Agartala, August 21, 2025: Tripura’s SC Welfare Minister Sudhangshu Das on Thursday accentuated that Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur was not only the last illustrious king of Tripura but also the true architect of modern higher education in the state.

The silver jubilee of Bir Bikram Memorial College was celebrated on Thursday with a blood donation camp that brought together students, faculty, and dignitaries.

Paying rich tributes to Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, Das described him as “the last glorious king of Tripura and a visionary who laid the foundation of higher education in the state.” He reminded the gathering that the college was initially affiliated with Calcutta University in 1947, which later paved the way for the creation of Tripura University. Today, it operates under Maharaja Bir Bikram University, continuing the Maharaja’s legacy.

Tracing the institution’s evolution, Das recalled its journey from Bir Bikram Evening College in 1969 to its transformation into a full-fledged co-educational day college in 2022. He stressed that this change reflected the rising demand for inclusive education, particularly for women, and highlighted the institution’s progressive outlook.

The Minister expressed pride in the achievements of the college’s alumni, many of whom, he noted, “have brought glory to Tripura across India and abroad.” Quoting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Das urged students to stay rooted in history while striving for a brighter future: “They cannot make history who forget history.”

Turning to the humanitarian spirit of the day, Das applauded the blood donors, describing their act as “true life-saving generosity.” He observed, “Donating clothes or money may bring temporary happiness, but donating blood can save a life.”

Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumder also addressed the event, appreciating the college’s enduring contribution to Tripura’s education and thanking participants for their role in fostering a culture of compassion and civic responsibility.