By Firstdespatch Desk Sep 26, 2026
Agartala, Sept 26 (FD) The West Tripura district-level celebration of the birth anniversary of social reformer and educationist Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was held at the Vidyasagar Smriti Prangan near Drop Gate in Agartala on Saturday, with Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder calling upon the present generation to follow his ideals and values.
The programme was organised by the West District Information and Cultural Affairs Office in association with Agartala Municipal Corporation’s Ward No. 40.
The event began with floral tributes being paid at Vidyasagar’s statue by Mayor Dipak Majumder, MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, West Tripura Zilla Parishad acting sabhadhipati Biswajit Shil, State Cultural Advisory Committee vice-chairman Subrata Chakraborty, Information and Cultural Affairs Department Director Bimbisar Bhattacharjee and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Majumder described Vidyasagar as an educationist, social reformer, philosopher, thinker and a pioneer of modern Bengali prose. He said Vidyasagar had worked throughout his life for the spread of education and the welfare of disadvantaged sections, besides campaigning against child marriage and supporting widow remarriage.
“He wanted to build a new society. The present generation should therefore embrace Vidyasagar’s thoughts, approach and ideals,” Majumder said.
Subrata Chakraborty said Vidyasagar worked to remove social evils and superstition and was remembered for his compassion. Biswajit Shil said his ideals and thoughts remained relevant to society.
In his welcome address, Bimbisar Bhattacharjee described Vidyasagar as a legendary personality and recalled that he received the title ‘Vidyasagar’ at the age of 19 in 1839.
The programme was preceded by a colourful morning procession through various parts of Agartala. Students, teachers and artistes also participated in the event. The programme concluded with students of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar Higher Secondary School staging a mime performance titled ‘Mukabhinay’. FD SB