Agartala, 16th October 2026 : Tripura Forest and Environment Minister Animesh Debbarma on Friday stressed the importance of quality education, scientific temper and technological awareness, saying the future of Tripura rests with its youth and classrooms rather than the government alone.
Addressing a World Students’ Day programme organised by Agartala Public School, English Medium, at Agartala Press Club, he urged students to remain curious, ask questions freely and learn to apply their knowledge in practical life.
Congratulating the institution, Debbarma highlighted the achievement of 15 students who reportedly won gold medals in the Mathematics Olympiad. He also said the proposal to officially observe World Students’ Day in Tripura, raised by school head Arun Nath, had already reached the state Cabinet.
“The matter has reached the Council of Ministers. Since the issue has been raised again, I will bring it up before the Cabinet once more,” he said, adding that administrative limitations concerning the declaration of holidays would need consideration.
Referring to former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, whose birth anniversary is observed as World Students’ Day, the minister described him as a lifelong learner whose curiosity contributed to his vast knowledge.
He appealed to parents and teachers not to discourage children from expressing new ideas or asking unconventional questions. Citing the Wright brothers’ invention of the aeroplane, he said many scientific breakthroughs emerged from seemingly unusual questions.
“Life itself will conduct its own examination—a test of how well you can apply what you have learned,” Debbarma remarked, distinguishing practical understanding from the ability to memorise lessons.
Highlighting advances in artificial intelligence, robotics and other technologies, he said students must prepare themselves for a rapidly changing world through proper education and continuous learning.
The minister also emphasised character-building, saying academic qualifications alone could not make a person complete without kindness and humanity. He praised Agartala Public School’s discipline and educational approach, expressing confidence in its future growth.
Recalling Arun Nath’s contribution to English-language journalism in Tripura, Debbarma acknowledged his efforts in promoting English newspapers.
He concluded that educated, capable and responsible young people would be essential for Tripura’s progress and urged students to combine knowledge, creativity and good values.
Debbarma was accompanied by the School’s Secretary & Editor of Tripura Observer newspaper Arun Nath, President and Dentist Dr Sajal Nath, retired faculty Prof Purnendu Kanti Das, veteran journalist Sekhar Datta and others.
