Agartala, August 19, 2025: A special postal cover was released and a two-day photography exhibition inaugurated on Monday at Manikya Enclave here to mark the 117th birth anniversary of Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Bahadur, widely remembered as the architect of ‘Modern Tripura’. The programme was organized by the INTACH Tripura Chapter to honour his enduring legacy.

Royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, Rajmata Bibhu Kumari Devi, Lok Sabha MP Kriti Devi Debbarma and Maha Rajkumari Pragya Debbarma attended the event along with senior officials including Post Master NE-I Region Joseph Lalrinsailova and several MLAs. The inaugural function also featured cultural performances, including folk songs by noted artiste Sadagar Kalai and also felicitated certificate to Late Kumar Ngurzuala Sailo received by Zothanpari Sailo, Sambu Laxmi Deb Barma and Late Arjun Deb Barma received by his daughter.

Speaking on the occasion, Pradyot Manikya emphasized that Maharaja Bir Bikram had gifted Tripura its own written constitution much before the Indian constitution was written, aimed at empowering the people of the kingdom. “History is written by leaders also the leaders can also alter it. Our Maharaja gave us dignity and a vision for the future,” he remarked.

Expressing concern over the present state of affairs, he questioned: “90 years back, the Maharaja of a small kingdom was acknowledged by the President of the United States of America, but today even for the smallest issues we need intervention from Delhi. Why has Tripura lagged behind?”

He stressed that the solution lies not in politics but in people’s mindset: “We can only achieve Maharaja’s dream by changing our behaviour, character and way of thinking not for money, but by working for our people.”

Pradyot highlighted that Maharaja Bir Bikram had honoured Rabindranath Tagore with the Bharat Bhaskar award, opened state granaries to feed famine-stricken people in Bengal, and sheltered refugees during the Noakhali riots. He also built the Buddha Mandir and founded Maharaja Bir Bikram College to expand education.

At a time when India had barely 6-7 airports, the Maharaja connected Tripura with the rest of the country, displaying remarkable foresight. “He died young at just 39, but if he had lived a little longer, Tripura would have been settled much better,” Pradyot said.

Urging people across parties, NGOs and associations to come together, he appealed: “Tomorrow, on his birthday, if you wish to honour him, visit schools and hospitals, give children something to eat, support families. That will be the true tribute to Maharaja Bir Bikram.”

He also warned that excessive politicization had weakened Tripura’s social fabric, contrasting it with other states like Nagaland, Meghalaya and Uttar Pradesh where communities come together during festivals like Christmas and Dusshera. “If people had truly understood Maharaja Bir Bikram’s vision, Tripura would have been in a much better state,” he concluded.

In her address, Pragya Debbarma recalled the ordeals she faced in 2008 while trying to celebrate Maharaja Bir Bikram’s birthday, which she attributed to political reasons. However, she noted that such obstacles no longer exist due to political changes and greater emphasis on cultural heritage. She also expressed gratitude to Joseph Lalrinsailova for facilitating the early release of the special postal cover of Maharaja within a weeks an effort that usually takes months.

Speaking about the Maharaja, she clarified that Bir Bikram was not the last ruler of Tripura, as Kirit Bikram was the state’s last recognized ruler. She further highlighted Maharaja Bir Bikram’s visionary leadership, noting how during his visit to America, he was moved by the plight of Native Americans, which inspired him to reserve lands for the Indigenous people of Tripura.

MP Kriti Devi Debbarman expressed gratitude to everyone for making the successful event term this as ‘historic’.