Tipra Motha founder and royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma on Sunday appealed to the people of Tripura to honor the legacy of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur by spreading love, unity, and service on his birth anniversary.

Describing his grandfather as the “architect of modern Tripura,” Pradyot said that although monarchy no longer exists in a democracy, the contributions of the Maharajas must never be forgotten. “If we forget what they have done for us, we will lose our identity, culture, and history,” he cautioned.

Pradyot highlighted Maharaja Bir Bikram’s progressive vision, crediting him with laying the foundation of modern Tripura. He recalled the establishment of Bir Bikram College, educational institutions, hospitals, schools for girls, Buddha Mandir, the Agartala Airport, and the reservation of land that later became the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).

He also pointed out that Tripura had its own constitution even before India adopted one. “When Mahatma Gandhi wrote to him about the atrocities faced by people in Bangladesh, Maharaja Bir Bikram opened Tripura’s doors and gave them shelter,” Pradyot added.

Urging people across communities, political lines, and organisations to mark the occasion with humanitarian acts, Pradyot said, “On 19th August, his birth anniversary, I request everyone to distribute food to children, provide meals to patients in hospitals, and clean your villages. Let us spread love and humanity.”

Remembering the Maharaja, who passed away 82 years ago at the young age of 39, Pradyot said Tripura could have progressed even further had he lived longer. 

“Do not teach your children hatred; teach them unity and love,” he appealed.