AGARTALA : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Monday paid tribute to Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur on his 116th birth anniversary and said that he was the architect of modern Tripura and that his progressive ideas, reforms, and contributions to education, infrastructure, and culture continue to inspire and shape the state’s destiny.

Taking to the social media platform Facebook, the Chief Minister wrote, “Tribute to a visionary leader! Remembering Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, the architect of modern Tripura, on his birth anniversary. His progressive ideas, reforms, and contributions to education, infrastructure, and culture continue to inspire and shape the state’s destiny. May his legacy live on forever! #MaharajaBirBikram.”

Meanwhile, a two-day celebration of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur’s 116th birth anniversary has been organised in the town of Khumulwng in the West Tripura district. The event commenced on Sunday and was jointly organised by the INTACH Tripura Chapter and the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).

The event included a discussion panel and an exhibition showcasing the life and contributions of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, a king of Tripura also popularly known as the “Architect of Modern Tripura”.

Chief Minister Professor Manik Saha, who attended as the chief guest, addressed the gathering at the Nuyai Auditorium in Khumulwng and highlighted that the previous government distanced the royal family from the public, and their welfare-oriented initiatives were never given due recognition.

“Since coming to power in 2018, the current government has taken significant steps to honour Maharaja Bir Bikram’s legacy, including renaming the Agartala airport after him and declaring his birthday a public holiday,” said CM Saha.

He also mentioned the installation of a full-length statue of Maharaja Bir Bikram at the Agartala airport, reflecting the government’s respect for the royal family.