Agartala, Feb 22: Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the three-day Tripura Literature Festival at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan in Agartala on Friday. Organized by social organization Uran, the festival aims to promote the state’s literary, cultural, and artistic heritage.

Addressing the gathering, Saha highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Tripura’s literary and cultural legacy. “The state government is committed to fostering a strong literary culture. The Agartala Book Fair is organized annually, and similar book fairs are being held in subdivisions outside Agartala,” he said. He also spoke about Rabindranath Tagore’s historical connection with Tripura, noting that the Nobel laureate visited the state seven times.

The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of inspiring the younger generation to engage with literature and the arts. “The government organizes the Atal Poetry and Literature Festival and the Drama Festival, while the Information and Culture Department conducts cultural programs throughout the year,” he added.

The inaugural event was attended by several distinguished personalities, including India’s first astronaut Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma. Padma Shri awardees such as former Tripura University Vice-Chancellor Arunoday Saha, Dhak player Gokul Chandra Das, and writer Dr. Rabi Kannan were present. International Booker Prize winner Geetanjali Shree, Rabindra researcher Bikach Chowdhury, Techno India University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ratan Saha, sports organizer Rupak Saha, and Uran President Dr. Sumanta Chakraborty were also in attendance.

The festival will continue for three days, featuring literary discussions, cultural performances, and interactive sessions aimed at fostering literary appreciation and creativity.