Chongpreng in Mann Ki Baat: Tripura CM Manik Saha hails Modi's tribal music shoutout
Synopsis
PM Modi's 136th Mann Ki Baat singled out Tripura's Chongpreng — a little-known tribal string instrument — and the man preserving it, Suraj Kumar Debbarma. For Tripura CM Manik Saha, the shoutout was more than cultural recognition: it was a signal that the Northeast's indigenous heritage is finding a national platform, one last-Sunday-of-the-month broadcast at a time.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi mentioned Tripura's tribal musical instrument, the Chongpreng , in the 136th episode of Mann Ki Baat on 26 July .
Suraj Kumar Debbarma was specifically recognised for his efforts to preserve and promote the Chongpreng.
Tripura CM Manik Saha attended a community listening session at Booth No.
51, 13 Pratapgarh Mandal, Agartala .
Saha described the recognition as belonging to 'every section of the people of Tripura, irrespective of caste, tribe or community.' The episode also covered India's sports achievements, single-use plastic elimination, and the Pariksha Pe Charcha initiative.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday, 26 July said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mention of the state's traditional tribal musical instrument, the Chongpreng, during the 136th episode of Mann Ki Baat was a moment of immense pride for every citizen of Tripura, regardless of caste, tribe, or community. Saha made the remarks after attending a community listening session at Booth No. 51 under the 13 Pratapgarh Mandal in Agartala.
What Modi Highlighted
During Sunday's broadcast, Prime Minister Modi spotlighted the efforts of Suraj Kumar Debbarma, a Tripura resident who has worked to preserve and promote the Chongpreng — a traditional musical instrument of the state's tribal communities. The Prime Minister also spoke about India's achievements in sports and international Olympiads, and recognised ordinary citizens contributing to the preservation of the country's cultural heritage.
CM Saha's Reaction
'The Prime Minister has once again mentioned Tripura in his Mann Ki Baat programme. It is a matter of immense joy and pride for the people of our state. He made special mention of Suraj Kumar Debbarma's unique initiative in preserving and promoting Tripura's traditional tribal musical instrument, the Chongpreng,' Chief Minister Saha said.
Saha recalled a recent personal interaction with Debbarma: 'A few days ago, I had the opportunity to see his musical instrument and honour him with a garland. I never imagined that the Prime Minister would highlight this initiative in Mann Ki Baat. Today, Suraj Kumar Debbarma has received recognition from the Prime Minister. I believe this honour is not confined to him alone; it belongs to every section of the people of Tripura, irrespective of caste, tribe or community.'
Broader Themes from the Episode
Chief Minister Saha noted that Sunday's episode also revisited the need to eliminate single-use plastic — an issue on which, he said, the Tripura government is taking concrete steps. He added that he had recently directed officials to enforce strict action against single-use plastic use, citing its environmental and health hazards. Saha also referred to the Prime Minister's Pariksha Pe Charcha initiative as a tool for helping students manage examination stress.
Mann Ki Baat's Reach and Reception
Chief Minister Saha drew a pointed comparison to underscore the programme's cultural footprint: 'Earlier, people used to wait to watch Ramayana and Mahabharata. Today, they eagerly wait for Mann Ki Baat because it is not a party programme. People from every section of society listen to it.' He argued that when the programme launched, opposition leaders ridiculed it, but that public acceptance has since vindicated it. Saha also highlighted what he described as an unprecedented model of direct citizen engagement by a head of government.
What Comes Next
Chief Minister Saha expressed confidence that Prime Minister Modi's consistent focus on youth would continue to shape national discourse. The Tripura government's parallel push on the tea industry and plastic elimination, he indicated, aligns with the broader developmental themes regularly amplified through Mann Ki Baat. The next episode of the programme is expected on the last Sunday of August 2025.
Point of View
The state government gets reflected glory, and the Northeast's cultural identity gets a national amplifier. What the episode does not address is whether such recognition translates into institutional support — funding, documentation, or formal inclusion in cultural curricula — for endangered tribal instruments like the Chongpreng. Recognition without resource allocation risks remaining symbolic.
NationPress
26 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chongpreng and why did PM Modi mention it?
The Chongpreng is a traditional musical instrument of Tripura's tribal communities. PM Modi highlighted it during the 136th episode of Mann Ki Baat on 26 July, recognising Suraj Kumar Debbarma's efforts to preserve and promote it as part of a broader segment on citizens safeguarding India's cultural heritage.
Who is Suraj Kumar Debbarma?
Suraj Kumar Debbarma is a Tripura resident recognised by PM Modi for his work in preserving and promoting the Chongpreng, a traditional tribal musical instrument of the state. Tripura CM Manik Saha had earlier met and honoured Debbarma with a garland before the Mann Ki Baat mention.
What did Tripura CM Manik Saha say about the Mann Ki Baat episode?
CM Saha called PM Modi's mention of the Chongpreng a moment of immense joy and pride, saying the recognition belongs to every section of Tripura's people irrespective of caste, tribe, or community. He attended a community listening session in Agartala for the broadcast.
What other topics did the 136th Mann Ki Baat episode cover?
Besides the Chongpreng, the 136th episode covered India's achievements in sports and international Olympiads, the need to eliminate single-use plastic, and the Pariksha Pe Charcha initiative aimed at reducing student examination stress.
How often does Mann Ki Baat air?
Mann Ki Baat is a monthly radio programme broadcast on the last Sunday of every month. The 136th episode aired on 26 July 2025.
