‘Speaking at Cape Town CPA Conference from Tripura Is the Biggest Achievement of My Life’: Deputy Speaker Ram Prasad Pal

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, October 3, 2026

Tripura Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Ram Prasad Pal became emotional while recalling his participation in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) international parliamentary conference in Cape Town, South Africa, saying that the opportunity to represent Tripura and deliver a two-minute speech on an international parliamentary platform would remain one of the most memorable achievements of his life.

Pal was accorded a warm felicitation at Agartala Press Club after returning to the state, where supporters of his ‘Fan Club’ and well-wishers gathered to honour him for representing Tripura at the international parliamentary forum. Speaking at a press conference organised at the Press Club, the Deputy Speaker expressed his gratitude for the affection and recognition extended to him by his colleagues, supporters and people of Tripura.

Recalling his experience in Cape Town, Pal said that being able to stand before parliamentarians from different more than 100 countries and speak for two minutes at such a prestigious international forum was a matter of immense pride for him. He described himself as a person from an ordinary family in Tripura and said that reaching an international parliamentary platform such as Cape Town was, so far, the biggest achievement of his public life.

Pal said the experience had become possible because of the blessings, goodwill and support of the people of Tripura. He said the opportunity to represent the state on an international stage had given him a renewed sense of responsibility to work for Tripura's development and strengthen its identity and prospects in the wider international community.

The Deputy Speaker had represented Tripura at the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference held in Cape Town, South Africa, where parliamentary representatives and leaders from different countries participated in discussions on democracy, international cooperation, economic development, trade and other issues of common importance.

During the conference, Pal took part in discussions on issues including parliamentary democracy, international cooperation, economic development, fair trade and technological advancement. The deliberations also provided opportunities for representatives from different countries to exchange views and experiences regarding economic disparities, development challenges and ways to strengthen parliamentary cooperation.

According to Pal, the international conference was particularly significant for Tripura because of the state's geographical location and its potential for strengthening connectivity and economic links with neighbouring regions. He highlighted the importance of Tripura's connectivity with North-East India, Bangladesh and South-Eastern Asia, suggesting that the state could play a greater role in emerging regional economic and commercial networks.

The Deputy Speaker also pointed to the opportunities that could emerge from stronger international and regional cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, connectivity, investment and economic development. He said that interactions with parliamentarians from different countries during the conference had provided valuable exposure and helped broaden his understanding of international parliamentary practices.

The experience, he said, would also help him contribute to discussions on Tripura's future development, economic possibilities and international connectivity.

Expressing his gratitude at the felicitation organised at Agartala Press Club, Pal said the honour extended to him by his colleagues and supporters was deeply touching. He said the affection and respect shown by his well-wishers after his return from Cape Town would remain “a lifelong memory.”

Pal said that the honour was not merely a personal recognition but also reflected the affection of the people of Tripura towards anyone who gets an opportunity to represent the state beyond its borders.

He further said that the knowledge and experience gathered during the international parliamentary conference would remain useful in the years ahead, particularly in understanding how parliamentary institutions in different countries function and how international cooperation can contribute to development.

With the Cape Town experience, Pal said, Tripura had received another opportunity to showcase its identity, aspirations and development potential before an international parliamentary audience. He expressed hope that such exposure would ultimately contribute to creating greater awareness about Tripura and opening new avenues for economic, commercial and international cooperation.

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