Agartala, 28th April 2026: The 136th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was commemorated at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan, Hall No. 1, with a seminar on “Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and National Integration.” The event was jointly organized by the Department of Welfare of Scheduled Castes and the West Tripura District Administration.
Speaking as chief guest, Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes Sudhangshu Das described Ambedkar as a philosopher, economist, and social reformer who gifted India the world’s largest constitution. He emphasized Ambedkar’s lifelong struggle against untouchability, poverty, illiteracy, inequality, and for women’s education. “Knowledge dispels darkness. Education is a movement that leads individuals from ignorance to light,” Das said, urging students to utilize scholarships and financial assistance provided by the department for courses including MBBS, engineering, forestry, and B.Ed.
Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, participating in the discussion, highlighted Ambedkar’s role in abolishing untouchability and uniting society. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has honored Ambedkar’s legacy by declaring five key sites associated with him as Panchteerth.
Paschim Tripura Zilla Parishad Acting Sabhadhipati Biswajit Shil, in his presidential address, called on students to study Ambedkar’s life and move forward with determination. Professor Jayanta Chakraborty of TIT, Narshingarh, also joined the discussion. In her welcome speech, Department Secretary Dr. Deepa D. Nair recalled Ambedkar’s guiding principles: Educate, Organize, and Agitate.
The program began with floral tributes to Ambedkar’s portrait by the minister and dignitaries. Deputy Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation Monika Das Dutta, Additional District Magistrate Arup Deb, and Department Director Jayanta Dey were present.
This year’s Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Award was conferred on retired educationist Kshitish Das of Halahali, Dhalai district. Due to illness, he could not attend; the department will later present him with a citation and a cheque of ₹25,000.
The minister and guests also distributed prizes to winners of state-level essay competitions. At the school level (Classes IX–XII), Rajdeep Pal, Nipu Das, and Prince Das received awards of ₹10,000, ₹7,000, and ₹5,000 respectively. At the college and university level, Ino Adhikari, Anshita Choudhury, and Monali Debnath were similarly honored.
The event featured an inaugural musical performance by noted artists, and a commemorative volume on Ambedkar was unveiled by the minister.
