Agartala, Sept 25: Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Thursday underscored the relevance of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s philosophy of Integral Humanism as the guiding principle for the welfare of the nation and society.
Speaking at the state-level programme organised on the occasion of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s birth anniversary at Muktadhara Auditorium, the Chief Minister said that Upadhyaya was a visionary who consistently thought about nationalism, Indian culture, heritage, and traditions. “He believed in learning from nature and envisioned a society where everyone complements one another,” Dr. Saha remarked while inaugurating the programme, which was hosted by the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs.
Describing Upadhyaya as a “towering personality and the proponent of Integral Humanism,” Dr. Saha said, “He always worked for the welfare of the people. Like Swami Vivekananda, Syama Prasad Mukherjee and Pandit Deendayal, such great figures should be known to today’s generation. Only then will the vision for national and social welfare truly emerge. Unfortunately, earlier governments never took any initiative to spread awareness about them.”
The Chief Minister argued that ideologies such as communism and socialism create divisions in society, hindering the nation’s progress. “True well-being lies in freedom of thought and coexistence. For that, we must move forward based on Deendayal Upadhyaya’s Integral Humanism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working for the uplift of marginalized sections with this philosophy as the foundation, and the state government is also following the same path,” he said.
Dr. Saha added that the state government is committed to delivering welfare schemes to the remotest corners through initiatives like Prati Ghore Sushashon (Good Governance in Every Household). He noted that Tripura now ranks second among North Eastern states in terms of GSDP and per capita income, and is emerging as a “front-runner state.”
Highlighting India’s civilizational strength, he urged citizens to learn from the lives and thoughts of great personalities and understand the essence of Sanatan Dharma. Referring to recent reforms, the CM said GST rates were revised keeping in mind the interests of common citizens and traders.
The event also featured the presentation of the posthumous Deendayal Upadhyaya National Integration Award to late Sudhindra Dasgupta, which was received by his daughter Swapna Dasgupta and son Shubhendu Dasgupta from the Chief Minister.
In his address, MP Rajib Bhattacharjee said that empowering marginalized families remains a core objective of the present government. He urged people to promote Swadeshi by using indigenous products and technologies, which would strengthen the path of self-reliance.
The programme also included an essay competition on the life and philosophy of Deendayal Upadhyaya. MBB University student Srishti Das won the first prize, while Sneha Saha of Sachin Debbarman Memorial Music College and Reshmi Namashudra of BBMC secured second and third positions respectively. The winners received awards from the Chief Minister.
A documentary film on Deendayal Upadhyaya was also screened at the event.
Among others, Secretary of Information & Cultural Affairs Department Dr. P.K. Chakraborty, Vice-Chairman of the State Cultural Advisory Committee Subrata Chakraborty, and Director of ICA Bimbisar Bhattacharjee addressed the gathering.
