Agartala, 19th August 2026 : Bir Bikram Memorial College (BBMC), Agartala, observed the 118th birth anniversary of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur on Wednesday with a solemn and colourful programme organised by the Department of Kokborok in collaboration with Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh (ABRSM), Tripura, Mahavidyalaya Shiksha.
The programme began with Vande Mataram, followed by the felicitation of dignitaries, ceremonial lighting of the lamp, the College Anthem and a welcome address by Organising Secretary Rajlaxmi Chakma.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rupak Das, Secretary of the Teachers’ Council, highlighted the importance of remembering Maharaja Bir Bikram’s life, ideals and contribution to Tripura’s development.
ABRSM Tripura president Tirtharam Reang, the special guest, recalled the Maharaja’s benevolent nature and deep concern for his people. Director of Higher Education Animesh Debbarma, the guest of honour, described Bir Bikram as a remarkably modern ruler whose initiatives in education, industrial development, tea cultivation, urban planning, land reforms and municipal administration reflected exceptional foresight. He also recalled the Maharaja’s contribution of land for the airport and his vision of developing College Tilla as an educational hub.
Chief Guest and Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman said Maharaja Bir Bikram’s educational vision, encompassing knowledge, skills, entrepreneurship, research and culture, closely resonates with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Barman also highlighted the Maharaja’s association with Rabindranath Tagore and similarities between his ideas on human development and the teachings of Swami Vivekananda. He urged students to remain connected to their roots while pursuing success and emphasised character building, environmental responsibility and socially conscious campuses.
The Minister advocated the “one student, one tree” initiative and called for plantation and blood-donation programmes to become part of academic calendars. He also stressed the need for ragging-free, drug-free and women-safe campuses.
Principal Dr Mihir Pal, who presided over the programme, paid tribute to the architect of modern Tripura through a self-composed poem. Students presented Hojagiri and other cultural performances, while a quiz on Maharaja Bir Bikram’s life and legacy was also organised.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Assistant Professor Hamari Jamatia and the National Anthem.
