Culture unites people of all religion: Manik Sarkar

Agartala, July 22 (UNI) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar today said culture has no barriers and it unites people of all religions, castes and creeds.

Inaugurating a three-day 'Banga Cultural Festival,' a cultural programme involving artists from Bangladesh, West Bengal and Tripura, the Chief Minister here said the festival works as a platform to unite the common man from both India and Bangladesh.

''We share a common culture. Such programmes should be organised on regular basis so that there can be a cordial relation between both the countries through cultural exchanges,'' the Chief Minister said.

Speaking about the need for peace in the world, Mr Sarkar criticised the United State's role in West Asia.

Noted Bangladeshi play-writer Asadur Zaman Nodr lamented that the relationship between Bangladesh and India has been strained in the recent past due to some 'disturbing elements.' ''Such cultural exchanges can act as a bridge in reducing the gap between the two countries,'' Mr Noor said.

He also appreciated India's role in spreading the message of peace throughout the world. ''Terrorism has crippled the entire world. India and Bangladesh are the worst sufferers,'' he said.

Information and Cultural Minister Anil Sarkar, a noted bangla poet, spoke about the contribution made by late Sachin Debburman to the Bangla culture. ''He made bangla folk music popular throughout the world,'' Anil Sarkar said .

The three-day programme is organised by the Tripura Folk Academy.

More than 300 artistes were taking part in this cultural festival.

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