Agartala, Feb 21, 2025, TRIPURA TIMES Desk

Agartala, Feb 21: On the auspicious occasion of International Mother Language Day, the Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala witnessed a grand celebration of literature, culture and linguistic diversity as the Tripura Literature Festival was inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha.

The event, organized by Udaan for the first time in the state, brought together several eminent personalities, including India’s first man to space, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, Padmashri Shri Gokul Chandra Das, Booker Prize winner Geetanjali Shree, Padma Shri awardee and oncologist, Dr. Ravi Kannan, Padmashri Prof. Arunadoy Saha, Bikach Choudhury, singer Swagatalakshmi Dasgupta, Swami Subhakarananda Maharaj, Rupak Saha, Prof. (Dr) Ratan Saha and several others.

The festival kicked off with a unique canvas-filling event where guests penned words of their choice in their mother tongues, symbolizing the unity in diversity that defines India.

Reflecting on his iconic moment in space, Sharma recounted, “When I said ‘Sarein Jahan Se Achha’ while looking at our country from space, a major reason for that sentiment was the breath-taking view of the Northeast. The lush green landscapes of this region stood out as a testament to India’s natural beauty and diversity. It was a moment of immense pride for me as an Indian.”

Sharma emphasized the importance of the Northeast in India’s cultural and developmental fabric, stating, “One of the greatest pillars of our nation is our belief in unity in diversity, which binds us all together.” Sharma also congratulated the nation on Mother Language Day, highlighting the significance of preserving linguistic heritage.

Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, while inaugurating the festival, expressed his delight at the presence of renowned poets, playwrights, and novelists from across the country. “I never imagined such a program could take place here. When Udaan approached me, I was convinced of its potential to benefit the people. This three-day festival is a celebration of our rich literary and cultural traditions,” he said.

Dr. Saha also paid tribute to the historical ties between Tripura and Rabindranath Tagore, noting that the Kabiguru visited the state seven times and shared a close bond with the royal family. He highlighted the significance of Mother Language Day, recalling the sacrifices made during the language movement in erstwhile East Pakistan, now Bangladesh.

As the festival continues over the next three days, it promises to be a melting pot of ideas, creativity, and cultural exchange, further cementing Tripura’s place on the national literary map.