Agartala, June 17 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday said that trust and faith illuminate human life, while spiritual consciousness guides society towards peace, harmony and moral values.

He said that the transition from an atheist mindset to an environment rooted in faith and spirituality helps strengthen peace, human values and humanity in society.

Saha made these remarks after unveiling a statue of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and inaugurating the newly constructed Maa Dakshineswari Kali Mandir at Bishalgarh in Sepahijala district.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that, in the coming days, the temple would emerge as an important centre of faith, devotion and spiritual practice.

“When religious and cultural values flourish in society, people become more strongly connected through the bonds of respect, compassion and harmony,” he said.

Without naming the Left parties, the Chief Minister said that those who had governed the state earlier did not believe in temples and religious traditions.

“They were atheists. But now the situation is changing, and people are increasingly embracing faith and spirituality. After our government came to power in 2018, an atmosphere of faith and spiritual consciousness has been created across Tripura. Our future path is based on this faith and trust.

“The Maa Dakshineswari Kali Temple in Bishalgarh carries a rich and ancient tradition. It is not merely a religious place; it is deeply associated with the cultural heritage of the people,” Saha stated.

He said that many people were also discussing whether the temple could be developed as a tourism destination.

“I will discuss this matter with the ministers and officials of the concerned departments,” the Chief Minister said.

Saha also said that an atmosphere of faith and spiritual awakening had developed across the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“He (PM Modi) has given equal importance to development and tradition. On January 22, 2024, he inaugurated the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Later, I personally visited the temple and witnessed its grandeur. On November 25, 2025, the Prime Minister again visited Ayodhya and hoisted the religious flag, marking another significant moment in the temple’s journey.

“On one hand, the Prime Minister is strengthening the nation through development and progress, while on the other, he is preserving and promoting India’s rich spiritual and cultural traditions,” he said.

The Chief Minister also said that the people of Tripura were deeply religious and attached to their cultural roots.

He further stated that Prime Minister Modi had consistently worked towards advancing both development and cultural heritage across the country.

“For instance, in December 2023, he (PM Modi) inaugurated one of the world’s largest meditation centres in Varanasi. In 2017, he unveiled the 112-foot-tall Adiyogi Shiva statue in Coimbatore. In 2022, he dedicated the 216-foot-tall Statue of Equality of Sri Ramanujacharya. He also inaugurated the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor in Varanasi.

“Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the country is becoming stronger, while major infrastructure projects and developmental initiatives are being implemented across sectors,” Saha added.

MLAs Sushanta Deb and Antara Deb Sarkar, along with several other prominent personalities, were present at the programme.

–IANS

sc/pgh