Agartala: Oct 31. Minister Tinku Roy called upon Durga Puja organisers to transform the festive spirit into a platform for social awareness and responsibility, while addressing the Sharad Samman ceremony organised by the Ambassa Municipal Council this evening.
In his address, Minister Roy said, “In Agartala, we organised Sharad Samman, but here in Ambassa in rural areas like this such initiatives are even more appreciable as they encourage organisers to become better and more socially aware in the coming days.” He emphasised that festivals should not remain limited to grandeur and decoration but should also reflect the community’s duty toward building a drug-free and socially conscious society.
“In our state, we not only want joyfulness but also a sense of social responsibility among clubs. Organisers should remember that society observes them and that they have a vital role in shaping social behaviour,” Roy said, lauding the efforts of the Social Welfare and Social Education Department and Youth Affairs and Sports Department for promoting the Nesha Mukt (addiction-free) theme through Sharad Samman awards.
The minister also delivered a heartfelt message about the value of motherhood in Indian culture. “Sometimes I am shocked,” he said. “We Sanatan followers celebrate all our festivals around the mother — Bharat Mata, Jagat Datri, Kali Puja, Saraswati Puja — yet we forget our own mother at home, who dedicated her entire life to us but is ignored once we become independent.”
He further expressed concern over the growing number of applications received from Ambassa for admission to old age homes. “Officials from the Social Welfare and Social Education Department have informed me that the maximum number of such applications come from Ambassa itself. This is worrying and calls for reflection,” Roy said, urging people to take better care of senior citizens.
The event, held with much enthusiasm and grandeur, was inaugurated by Minister Roy through the symbolic watering of a sapling. Among those present were Ambassa Municipal Council Chairperson Pratima Malakar, DM Vivek H.B., Sports and Cultural Committee Chairman Suman Debnath, and Ambassa SDM Rinku Reang, along with several dignitaries and guests.
As part of the programme, a total of 12 clubs were honoured with Sharad Samman awards. Ambassa Town Club was adjudged Best Idol, while Sukanta Samajik Sanstha won in both Best Pandal and Social Work categories. Ramakrishna Seva Sanad received special recognition for maintaining law and order, and all participating clubs were presented with consolation prizes.
The ceremony also included the felicitation of local journalists and former municipal chairpersons and vice-chairpersons. The evening concluded with a vibrant cultural performance by artists from Kolkata, making the event a blend of celebration, reflection, and social consciousness.
