Khowai, October 1: Tripura minister Animesh Debbarma on Thursday paid tribute to legendary musician and composer Sachin Dev Burman on his birth anniversary and urged the younger generation to preserve the state’s cultural heritage by taking traditional music to modern platforms.
The Department of Information and Cultural Affairs (ICA), Tripura, organised a state-level programme at New Town Hall here to commemorate the birth anniversary of the renowned composer.
The programme commenced with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp by Debbarma, followed by floral tributes to Sachin Dev Burman’s portrait.
MLA Pinaki Das Chowdhury, ICA Director Bimbisar Bhattacharya, Khowai Zilla Parishad Chairperson Aparna Singh Roy and other dignitaries were present at the event.
Musical performances were organised to commemorate the composer’s contribution to Indian music and highlight the enduring appeal of his compositions.
Addressing the gathering, Debbarma said Sachin Dev Burman’s music continued to connect with audiences across generations and remained an important part of India’s musical heritage.
He highlighted the composer’s deep association with Tripura and said his musical style was shaped by the state’s folk traditions and the experiences of rural life.
Sachin Dev Burman was born into Tripura’s royal family on October 1, 1906. His musical journey later took him to Kolkata and Mumbai, where he established himself as a prominent composer, but his compositions continued to reflect the influence of his roots, Debbarma said.
The minister said the composer’s journey demonstrated the importance of preserving one’s cultural identity while pursuing wider opportunities.
He urged young artists not to view modernisation and cultural preservation as contradictory, but to use contemporary technology and digital platforms to introduce traditional art forms to wider audiences.
Debbarma called upon young people in Khowai and across Tripura to promote Kokborok music, Bengali folk traditions and indigenous musical instruments.
“Traditions remain alive when younger generations reinterpret and carry them forward rather than confining them to the past,” he said.
The minister also encouraged aspiring artists to remain committed to their craft despite setbacks and failures.
Talent, he said, was not determined by a person’s hometown or financial circumstances, and artists from smaller towns could also reach wider audiences through dedication, creativity and technology.
Debbarma said commemorating Sachin Dev Burman’s birth anniversary should go beyond ceremonial tributes and speeches.
He called for efforts to identify emerging talent, provide young artists with opportunities and create platforms where they can develop and showcase their abilities.
The programme concluded with musical performances paying tribute to Sachin Dev Burman and celebrating his enduring contribution to Indian music and his cultural connection with Tripura.
