Agartala, Aug 19: Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Tuesday announced that the state government has identified 75 border villages to commemorate freedom fighters and warriors who dedicated their lives to the nation.
He said the initiative follows the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has emphasized the importance of honouring those who made historic sacrifices for India.
Speaking at the central programme to mark the 117th birth anniversary of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan, Dr Manik Saha said that Modi is the first Prime Minister who has genuinely worked to ensure recognition for every section of society.
Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur—the architect of modern Tripura, played a pivotal role in building the state’s infrastructure and laid the foundation for education and healthcare. His farsighted legacy continues to guide us in shaping a model Tripura. Over the last… pic.twitter.com/cBrfi4SP9O
— Prof.(Dr.) Manik Saha (@DrManikSaha2) August 19, 2025
“We plan to construct memorials and install statues of 75 freedom fighters and warriors across the selected border villages. These will serve as places where people can remember and pay homage to their contributions,” the Chief Minister said.
Earlier in another programme commemorating the birth anniversary of the Maharaja, the Chief Minister highlighted that Maharaja Bir Bikram gave importance to uniting all castes and tribes.
“He provided food and shelter to riot-affected people. Despite being converted to Hinduism, he established the Benuban Vihar Buddha Temple. He had equal faith in all religions. There is a lot to learn from him. Today, on the birth anniversary of the Maharaja, I extend my heartfelt greetings and respect to all the people of Tripura,” he added.
At the Rabindra Bhavan, Dr Saha also recalled Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur’s visionary role as the architect of modern Tripura, noting his efforts in strengthening the state’s foundation through educational institutions, healthcare, markets, and key infrastructure.
“Maharaja’s farsighted vision still inspires us in shaping a model Tripura. Over the past seven years, our government has been working tirelessly for inclusive development, peace, and prosperity,” Dr Saha added.
“His farsighted vision still inspires us in shaping a model Tripura. Over the past seven years, our government has been working tirelessly for inclusive development, peace, and prosperity,” he added.
Highlighting the Maharaja’s legacy, Saha pointed out that in 1942, Bir Bikram constructed the Agartala Airport to connect the state with the rest of India.
মানুষ তার কর্মের মাধ্যমেই চিরস্মরণীয় হয়ে থাকেন। মহারাজা বীরবিক্রম কিশোর মাণিক্য বাহাদুর মাত্র ৩৯ বছর জীবিত ছিলেন, কিন্তু এই স্বল্প সময়ের মধ্যেই তিনি যে কৃতিত্ব রেখে গেছেন তা আজও অবিস্মরণীয়। অত্যন্ত দুঃখের বিষয়, বিগত সরকারের আমলে তাঁকে সর্বদাই উপেক্ষা করা হয়েছে। pic.twitter.com/eU104YEEcP
— Prof.(Dr.) Manik Saha (@DrManikSaha2) August 19, 2025
In 1941, acknowledging Rabindranath Tagore’s immense literary contribution, the Tripura king honoured him with the title Bharat Bhaskar. Just a month before Tagore’s death, the monarch, along with members of the royal family, personally visited Santiniketan to confer the title.
According to historian and author Pannalal Roy, Tripura’s kings had also donated land for several airstrips, including those at Agartala and Kailashahar, which were later abandoned.
During World War II, the Maharaja extended support to the Allied powers, particularly Britain, by deploying a contingent of the Tripura Army and allowing the use of local airports.
Roy further noted that Agartala airport came under Japanese airstrikes twice in 1943.
Located around 20 km north of Agartala city, the airport — originally called Singerbill Airport — was renamed Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport in July 2018 by the Union government in recognition of the king’s contribution.
The airfield, constructed in 1942 on land donated by the monarch, had served as a Royal Air Force base during the war.
On January 4, 2022, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the new integrated terminal of MBB Airport, which was built at a cost of ₹438 crore. (With inputs from IANS)