Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that converting people to another religion through force or inducements is unacceptable. He emphasised that observance of Bir Bal Diwas helps instil the values of self-sacrifice and religious faith.
Dr. Saha made these remarks while attending the Bir Bal Diwas programme held at Gurudwara Sahib, Chanmari, in Agartala.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said Bir Bal Diwas conveys the message that religion belongs to all and must be respected by everyone.
“Conversion by force or by offering temptations is wrong, yet such incidents are occurring in various places. The Pandits of Kashmir have faced inhuman torture. Similar situations existed before Partition. After Partition, East Pakistan was created, which later became Bangladesh. Today, the population of Hindus, Sikhs, and other minority communities in West Pakistan has declined drastically,” he said.
Dr. Saha noted that these issues are widely discussed and documented through articles in newspapers and magazines.
“We should reflect on these matters on Bir Bal Diwas and work towards building social resistance, while also raising our voice at national and international platforms. In January 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the first Bir Bal Diwas, which has since been observed across the country with solemnity every year on December 26,” he added.
The Chief Minister further said the observance aims to inspire the younger generation with ideals of bravery, sacrifice, and moral strength.
“Bir Bal Diwas teaches our youth the importance of confidence, sacrifice, and unwavering faith in themselves, their religion, and the nation. It is not merely about remembering history, but about drawing inspiration to uphold these values in everyday life,” Dr. Saha said.
He also stressed that providing proper education to children can help nurture qualities that are sometimes absent even among adults.
The programme was attended by Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumdar, along with other distinguished members of the Sikh community.
