PM Modi's mention of musical instrument Chongpreng brings pride to Tripura: CM Manik Saha on 136th Mann Ki Baat episode
Agartala, July 26
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday said that the common people have warmly welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mann Ki Baat programme and now eagerly wait for the monthly radio programme.
He said that in today's programme, the Prime Minister specially mentioned the unique initiative of Suraj Kumar Debbarma in preserving and promoting Tripura's traditional musical instrument, the Chongpreng.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha made these remarks while participating in the 136th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, organised at Booth No. 51 of 13 Pratapgarh Mandal on Sunday.
CM Saha said that in this episode, the Prime Minister highlighted inspiring initiatives from different parts of the country, India's multiple achievements in the fields of sports and Olympiads, and the extraordinary contribution of common people to traditional crafts.
The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again mentioned Tripura in his Mann Ki Baat programme, which is a matter of great joy and 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.' A few days ago, I was also delighted to see his musical instrument and honoured him with a garland with my own hands. I could not have imagined that the PM would present this issue in the Mann Ki Baat programme. Today, Debbarma received recognition from the Prime Minister. It feels as though he did not receive this honour alone; people from all sections, castes, tribes and communities of Tripura have received this honour," said CM Saha
The Chief Minister expressed his sincere thanks and gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for showcasing the glorious cultural heritage of Tripura on the national stage.
"We eagerly wait for the last Sunday of every month to listen to the Prime Minister's Mann Ki Baat. Earlier, people used to wait to watch Ramayana and Mahabharata. Now, everyone eagerly waits to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mann Ki Baat programme because it is not a party programme. People from all sections of society across the country listen to it. However, when the Mann Ki Baat programme was first launched, many opposition leaders ridiculed it. But the common people have accepted this programme with great enthusiasm. People now understand what is good and what is bad," said CM Saha.
The Chief Minister asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi places immense faith in the youth of this nation.
"In the future, these young people will take the country forward. Therefore, the Prime Minister always places great hope and confidence in them. There is no precedent anywhere in the world where a head of government establishes such a direct connection with the people through a programme like Mann Ki Baat, as our respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done. He also conducts the Pariksha Pe Charcha programme to help students remain stress-free during examinations. However, the opposition is now trying to provoke those students. The Prime Minister also raised the issue of eliminating single-use plastic in today's programme. We are also working in that direction. A few days ago, I directed officials to take strict action on this issue because plastic causes various environmental and health-related problems. Our government is also working with special emphasis on the development of the tea industry," added CM Saha.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone from Tripura now living in Bangalore for work, this news filled me with immense pride. Chongpreng is not just an instrument; it's part of our identity. But I wish the CM had spoken more about concrete steps the state government is taking to promote such crafts beyond just mentioning the PM's recognition. We need workshops, funding, and platforms for local artisans. Still, a good start, and I'm grateful for the national spotlight! 🎶✨
I'm an American who studied Indian classical music for a few years, and this is so inspiring. It's wonderful to see a PM taking time to highlight the unique crafts and traditions of different communities, especially something as niche as a traditional instrument from Tripura. The way Mann Ki Baat connects people across the country reminds me of how FDR's fireside chats did in the US—a leader truly speaking to the people. More countries need this kind of cultural leadership!
I've always been a fan of Mann Ki Baat—it's the one program where politics takes a backseat and we celebrate real India. But I do wish the CM's comments weren't so focused on political jabs at the opposition. Saying "now people understand what is good and what is bad" feels a bit unnecessary. Let the cultural pride and the music speak for itself! The Chongpreng story is beautiful—let's keep it about the art and the artist. 🎵
It's fascinating to see how Modi has turned a monthly radio talk into such a cultural phenomenon. As a Canadian who travels to India frequently, I've seen firsthand how Mann Ki Baat influences conversations in villages and cities alike. Highlighting traditional crafts like the Chongpreng is a brilliant way to preserve intangible heritage. Respect to Suraj Kumar Debbarma for his dedication—modern leaders should take notes on how to boost local talent!
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