Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat has gained widespread acceptance across the country, with people eagerly awaiting its broadcast on the last Sunday of every month.
Speaking after listening to the 136th episode of the programme at Booth No. 51 under 13 Pratapgarh Mandal, Saha said the latest edition highlighted inspiring stories from across India, including achievements in sports and Olympiads, the efforts of ordinary citizens to preserve traditional crafts, and initiatives promoting environmental awareness.
The Chief Minister said the Prime Minister’s special mention of Tripura’s traditional musical instrument, the Chongpreng, and the work of Suraj Kumar Debbarma in preserving and promoting the indigenous art form was a matter of immense pride for the people of the state.
“He made special mention of Suraj Kumar Debbarma’s unique initiative in preserving and promoting Tripura’s traditional musical instrument, the Chongpreng,” Saha said. Recalling a recent interaction with Debbarma, the Chief Minister noted that he had honoured him after witnessing the instrument but had not imagined that the Prime Minister would later highlight his efforts during Mann Ki Baat.
Saha said the recognition was not limited to one individual but reflected an honour for the entire state. According to him, the acknowledgement symbolised recognition for people from all sections, castes, tribes and communities of Tripura. He also thanked Prime Minister Modi for bringing the state’s rich cultural heritage to a national audience.
Commenting on the popularity of Mann Ki Baat, Saha said the programme has become an eagerly anticipated monthly event despite facing criticism in its early days. He added that people from different sections of society now look forward to listening to the Prime Minister’s address on the last Sunday of every month.
The Chief Minister further said Prime Minister Modi places immense faith in the country’s youth and sees them as the driving force behind India’s future. He described Mann Ki Baat as a platform that enables the Prime Minister to maintain direct communication with citizens and also referred to the Pariksha Pe Charcha initiative, which focuses on helping students cope with examination stress.
Referring to themes highlighted during the latest broadcast, Saha said the Prime Minister once again emphasised the need to eliminate single-use plastic. He noted that the Tripura government has already instructed officials to enforce strict measures against the use of plastic due to its harmful impact on the environment and public health. The Chief Minister added that the state government continues to prioritise the growth and development of Tripura’s tea industry.
