Agartala, Jan 26 (UNI) Former Revenue Minister of BJP government in Tripura and late veteran tribal leader Narendra Chandra Debbarma has been posthumously awarded the Padma Shri for this year in the public affairs category, while another veteran social activist of the state Bikram Bahadur Jamatia was honoured for his exemplary contribution to social work.
Debbarma died three weeks ago after prolonged suffering at the age of 84. An Information Service Officer turned politician had launched a democratic movement for Tipraland two and a half decades back when armed insurgency for a separate state within the territory of Tripura was at its peak.
After a long struggle for the empowerment of indigenous people of the state, N C Debbarma’s party IPFT had agreed to an electoral alliance with BJP before the 2018 assembly elections based on the promise of the creation of Tipraland. Until his death, Debbarma was fighting to achieve his goal.
“NC Debbarma would always be remembered for his people-oriented politics, and his work for the well-being of the people, particularly for the tribal community. The Centre’s decision to award Padma Shri to Debbarma is an honour to us,” said BJP’s tribal front – Janajati Morcha General Secretary Devid Debbarma.
The eminent social activist Bikram Bahadur Jamatia was the "Akraa" (priest) of Jamatia Hoda, an apex body of the Jamatia tribe which works for socio-economic and educational aspects. A retired Tripura government official, Jamatia had played a very courageous and significant role against insurgency in Tripura for a long time.
These Awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions to be held at Rashtrapati Bhawan in March/April. The President has approved the conferment of 106 Padma Awards including 3 duo cases for 2023. The list comprises 6 Padma Vibhushan, 9 Padma Bhushan, and 91 Padma Shri awards.
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