Agartala, Jan 26 (NationPress) In a groundbreaking move that deeply resonated with the cultural and linguistic emotions of the locals, Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu delivered his Republic Day address entirely in Bengali during the state-level celebrations, garnering significant acclaim.

The 77th Republic Day event, conducted at the Assam Rifles Ground here, marked an unprecedented shift from the norm, as Governor Reddy Nallu, a native Telugu speaker, addressed dignitaries, officials, security personnel, students, and the public in fluent Bengali.

Observers noted that the Governor’s language choice transcended mere symbolism; it showcased a profound respect for Tripura’s linguistic heritage while promoting cultural integration and inclusivity. This address visibly surprised and impressed senior state officials, including Chief Minister Manik Saha and his cabinet members, as well as top civil service and security officers, many of whom admired the Governor's proficiency in one of the state’s official languages.

However, the most enthusiastic response came from the public and student attendees, who greeted the address with spontaneous applause. For numerous individuals, this moment symbolized a rare and meaningful connection between the state’s constitutional head and everyday citizens, reinforcing a sense of pride and belonging.

After the ceremony, Chief Minister Saha congratulated Governor Reddy Nallu for this initiative, emphasizing that it honored Tripura’s linguistic and cultural identity, where Bengali is the official language spoken by the majority. This move was widely regarded as a step towards enhancing cultural harmony and reinforcing the inclusive essence of the Republic.

In his Republic Day address, the Governor underscored Tripura's accomplishments across various sectors. While unfurling the National Flag at the main Republic Day function at the Assam Rifles Ground, he stated that women's empowerment remains a priority for the Tripura government. He highlighted that over 1.08 lakh women in the state have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’, positioning Tripura as a national leader in rural women entrepreneurship.

A ‘Lakhpati Didi’ is defined as a member of a Self-Help Group (SHG) whose annual household income exceeds Rs 1 lakh.

Former BJP leader from Telangana, Reddy Nallu was sworn in as the 20th Governor of Tripura on October 26, 2023. A three-time MLA, he achieved victories from the Malakpet constituency in the 1983, 1985, and 1999 elections and also served as the floor leader of the BJP in the combined Andhra Pradesh Assembly.

The 77-year-old political figure also held the position of President of the BJP in the combined state of Andhra Pradesh from 2003 to 2007 and served as the national secretary of the BJP in 2014.

Reddy Nallu briefly held the additional charge as Mizoram Governor starting in September 2024, following the leave of the then Governor of the state, Hari Babu Kambhampati, for medical reasons.