New Delhi, Nov. 6 -- Arunachal Pradesh and its historic border town and district of Tawang are happening places. The sheer scale of connectivity and linkages laid out in the last decade has brought these once nearly inaccessible, yet strategic, edges of India within easy and quick reach. From Tezpur to Tawang, the link is now swift, strong and settled.
The Sela Tunnel, at over 13,000 feet, completed in five years, best symbolises that enduring link. It ensures ease of travel and all-weather connectivity between Tezpur and Tawang. PM Modi flagged off work on the tunnel in 2019 and inaugurated it in 2024, symbolising a new determination and resolve. Gone are the days when one was forced to scale the forbidding and unpredictable Sela Pass.
The memory of 1962, when an Indian Prime Minister-Pandit Nehru-had abdicated and abandoned the people of Tezpur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, then NEFA, to their fate against the Chinese onslaught, still rankles. However, the enhanced connectivity, infrastructure and focus during the last decade under another Prime Minister-Narendra Modi-determined to cement India's unity and interconnectedness, have generated new enthusiasm and hope in this region.
The number of happy visitors from across India-families, lone trekkers, bikers' bands, nature and history enthusiasts, especially youngsters-who are flocking to Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang and the surrounding border areas is impressive. The local people, with a deep bond and commitment to every national cause, are welcoming this flow.
In the last week, Tawang has seen many highs. Lord Buddha's sacred Piprahwa Relics, repatriated to India after more than a century, were flown to Tawang and placed for worship at the Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, the iconic Tawang Monastery. The relics will travel across the state for one month. PM Modi referred to the occasion as one of immense cultural and spiritual significance.
Another crucial event was the 14th International Tourism Mart, held in Tawang. Over 43 international buyers from 22 countries participated. It was the highest-ever international buyer participation. This opens up a trove of opportunities for the region.
The Indian Army is doing unprecedented work in evoking unity and oneness. The Army's Operation Sadbhavana has been extended across the Himalayan belt, including Arunachal Pradesh. It was a milestone decision by PM Modi's government. Across Arunachal Pradesh, the transformative impact of that decision is now being seen, especially in and around the border areas.
Three creative projects expressing the historical and civilisational-cultural dimensions of the region, as well as the effort and valour put into defending India's sovereignty and freedom, are significant. It was heartening to see the crowds of visitors that these special initiatives have started attracting from all over India.
In the Zemithang sector's Khinzemane village, along the India-Tibet border on the LAC, a Freedom Trail is taking shape, marking and commemorating the very spot where His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, escaping from Lhasa, entered India. It runs along the bank of the Nyamjang Chu River, which originates in Tibet. Here also stands the Holy Tree. The sheer natural beauty and radiance of the spot, so full of contemporary and civilisational history, are overwhelming.
It is the exact entry point where HH Dalai Lama set foot on Indian soil on March 31, 1959, after a long, hazardous and arduous trek. It is said that where His Holiness rested and planted his staff, a tree took root, revered today as the Holy Tree.
In October 1962, this spot also saw the Battle of Namka Chu, with Indian soldiers putting up a brave fight against the Chinese.
The Freedom Trail is being creatively developed by the Indian Army under its Operation Sadbhavana, depicting cultural, civilisational and military history. A meditation centre is coming up, while a chic cafe near a waterfall and a souvenir shop are attractions. The walk to the Holy Tree is exhilarating, educative and thought-provoking. It is another crucial project initiated by the Modi government in retracing and reclaiming a vital part of our civilisational past.
The Major Ralengnao "Bob" Khathing Museum of Valour in Tawang town, inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in 2024 and conceived by former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, is another inspiring project.
The museum commemorates the life of a unique Indian soldier, administrator and diplomat, Bob Khathing, a Tangkhul Naga born in Manipur's Ukhrul district. Major Khathing undertook the vital mission of firming up India's unity in this sector. Trekking from Tezpur to Tawang with a column of the Assam Rifles, Major Khathing planted the Indian Tricolour in Tawang on February 14, 1951. This act of valour must be counted among the greatest feats cementing national unity.
The museum has been impressively curated and blends history, military history and the culture of the region. It is one of the finest dedications of the Modi government to the sense and essence of national unity and national honour. It is strange that personalities such as Khathing never had a memorial commemorating their valour and service.
The Holy Water Falls-Chumi Gyatse Falls-on the LAC, in Yangtse, Tawang, is another spot replete with lore, folklore, history, and cultural and religious symbolism. The legend refers to the iconic Guru Padmasambhava scattering his rosary beads from the mountain, with waterfalls gushing out from the spots hit by the beads, making it one of the most unique such spots in the country.
The place is revered in Arunachal Pradesh and across the Himalayan Buddhist belt. Besides maintaining a hawk-eyed vigil, the Indian Army has made full use of its Operation Sadbhavana to creatively develop this sacred spot with a road, pathways, a cafe and meditation gardens. Here, too, one saw a steady and increasing flow of informed and disciplined visitors from across India, soaking in the lore, spirituality and stunningly beautiful natural efflorescence.
Decades of neglect and inaccessibility of India's edges are being quietly and determinedly reversed by PM Modi. In Tawang, this is most evident. A civilisational-cultural reclaiming and mainstreaming are happening, driven by a deeper sense of nationhood and national unity.
Views expressed are personal. The writer is member NEC, BJP & Chairman, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.