Agartala, 4th October 2026 : A national group song competition organised by the Bharat Bikash Parishad (North-East Region and Tripura Chapter) was held at Matangini Pritilata Hall in Agartala, bringing together student participants from different states of the North-East. The programme focused on promoting patriotism, national unity and awareness of India’s rich cultural heritage through music.
Tripura Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman, who attended the event, said he was present at the invitation of Bharat Bikash Parishad and noted that the organisation conducts competitions among school students every year at regional and national levels based on Indian music and the national anthem. He said the Agartala event marked the final competition for the North-East region, with the winners set to compete at the national level.
Describing Bharat Bikash Parishad as a non-political organisation, Barman said its activities aim to promote values and bring positive changes in education, healthcare, rural development and other areas. According to him, the organisation, established in 1963 inspired by Swami Vivekananda, has been working for nearly 63 years to connect the younger generation with Indian traditions, culture and heritage while presenting these values in a contemporary context.
He further said the organisation seeks to involve people, particularly students, in nation-building and inculcate a sense of responsibility and duty towards the country.
Barman also expressed concern over what he described as the growing influence of “alien cultural influences” among sections of students in Tripura. He alleged that some students lack respect for the country and its national icons, and claimed that such attitudes are sometimes encouraged by Communist elements. He said Bharat Bikash Parishad seeks to address such issues by providing students with what he described as the “true history” of the nation and guiding them towards the right path.
The minister said the annual competitions are part of this broader effort to nurture patriotism, cultural consciousness and national responsibility among the younger generation.
Justice Swapan Chandra Das, President of the Bharat Bikash Parishad Tripura Chapter; Dr Munindra Mishra, Regional General Secretary of the North-East Region; Professor Debabrata Das, Patron of the North-East Region and Vice-Chancellor of Tripura University; national member Dr Ratan Majumdar; and moderator Jaba Bhattacharya were among those present at the programme.
