Mann Ki Baat 137: Drug-Free Tripura our goal, says CM Manik Saha
Synopsis
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha publicly aligned his state's anti-drug agenda with PM Modi's call in the 137th 'Mann Ki Baat' episode, signalling a push to mobilise community support — not just law enforcement — against narcotics. The episode also touched on Vande Mataram's 150th anniversary, PM SVANidhi, and the legacy of Mahanayak Uttam Kumar.
Key Takeaways
Tripura CM Manik Saha attended the 137th 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcast at Muktadhara Theatre, Agartala on 30 August .
He endorsed PM Modi's call for a drug-free India , reaffirming Tripura's own anti-drug campaign involving police and security agencies.
CM Saha noted growing public awareness and community participation in combating the drug menace in Tripura.
PM Modi's reference to legendary Bengali actor Mahanayak Uttam Kumar was described as evoking nostalgia among Bengali-speaking communities.
The episode also covered the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram' , the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign, PM SVANidhi Yojana , and the 'Vocal for Local' initiative.
The state government pledged support for research into Tripura's history and efforts to empower self-help groups.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday, 30 August said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 137th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' left a deep impression on him, singling out the Prime Minister's call for a drug-free India as particularly resonant. Saha, who listened to the programme at Muktadhara Theatre in Agartala, reaffirmed that the state government is actively working towards making Tripura free of narcotics.
CM Saha on the Drug-Free India Call
Speaking after the broadcast, Chief Minister Saha said security agencies — including the police — are conducting sustained anti-drug campaigns across the state. He noted that public awareness about the harmful effects of drugs has grown steadily, with citizens now raising their voices against addiction and the illegal drug trade.
'We are also working towards building a drug-free Tripura. With time, people are gradually becoming more aware and alert about the harmful effects of drugs,' Saha said. He underlined that eliminating the drug menace cannot be left to law enforcement alone — community participation is essential.
Nostalgia Over Mahanayak Uttam Kumar
The Chief Minister also highlighted Prime Minister Modi's reference to legendary Bengali actor Mahanayak Uttam Kumar during the episode, saying it evoked a strong sense of nostalgia among Bengali-speaking people, for whom the actor continues to hold a special place.
Other Themes From the Episode
Saha noted that the 137th 'Mann Ki Baat' episode also covered the 150th anniversary of the national song 'Vande Mataram', the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign, the PM SVANidhi Yojana for street vendors, and the 'Vocal for Local' initiative aimed at promoting locally produced goods. He said the Tripura government has already taken steps to set up vendor zones and is working to strengthen support for street vendors, a subject that has also been discussed in the state assembly.
Tripura's History and Self-Help Groups
The Chief Minister used the occasion to stress the importance of historical awareness, saying that many people remain unaware of Tripura's rich history. He pledged state government support for any research or study undertaken in this area.
Saha also said the government is working to make self-help groups economically self-reliant and to expand financial independence opportunities across all sections of society. Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, Baradowali Mandal President Shyamal Kumar Deb, and other leaders were present at the event.
With the state's anti-drug drive gaining momentum, the Tripura government is expected to intensify community-level campaigns in the months ahead.
Point of View
And sustained community mobilisation — not just police drives — will be the real test. The mention of PM SVANidhi and vendor zones, meanwhile, suggests the Tripura government is using the episode's themes as a ready-made policy checklist, which is efficient but also raises the question of local ownership versus Centre-dictated priorities.
NationPress
31 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Tripura CM Manik Saha say about Mann Ki Baat episode 137?
CM Manik Saha said the 137th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', which he listened to at Muktadhara Theatre in Agartala on 30 August, left a deep impression on him. He particularly highlighted PM Modi's call for a drug-free India and reaffirmed Tripura's commitment to eliminating the narcotics menace through police campaigns and community awareness.
What is Tripura's drug-free campaign about?
Tripura's anti-drug drive involves sustained campaigns by police and other security agencies across the state. CM Saha has stressed that community participation is equally important, noting that citizens are increasingly raising their voices against drug addiction and the illegal drug trade.
What other topics did PM Modi cover in Mann Ki Baat episode 137?
According to CM Saha, PM Modi spoke about the 150th anniversary of the national song 'Vande Mataram', the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign, the PM SVANidhi Yojana for street vendors, and the 'Vocal for Local' initiative. He also paid tribute to legendary Bengali actor Mahanayak Uttam Kumar.
Who was present at the Mann Ki Baat event in Agartala?
Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, Baradowali Mandal President Shyamal Kumar Deb, and other leaders were present alongside CM Manik Saha at Muktadhara Theatre in Agartala for the 137th episode broadcast.
What did CM Saha say about Tripura's history?
CM Saha said many people remain unaware of Tripura's rich history and that historical knowledge offers valuable lessons. He pledged that the state government would extend all possible assistance to anyone who comes forward to study or conduct research on Tripura's history.
