By TC News Desk
Agartala, 4th December 2024: The Twipra Student Federation (TSF) has urged Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu to intervene and prevent the conversion of the historic Pushpabanta Palace into a 5-star hotel, advocating instead for its preservation as a heritage institution.
In a memorandum submitted to the Governor, the TSF expressed grave concern over the state government’s decision to hand over the iconic palace to the Taj Group for commercial purposes. Built in 1917 by Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya Bahadur, Pushpabanta Palace stands as a testament to Tripura’s rich cultural and historical legacy.
“The palace symbolizes the grandeur of the Tripura Kingdom and its contributions to art, architecture, and governance,” the memorandum states. “While we appreciate the government’s efforts to boost development and tourism, we believe this can be achieved without compromising our heritage.”
The TSF proposed an alternative vision for the palace: transforming it into a museum, cultural research center, and library. Such a move, they argue, would honor Tripura’s royal history, provide a resource hub for scholars and students, and promote sustainable cultural tourism.
“This historic building is more than a structure; it is a repository of our shared history and identity. Allowing its commercial use threatens to erode its cultural significance and diminish the pride of Tripura’s people,” the memorandum emphasized. The student body urged the Governor to preserve Pushpabanta Palace for future generations, ensuring it remains a symbol of Tripura’s cultural richness. “We trust your wisdom and leadership to uphold the sentiments of the people and protect the heritage of our state,” the TSF concluded.
