Agartala (Tripura) [India], April 6 (HBTV): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha reiterated the government's commitment to recognising individuals whose contributions have brought distinction to the state, stating that their legacies must be preserved for future generations.

‘The pioneer of modern sculpture in the state is Bipul Kanti Saha. He is one of the talented children of this state. Due to his tireless hard work and dedication, the art of sculpture here has been appreciated across the world. Such personalities can never be forgotten. They will inspire the next generation to move forward,’ said CM Saha.

He made these remarks while inaugurating the three-day Bipul Kanti Saha State Art & Craft Festival at the Government Art and Craft College in Lichubagan, organised by the Information and Cultural Affairs Department.

The Chief Minister also announced that INR 3 crore has been allocated in the 2025–26 state budget to conduct musical instrument workshops for tribal communities across Tripura.

The festival will feature drawing competitions, cultural programmes, and discussion sessions with notable figures from the state’s art community. Ten organisations, including Lalit Kala Academy, Government College of Fine Arts, and Karu Kala Utsav, have set up exhibition stalls.

Highlighting the festival’s significance, CM Saha said, ‘The talented children of the state who have taken the name of this state to the peak of fame should not be forgotten. The current government is trying to give due respect to all these personalities. Even though they have disappeared, their works, thoughts, and consciousness can inspire the next generation to develop the art and culture of the state in a large way. Although various forms of art were practised in the royal family of the state of Tripura, they were beyond the reach of the public.’

He said that artists like Bipul Kanti Saha successfully brought this art and culture to the wider population of the state.

‘Apart from technology, the way the renowned personalities of the state have created their art and culture is simply unimaginable. One can feel a sense of satisfaction by honouring such personalities,’ he added.

CM Saha further remarked that the roots of resilience and survival lie within a nation’s culture and traditions.

‘Only if we are aware of our own talent, the excellence of the culture and heritage of the state will increase further. Only if we are in the vicinity of culture, the youth will remain free from the clutches of addiction,’ he said.

Also present at the event were Debapriya Bardhan, Special Secretary of the Information and Cultural Affairs Department; Bimbisar Bhattacharya, Director of the Information and Cultural Affairs Department; Subrata Chakraborty, Vice Chairman of the State-Level Cultural Advisory Committee; Abhijit Bhattacharya, Acting Principal of the Government Arts and Crafts College; and Dipika Saha, wife of renowned sculptor Bipul Kanti Saha.

(ANI)