Renowned academician, economist, and writer Shri Arunoday Saha has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri in the field of Literature and Education, recognizing his decades-long service to higher education and his literary contributions that have enriched cultural dialogue in the northeastern region of India.
A distinguished scholar, Shri Saha served as the first Vice-Chancellor of Tripura University after it attained the status of a central university in 2007. Under his leadership, the university experienced significant academic reform, research expansion, and institutional development, earning national visibility.
Although a professor of economics by profession, Shri Saha has also emerged as a respected author and cultural commentator, particularly in Bengali literature. He has written extensively on societal issues, identity, and regional harmony, and many of his works have been translated into other Indian languages. His writing often highlights the nuanced cultural fabric of Tripura, bridging tribal and non-tribal narratives.
Reacting to the national honour, Shri Saha said:
“This recognition is a tribute not just to me, but to the enduring spirit of education and literature in Tripura. I hope it inspires the younger generation to pursue truth, expression, and inclusive knowledge.”
He has also previously been conferred the Tripura Vibhushan for his service to the state and has contributed to several social and cultural causes, including temple preservation and educational mentoring.
The Padma Shri bestowed on Shri Arunoday Saha stands as a celebration of a life dedicated to intellectual pursuit, cultural inclusivity, and academic excellence in India’s Northeast.
