inauguration of the 3rd South Zone Sharad Samman Awards, held at Arundhuti Nagar Higher Secondary School Ground, organized by Agartala Municipal Corporation’s Ward 39.
Chief Minister Saha underscored that the unbroken peace and harmony across the state has enabled the Sharad Utsav festivities to conclude without any untoward incidents, even in tribal areas. This year’s Durga Puja saw an active participation from various communities, ensuring the festival’s successful and peaceful completion.
“Our state government prioritizes law, order, and peace. Due to this, Tripura ranks among the top states in terms of security,” he added. He also noted that the government is taking a strict stance against those who seek to disrupt this peace.
Commending the positive transformation in local clubs, the Chief Minister said, “The negative experiences of the past have given way to a more harmonious environment, with clubs now engaged in diverse social and cultural activities.” The government, he mentioned, is adopting a “zero tolerance” policy against drug abuse and is committed to making Tripura plastic-free. Collaboration from the community, he emphasized, is essential for achieving these goals.
Highlighting state-led advancements, he remarked on Tripura’s remarkable progress in areas like education, agriculture, horticulture, and sports, which have brought it recognition at the national level. The Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focused approach for significant developments in Tripura’s connectivity infrastructure.
Mayor and MLA of Agartala Municipal Corporation, Deepak Majumdar, also addressed the audience, attributing the peaceful celebration of Durga Puja across the state to the government’s efficient governance and law enforcement. Reflecting the state’s tradition, a grand farewell carnival for Goddess Durga was held on the Tulshibati School Road. Modern arrangements were also made at Dashamighat for idol immersion.
MLA Meena Rani Sarkar, Deputy Mayor Monika Das Dutta, Corporator Abhijit Moulik, Tripura MARKFED Vice-Chairman Sanjay Saha, and prominent social worker Asim Bhattacharya were present at the event. Alok Roy, Corporator of Ward 39, delivered the welcome address.
A total of 27 clubs from the South Zone received awards in 12 categories. The dignitaries, including the Chief Minister, presented the awards to club representatives. The event also honored notable personalities, and 10 dance groups from Agartala performed the traditional Dhamaail dance. The students from St. Xavier’s School, Bishramganj, presented a band performance, adding vibrancy to the occasion.
