Meenakshi Lekhi, Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Culture, announced on Friday that sculptures crafted by artisans in a workshop at Nazrul Kalakshetra in Agartala will soon grace various locations in Varanasi, adding to the aesthetic charm of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency.
During her visit to Tripura, Lekhi inspected a sculpture workshop jointly organized by the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the North East Zone Cultural Centre and Lalitkala Academy. The minister expressed pride in India's rich civilization, culture, and heritage while underlining the importance of mutual respect for diverse languages, religions, and cultures to strengthen national unity.
Speaking to the media, Lekhi revealed that all sculptures created in the workshop would adorn different populated areas in Varanasi. She commended the Lalitkala Academy of Tripura for its collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and highlighted the historic opportunity for Tripura's artists to showcase their talents in Varanasi.
"The Ministry of Culture has entrusted the Lalitkala Academy of Tripura with this project. I am proud of the artists of Tripura and their remarkable work. This initiative not only showcases Tripura's artistic prowess to the people of the country but also to the world. It marks the first time Tripura's artists have had the opportunity to display their sculptures in Varanasi," she remarked.
Recognizing Varanasi's status as a popular destination with around 10 crore visitors annually, Lekhi emphasized that featuring Tripura's exceptional craftsmanship would not only attract attention to the North Eastern region but also contribute to the state's tourism.
Before departing for Delhi on the same day, the Union Minister encouraged the promotion of tourist spots in Tripura, such as Chabimura and Unakoti, known for their rich traditional Indian culture. She suggested that enhancing the tourism infrastructure in these areas could further bolster the state's appeal to visitors. According to Suman Majumder, the workshop coordinator, the ongoing workshop aims to create 50 sculptures.
NFR introduces parcel cargo services between Tripura and Punjab
Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has initiated the operation of a dedicated Parcel Cargo Express Train (PCET) service between Tripura capital Agartala and Sanehwal in Punjab.
TSECL disconnects power to cricket body over Rs 10.17 Lakh dues
A day after Tripura's Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath addressed the state’s worsening electricity payment scenario, the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) on Monday disconnected the power supply of the Dharmanagar Cricket Association,
AMC approves Rs 476 Crore budget for city’s development
The Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) has approved a ₹476 crore budget for the financial year 2025–26, aiming to drive comprehensive development across the city. The budget, which carries a projected deficit of ₹72.02 lakh,
CM vows to expand blood bank network in Tripura
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today announced that the state government has decided to increase the number of blood banks in the state.
NQAS team reviews healthcare standards in Sepahijala
A team from the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) conducted an inspection of Microsapara and Takarjala Primary Health Centers in Tripura’s Sepahijala district, evaluating the delivery of healthcare services as per the guidelines of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Putin dials PM Modi, offers Russia's 'full support' to India in 'uncompromising fight' against terrorism
Russian President Vladimir Putin called Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday and "strongly condemned" the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, offering "full support" to India in its ongoing fight against terrorism.
Japan Defence Minister assures full support to India's fight against terrorism
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday held bilateral talks with his Japanese counterpart General Nakatani in New Delhi, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to deepening Defence ties and countering regional security threats, including terrorism.
SC issues notice on plea against two-shift NEET PG 2025 exam
The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to examine a plea filed by the United Doctors Front (UDF) challenging the National Board of Examinations (NBE) decision to conduct the NEET PG 2025 examination in two shifts.