Agartala, September 11: Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Friday unveiled statues of Swami Vivekananda and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at the Netaji Subhash Regional Coaching Centre (NSRCC) in Agartala, calling upon the younger generation to uphold the values of patriotism, discipline and service.
The programme also featured a mega blood donation camp, where nearly 100 voluntary donors came forward to contribute to the cause.
Speaking at the event, Saha described blood donation as an important social responsibility and urged healthy citizens, especially young people, to make regular voluntary donations.
“There is no artificial substitute for blood,” the Chief Minister said, stressing that donated blood remains essential for thalassemia patients, accident victims and people undergoing major medical treatment.
He said blood donation camps not only help hospitals address the requirements of patients but also promote a culture of compassion and social responsibility. Saha thanked the donors for participating voluntarily and urged them to encourage others to join such initiatives.
The Chief Minister also used the occasion to raise concerns over the increasing dependence of children and young people on mobile phones and digital devices. He appealed to parents to ensure that children regularly participate in outdoor games and sporting activities.
Saha said sports contribute significantly to the overall development of youngsters, helping them acquire discipline, teamwork, leadership qualities and self-confidence in addition to physical fitness.
Highlighting Tripura’s sporting potential, he said the state has talented young athletes and called for continued efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and provide aspiring players with better platforms to develop their abilities.
The unveiling of the statues was presented as a tribute to the enduring ideals of Vivekananda and Netaji. Saha said their messages of patriotism, youth awakening and service to society remain particularly relevant for the younger generation.
He urged young people to take inspiration from the two national figures and channel their energy towards constructive activities benefiting society and the nation.
The programme brought together commemorative, humanitarian and youth-focused initiatives, with the blood donation camp reinforcing the message of service while the Chief Minister’s emphasis on sports highlighted the importance of healthy lifestyles.
Saha said greater youth participation in sports, voluntary service and community-oriented activities would help build a disciplined and socially conscious generation.
Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumder and other dignitaries were present at the programme.
The event concluded with an appeal to citizens, particularly the youth, to participate actively in blood donation, sports and other initiatives promoting social welfare and national responsibility.
