Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday, 19 July declared that academic excellence alone cannot define a student's worth, urging young achievers to prioritise character, social responsibility, and national service above marks and career milestones. He was speaking at a felicitation ceremony in Agartala honouring students who cleared this year's Madhyamik and Higher Secondary examinations.

The Core Message

Congratulating the students, Saha said their success was built on perseverance and determination, backed by families, teachers, and institutions. He stressed, however, that a healthy academic environment is equally essential — without it, students cannot concentrate or realise their full potential.

He urged students to remain honest, inspire those around them, serve society, love the country, and actively participate in social work. 'Above all, they must become good human beings,' Saha said, framing character-building as inseparable from academic achievement.

Attack on CPI(M)'s Education Record

Saha launched a pointed attack on the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], alleging that during its years in power, Tripura was gripped by political intimidation that severely damaged the education system. Recalling his own student days in the 1970s, he said children lived in fear on their way to school, political slogans were painted on school walls, and statues of Rabindranath Tagore and other revered personalities were vandalised.

He alleged that the CPI(M)'s ideological framework led to a dismissive attitude toward icons such as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Swami Vivekananda, further eroding the cultural and moral fabric of educational institutions. The CPI(M) has not publicly responded to these specific allegations.

Modi Government and the Education Shift

Saha claimed the situation changed significantly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office, asserting that the country witnessed a renewed focus on education, values, and nation-building. He cited the global observance of International Yoga Day as an example of India's soft-power initiatives encouraging self-awareness and healthier living.

He also warned that student life is a vulnerable phase when young people can be misled, noting that international conspiracies, in his words, actively seek to negatively influence India's youth.

Drug Menace and State Initiatives

Expressing serious concern over rising drug abuse, the Chief Minister said the Tripura government has launched an uncompromising campaign against narcotics to protect the younger generation. He described addiction as a direct threat to the future of youth and pledged that the government would fight it with determination.

Expanding Higher Education in Tripura

Highlighting progress in education and healthcare, Saha said the state government has taken multiple steps to ensure students need not leave Tripura for professional courses. He noted that the state now has a dental college, that MBBS seats have increased and will expand further, and that the government is working to establish Ayurvedic, Homoeopathy, and pharmacy colleges within the state.

The Chief Minister concluded by reminding students that the youth of Tripura carry the responsibility of shaping the state's and the nation's future — and that values, integrity, discipline, and social responsibility are as vital as professional success in building a strong India.