By Firstdespatch Desk Aug 22, 2026
Agartala, Aug 22 (FD) Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha attended the prize distribution ceremony of the state-level school drama competition at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Town Hall in Agartala, where he praised the artistic talent of students and highlighted the important role of theatre in developing confidence, creativity and social awareness among young people.
The competition was organised by the Department of Information & Cultural Affairs with participation from eight school teams representing all eight districts of Tripura. Golden Valley Higher Secondary School of North Tripura district secured the first position in the competition. Kshudiram Bose English Medium School of West Tripura district stood second, while Shishu Niketan High School of Unakoti district secured the third position.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, along with other dignitaries, presented prizes and certificates to the winning teams. In addition, one male and one female student from each participating district team were recognised with Best Actor and Best Actress awards.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saha said Tripura has no shortage of talent in academics, sports or cultural activities. He emphasised that young talent can flourish when provided with the right environment, encouragement and opportunities.
The Chief Minister said drama is not merely a form of entertainment but an effective medium for creating awareness about various social problems. According to him, theatre can play an important role in sensitising young people about issues such as substance abuse, AIDS, social superstition, child marriage, social deterioration and domestic violence. He stressed the need to expand theatre practice among students and young people across the state.
Dr. Saha also highlighted the personal benefits of participating in drama. He said theatre helps students improve concentration and focus, develop self-confidence, overcome hesitation and strengthen the level of concentration required for future success.
Recalling the historical significance of theatre, the Chief Minister noted that drama had played a unique role before India’s Independence by creating awareness among ordinary people about social hardship and discrimination. It also contributed to awakening patriotic feelings among the people.
Congratulating the students who performed in the competition, Dr. Saha said those who could not secure prizes should identify their shortcomings and work harder to perform better in future competitions. He also praised parents for encouraging their children to participate in theatre activities and urged them to continue supporting their children’s involvement in cultural programmes.
The Chief Minister said the Department of Information & Cultural Affairs is taking steps to revive traditional cultural forms that are gradually losing popularity, including puppet shows, Jatra and theatre. He added that the state government remains committed to promoting the cultural development of all communities and tribes in Tripura’s diverse cultural landscape.
The state-level school drama competition has also been incorporated into the official annual calendar of programmes organised by the Department of Information & Cultural Affairs, reflecting the government’s continued emphasis on cultural activities at the school level.
Among those present at the ceremony were Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, MLA Minarani Sarkar, Secretary of the Department of Information & Cultural Affairs Kiran Gitte and eminent theatre personality Haradhan Dutta. Director of the Department of Information & Cultural Affairs Bimbisar Bhattacharya delivered the welcome address.
A short documentary on drama was also screened during the programme.
The Chief Minister said such initiatives would help nurture young performers and further strengthen Tripura’s rich cultural environment by providing students with opportunities to showcase their creativity and artistic abilities. FD SB