Agartala, 26th July 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday brought Tripura’s rich cultural heritage into the national spotlight by featuring the state’s traditional musical instrument, the Chongpreng in the latest edition of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat. The Prime Minister also praised renowned cultural activist Surya Kumar Debbarma for his unwavering dedication to preserving and reviving the centuries-old indigenous art form.
Highlighting India’s extraordinary musical diversity, Prime Minister Modi described the Chongpreng as a unique three-stringed bamboo instrument deeply rooted in the traditions of Tripura’s tribal communities. He noted that the instrument produces a soulful melody comparable to the Sarod and stands as a symbol of the state’s vibrant cultural identity.
The Prime Minister observed that despite its historical significance, the Chongpreng had gradually faded from public consciousness, particularly among younger generations. He credited Surya Kumar Debbarma with breathing new life into the traditional instrument through years of relentless efforts aimed at reviving and popularising it.
Beyond the Chongpreng, the Prime Minister acknowledged Debbarma’s significant contribution to safeguarding the region’s rich folk traditions, including Kokborok folk songs, Baul music, and Bengali folk music. During the programme, Modi also played a brief musical rendition of the Chongpreng and appealed to citizens across the country to share stories and information about traditional musical instruments from their respective regions on social media, emphasising that preserving India’s cultural heritage is a collective responsibility.
Reacting to the Prime Minister’s remarks, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha expressed heartfelt gratitude for the recognition accorded to the state’s unique cultural legacy.
In a social media post, Dr. Saha thanked Prime Minister Modi for highlighting the Chongpreng and for specially acknowledging Surya Kumar Debbarma’s exceptional efforts in preserving and promoting the indigenous instrument. He described the bamboo-crafted, three-stringed Chongpreng as one of the finest symbols of Tripura’s cultural heritage, renowned for its melodious sound that closely resembles the Sarod.
The Chief Minister remarked that although the instrument’s popularity had diminished over time, Debbarma’s tireless commitment has helped restore its pride of place, inspiring a new generation to embrace and celebrate the state’s traditional music.
Expressing his appreciation, Dr. Saha said the Prime Minister’s recognition would provide fresh impetus to ongoing efforts to preserve Tripura’s indigenous art forms and further strengthen awareness of the state’s rich cultural traditions across the country. He thanked Prime Minister Modi for presenting Tripura’s glorious cultural heritage before the nation and for inspiring people to cherish and protect India’s invaluable traditional legacy.
