Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Tuesday said that the thoughts of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur remain relevant even today.

"There is a lot to learn from him. The current government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has taken appropriate measures to honor the Maharajas," he said.

Dr Saha said this after paying homage to the statue of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur at the Zero Point of Kaman Chowmuhani in Agartala.

The Chief Minister said Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur was a visionary leader and his ideas are equally significant in the present times.

"He is known as the architect of modern Tripura. The Tripura government is now implementing his ideas and dreams for the development of the state. He had a vision for educational institutions. He thought of establishing a rural university and wanted a medical college, a general college, and an engineering college here. The present government is implementing that vision," Dr. Saha said.

He further said that the previous governments or parties did not acknowledge Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur’s contributions and even tried to ensure people remained unaware of his work for Tripura.

"But after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power and our government was formed in the state in 2018, we have taken initiatives to pay tribute to the Maharajas and give them due respect. Today is the 117th birth anniversary of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, and that is why we are paying homage to him. I urge all the people of Tripura to know about his achievements and what he has done for the state. He was the last Maharaja of Tripura. Before him, the state was ruled by Birchandra Manikya Bahadur, Radhakishore Manikya Bahadur, and Birendra Kishore Manikya Bahadur," Dr. Saha said.

Dr Saha also highlighted that Maharaja Bir Bikram gave importance to uniting all castes and tribes.

"He provided food and shelter to riot-affected people. Despite being converted to Hinduism, he established the Benuban Vihar Buddha Temple. He had equal faith in all religions. There is a lot to learn from him. Today, on the birth anniversary of the Maharaja, I extend my heartfelt greetings and respect to all the people of Tripura," he added.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumdar, Municipal Corporation Corporator Ratna Dutta, and other prominent figures.