By Firstdespatch Desk Jan 13, 2025
Agartala, Jan 13 (FD) In a solemn session today, the Tripura Legislative Assembly paid heartfelt tributes to four national figures, offering condolences for their untimely demise. Former Rajya Sabha member Sitaram Yechury, industrialist Ratan Tata, tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, and iconic filmmaker Shyam Benegal were the focal points of the tribute, as members gathered to honor their legacies.
Speaker Bishwabandhu Sen led the tribute, reading out the condolence motions for the four luminaries. Afterward, the assembly observed two minutes of silence in remembrance of the departed souls. Expressing his deep sorrow, Speaker Sen described Sitaram Yechury's passing as an "irreparable loss" to India's political landscape. Yechury, remembered for his intellectual rigor and political acumen, played a significant role in shaping India’s political discourse.
The assembly also mourned the death of Ratan Tata, the renowned industrialist and philanthropist, who passed away on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86. Speaker Sen hailed Tata as a symbol of compassionate leadership and resilience, whose influence extended far beyond business. "The loss is not just that of a businessman but of a man whose humanitarian efforts have touched millions," said the Speaker.
Another key tribute was for the legendary tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain, who passed away on December 15, 2024, in San Francisco. Known globally for his exceptional tabla mastery, Ustad Hussain was revered for his contribution to both Hindustani classical music and world music. The Speaker fondly referred to him as a "musical genius" whose talent resonated worldwide.
Finally, the assembly honored Shyam Benegal, the iconic filmmaker, who passed away on December 23, 2024, in Mumbai at the age of 90. Benegal, whose contributions to Indian cinema earned him numerous awards, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, was remembered as a pioneer of Indian parallel cinema. The assembly extended its condolences to his grieving family. FD SB