Agartala, August 17: Tipra Motha founder and royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma has appealed to the people of Tripura to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya on August 19 through acts of service, unity, and community welfare.

In a Facebook Live message, Pradyot reminded citizens that Maharaja Bir Bikram, often regarded as the architect of modern Tripura, was not just his grandfather but a visionary leader for all. “If we forget what Maharaja Bir Bikram did for his people, then one day our identity, our culture, and our history will also disappear,” he said.

Highlighting the Maharaja’s contributions including land reservation for indigenous communities, establishment of Bir Bikram College, promotion of Rabindranath Tagore, construction of hospitals, schools for girls, and the Buddha Mandir, Pradyot stressed that his legacy transcends politics.

He urged people, political parties, NGOs, and student organizations to celebrate the day by visiting schools and hospitals to distribute food, organizing village cleaning drives, and extending support to patients and the elderly. “Don’t make him a political figure. Make him a visionary of what Tripura was. He was the father of Tripura,” he said.

Pradyot also appealed for unity and harmony, cautioning against hatred and violence. “Hatred will destroy you. Love will unite you. I choose love every time over hatred; I choose people over politics,” he said, adding that Maharaja Bir Bikram limited his own power by framing Tripura’s Constitution even before the Indian Constitution was drafted.

Calling the Maharaja’s short life “a sacrifice for the people,” Pradyot reminded that although Bir Bikram passed away at the young age of 39, his vision continues to shape Tripura’s present. “On the 19th, please go out and remember him in a way which will spread unity and love. Let us defeat negativity, let us defeat hatred,” he concluded.

Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya was born on August 19, 1908 and passed away in 1947. This year marks his 117th birth anniversary.

kamal jamatia